Proverbs 4- 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] 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 level [2] 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.
- [7] Or Whatever else you get
- [26] Or Consider the