Proverbs 4:1-27 VOICE

[1] Gather, children, to hear your father's instruction. Pay close attention so you will understand, [2] For I am passing down to you important precepts. Do not abandon these valuable life lessons. [3] Back when I was young-the very image of my father, and yet from my mother's view, still her only boy- [4] My father, with his years of experience, became my teacher. Father: Son, grab on to every word I say to you-hold them close- stay true to my instructions as you live, and they will serve you well. [5] Whatever it takes to gain Wisdom, do it. To gain understanding, do it! Never forget this! Never stray from what I am telling you. [6] If you don't forsake Lady Wisdom, she will protect you. Love her, and she will faithfully take care of you. [7] Gaining sound judgment is key, so first things first: go after Lady Wisdom! Now, whatever else you do, follow through to understanding. [8] Cherish her, and she will help you rise above the confusion of life- your possibilities will open up before you- embrace her, and she will raise you to a place of honor in return. [9] She will provide the finishing touch to your character-grace; she will give you an elegant confidence. [10] Hear my words, my son, and take them in; let them soak in so that you will live a long, full life. [11] I have pointed you in the way of wisdom; I have steered you down the path to integrity. [12] So get going. And as you go, know this: with integrity you will overcome all obstacles; even if you run, you will not stumble. [13] Tighten your grip around wise advice; don't let it slip away. Protect Wisdom, for without her, life isn't worth living. [14] Do not start down the road of the wicked- the first step is easy, but it leads to heartache- do not go along the way of evildoers. [15] Stay away from it; don't even go past it- and if you find yourself anywhere near it, turn your back and run as far as you can in the opposite direction. [16] For evildoers are so twisted they cannot sleep unless they have caused harm; they'll lie awake all night until they figure out a way to cause someone to stumble. [17] For they feed on evil the way most eat bread; they drink violence the way most guzzle wine. [18] Yet the way of those who do right is like the early morning sun that shines brighter and brighter until noon. [19] Evildoers travel a dark road because they love to hide their deeds in darkness; they can't see the perils ahead that cause them to stumble. [20] My son, pay attention to all the words I am telling you. Lean in closer so you may hear all I say. [21] Keep them before you; meditate on them; set them safely in your heart. [22] For those who discover them, they are life. They bring wholeness and healing to their bodies. [23] Above all else, watch over your heart; diligently guard it because from a sincere and pure heart come the good and noble things of life. [24] Do away with any talk that twists and distorts the truth; have nothing to do with any verbal trickery. [25] Keep your head up, your eyes straight ahead, and your focus fixed on what is in front of you. [26] Take care you don't stray from the straight path, the way of truth, and you will safely reach the end of your road. [27] Do not veer off course to the right or the left; step away from evil, and leave it behind.