Proverbs 4:1-12 ▼

1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, And attend to know understanding.

2 For I give you good doctrine; Forsake ye not my teaching.

3 For I was a son unto my father, Tender and an only one in the sight of my mother.

4 And he taught me, and said unto me: 'Let thy heart hold fast my words, Keep my commandments, and live;

5 Get wisdom, get understanding; Forget not, neither decline from the words of my mouth;

6 Forsake her not, and she will preserve thee; Love her, and she will keep thee.

7 The beginning of wisdom is: Get wisdom; Yea, with all thy getting get understanding.

8 Extol her, and she will exalt thee; She will bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

9 She will give to thy head a chaplet of grace; A crown of glory will she bestow on thee.'

10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; And the years of thy life shall be many.

11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in paths of uprightness.

12 When thou goest, thy step shall not be straitened; And if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.