Proverbs 4:1-15 ▼

1 Listen, children, to a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight;

2 for I give you good precepts: do not forsake my teaching.

3 When I was a son with my father, tender, and my mother’s favorite,

4 he taught me, and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.

5 Get wisdom; get insight: do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

6 Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.

7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever else you get, get insight.

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

9 She will place on your head a fair garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”

10 Hear, my child, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many.

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

12 When you walk, your step will not be hampered; and if you run, you will not stumble.

13 Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.

14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evildoers.

15 Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.