1 ¶ Listen, my sons, to a Father’s instruction, and pay attention to gain understanding.

2 For I give you good doctrine, do not forsake my teaching.

3 When I was a son with my father, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother.

4 He taught me, and said to me, Do not forget what I say: follow my instructions and you will live.

5 Get wisdom, get understanding: do not forget what I say; or turn away from the words of my mouth.

6 Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you: love her, and she will keep you.

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

8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you: she will bring you honor, when you embrace her.

9 She will place a garland of grace on your head: and deliver a crown of glory to you.

10 Listen, O my son, accept what I say; and the years of your life will be many.

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

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

13 Hold on to instruction; do not let go: keep her; for she is your life.

14 ¶ Do not enter into the path of the wicked, or walk in the way of evil men.

15 Avoid it, do not walk in it, turn away from it, and pass on.

16 For they cannot sleep, unless they have done something wrong; and they are robbed of sleep, unless they cause someone to fall.

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

18 But the path of the just is like the morning light, that shines brighter and brighter to the perfect day.

19 The way of the wicked is like deep darkness: they do not know what they stumble over.

20 ¶ My son, pay attention to my words; and listen to what I say.

21 Do not let them get out of your sight; but keep them in the center of your heart.

22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to their entire body.

23 Guard your heart with all vigilance; for out of it flow the springs of life.

24 Rid yourself of a perverse mouth, and put deceitful lips far from you.

25 Let your eyes look forward, and fix your gaze straight ahead.

26 Walk a straight path, and all your ways will be sure.

27 Do not turn to the right hand or to the left: and walk away from evil.