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