Proverbs 4:1-17 ▼

1 Listen, children, to your father's instruction, and pay attention in order to gain understanding.

2 I give you sound teaching, so do not abandon my instruction.

3 When I was a son to my father, not yet strong and an only son to my mother,

4 he taught me and told me, |Let your heart fully embrace what I have to say; keep my commandments and live!

5 Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget or turn aside from the words of my mouth!

6 Do not abandon her, and she will protect you. Love her, and she will watch over you.

7 Wisdom is of utmost importance, therefore get wisdom, and with all your effort work to acquire understanding.

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

9 She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will present to you a crown of beauty.|

10 Listen, my son: accept my words, and you'll live a long, long time.

11 I have directed you in the way of wisdom, and I have led you along straight paths.

12 When you walk, your step will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble.

13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go! Guard wisdom, because she is your life!

14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, or go along the way of evil men.

15 Avoid it! Don't travel on it! Turn away from it, and pass on by.

16 For they cannot sleep unless they are doing evil, and they are robbed of their sleep unless they cause someone to stumble.

17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and they drink the wine of violence.