1 Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction;
pay attention and gain understanding. |
2 I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching. |
3 When I was a boy in my father's house,
still tender, and an only child of my mother, |
4 he taught me and said,
"Lay hold of my words with all your heart;
keep my commands and you will live. |
5 Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or swerve from them. |
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will watch over you. |
7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have,1 4:7 Or Whatever else you get get understanding. |
8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you;
embrace her, and she will honor you. |
9 She will set a garland of grace on your head
and present you with a crown of splendor." |
10 Listen, my son, accept what I say,
and the years of your life will be many. |
11 I guide you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths. |
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble. |
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life. |
14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
or walk in the way of evil men. |
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way. |
16 For they cannot sleep till they do evil;
they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall. |
17 They eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence. |
18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,
shining ever brighter till the full light of day. |
19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
they do not know what makes them stumble. |
20 My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words. |
21 Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart; |
22 for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body. |
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life. |
24 Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk far from your lips. |
25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you. |
26 Make level2 4:26 Or Consider the paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm. |
27 Do not swerve to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil. |
