Proverbs 4:1-15 ▼

1 Listen, sons, to a father’s discipline, and pay attention so that you may gain understanding,

2 for I am giving you good instruction. Don’t abandon my teaching.

3 When I was a son with my father, tender and precious to my mother,

4 he taught me and said, “Your heart must hold on to my words. Keep my commands and live.

5 Get wisdom, get understanding; don’t forget or turn away from the words from my mouth.

6 Don’t abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you; love her, and she will guard you.

7 Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding.

8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you.

9 She will place a garland of favor on your head; she will give you a crown of beauty.”

10 Listen, my son. Accept my words, and you will live many years.

11 I am teaching you the way of wisdom; I am guiding you on straight paths.

12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered; when you run, you will not stumble.

13 Hold on to instruction; don’t let go. Guard it, for it is your life.

14 Keep off the path of the wicked; don’t proceed on the way of evil ones.

15 Avoid it; don’t travel on it. Turn away from it, and pass it by.