1Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;

pay attention and gain understanding.

2I give you sound learning,

so do not forsake my teaching.

3For I too was a son to my father,

still tender, and cherished by my mother.

4Then he taught me, and he said to me,

“Take hold of my words with all your heart;

keep my commands, and you will live.

5Get wisdom, get understanding;

do not forget my words or turn away from them.

6Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;

love her, and she will watch over you.

7The beginning of wisdom is this: Get^a wisdom.

Though it cost all you have,^b get understanding.

8Cherish her, and she will exalt you;

embrace her, and she will honor you.

9She will give you a garland to grace your head

and present you with a glorious crown.”

10Listen, my son, accept what I say,

and the years of your life will be many.

11I instruct you in the way of wisdom

and lead you along straight paths.

12When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;

when you run, you will not stumble.

13Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;

guard it well, for it is your life.

14Do not set foot on the path of the wicked

or walk in the way of evildoers.

15Avoid it, do not travel on it;

turn from it and go on your way.

16For they cannot rest until they do evil;

they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.

17They eat the bread of wickedness

and drink the wine of violence.

18The path of the righteous is like the morning sun,

shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

19But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;

they do not know what makes them stumble.

20My son, pay attention to what I say;

turn your ear to my words.

21Do not let them out of your sight,

keep them within your heart;

22for they are life to those who find them

and health to one’s whole body.

23Above all else, guard your heart,

for everything you do flows from it.

24Keep your mouth free of perversity;

keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

25Let your eyes look straight ahead;

fix your gaze directly before you.

26Give careful thought to the^c paths for your feet

and be steadfast in all your ways.

27Do not turn to the right or the left;

keep your foot from evil.