Proverbs 4:11-27 ▼

11 I have directed you in a way of wisdom, || I have caused you to tread in paths of uprightness.

12 In your walking your step is not restricted, || And if you run, you do not stumble.

13 Lay hold on instruction, do not desist, || Keep her, for she [is] your life.

14 Do not enter into the path of the wicked, || And do not be blessed in a way of evildoers.

15 Avoid it, do not pass over into it, || Turn aside from it, and pass on.

16 For they do not sleep if they do no evil, || And their sleep has been taken away violently, || If they do not cause [some] to stumble.

17 For they have eaten bread of wickedness, || And they drink wine of violence.

18 And the path of the righteous [is] as a shining light, || Going and brightening until the day is established,

19 The way of the wicked [is] as darkness, || They have not known at what they stumble.

20 My son, give attention to my words, || Incline your ear to my sayings,

21 Do not let them turn aside from your eyes, || Preserve them in the midst of your heart.

22 For they [are] life to those finding them, || And healing to all their flesh.

23 Above every charge keep your heart, || For out of it [are] the outgoings of life.

24 Turn aside a contrary mouth from you, || And put perverse lips far from you,

25 Your eyes look straightforward, || And your eyelids look straight before you.

26 Ponder the path of your feet, || And all your ways [are] established.

27 Do not incline [to] the right or to the left, || Turn aside your foot from evil!