Proverbs 4:1-16 ▼

1 Hear, you sons, the instruction of a father, || And give attention to know understanding.

2 For I have given to you good learning, do not forsake my law.

3 For I have been a son to my father—tender, || And an only one before my mother.

4 And he directs me, and he says to me: “Let your heart retain my words, || Keep my commands, and live.

5 Get wisdom, get understanding, || Do not forget, nor turn away || From the sayings of my mouth.

6 Do not forsake her, and she preserves you, || Love her, and she keeps you.

7 The first thing [is] wisdom—get wisdom, || And with all your getting get understanding.

8 Exalt her and she lifts you up, || She honors you when you embrace her.

9 She gives a wreath of grace to your head, || She gives you a crown of beauty freely.”

10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, || And years of life [are] multiplied to you.

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.