1O children, hear the instruction of a father, and be attentive in order to know understanding,

2For I give you good doctrine; do not forsake my law,

3For I was my father's son, tender and the only beloved in the sight of my mother.

4He also taught me, and said to me, "Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live.

5Get wisdom; get understanding; forget it not, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

6Do not forsake her, and she shall keep you; love her, and she shall preserve you.

7Wisdom is the principal thing; get wisdom; and with all your getting get understanding.

8Exalt her, and she shall promote you; she shall bring you honor when you embrace her.

9She shall place upon your head a garland of grace; she shall bestow upon you a crown of glory."

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

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

12When you go, your steps shall not be hampered, and when you run, you shall not stumble.

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

14Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not into the way of evil men.

15Avoid it; do not go in it; turn from it, and pass on!

16For they do not sleep except when they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away unless they cause some to fall,

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

18But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more to the perfect day.

19The way of the wicked is as darkness; they know not at what they stumble.

20My son, attend to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.

21Let them not depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart,

22For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.

23Above all guard the door of your mind with diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.

24Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and devious lips put far from you.

25Let your eyes look right on, and let your eyelids look straight before you.

26Ponder the path of your feet, and all your ways will be established.

27Do not turn to the right hand nor to the left; remove your foot from evil.