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 For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother.
4:4 Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take 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 turn away from them.
4:6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
4:7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get* wisdom. Though it cost all you have,** get understanding. / *Or Wisdom is supreme; therefore get / **Or wisdom. Whatever else you get
4:8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.
4:9 She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”
4:10 Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.
4:11 I instruct 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 evildoers.
4:15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.
4:16 For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.
4:17 They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
4:18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, 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; turn your ear 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 one’s whole body.
4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
4:24 Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
4:25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
4:26 Give careful thought to the* paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. / *Or Make level
4:27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.