Proverbs 4:1-27 NET

[1] Listen, children, to a father's instruction, and pay attention so that you may gain discernment. [2] Because I hereby give you good instruction, do not forsake my teaching. [3] When I was a son to my father, a tender, only child before my mother, [4] he taught me, and he said to me: "Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands so that you will live. [5] Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding; do not forget and do not turn aside from the words I speak. [6] Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will guard you. [7] Wisdom is supreme-so acquire wisdom, and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding! [8] Esteem her highly and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. [9] She will place a fair garland on your head; she will bestow a beautiful crown on you." [10] Listen, my child, and accept my words, so that the years of your life will be many. [11] I hereby guide you in the way of wisdom and I lead you in upright paths. [12] When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and when you run, you will not stumble. [13] Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; protect it, because it is your life. [14] Do not enter the path of the wicked or walk in the way of those who are evil. [15] Avoid it, do not go on it; turn away from it, and go on. [16] For they cannot sleep unless they cause harm; they are robbed of sleep until they make someone stumble. [17] Indeed they have eaten bread gained from wickedness and drink wine obtained from violence. [18] But the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light, growing brighter and brighter until full day. [19] The way of the wicked is like gloomy darkness; they do not know what they stumble over. [20] My child, pay attention to my words; listen attentively to my sayings. [21] Do not let them depart from your sight, guard them within your heart; [22] for they are life to those who find them and healing to one's entire body. [23] Guard your heart with all vigilance, for from it are the sources of life. [24] Remove perverse speech from your mouth; keep devious talk far from your lips. [25] Let your eyes look directly in front of you and let your gaze look straight before you. [26] Make the path for your feet level, so that all your ways may be established. [27] Do not turn to the right or to the left; turn yourself away from evil.