Proverbs 4:1-27 ICB

[1] My children, listen to your father's teaching. Pay attention so you will understand. [2] What I am telling you is good. Do not forget what I teach you. [3] I was once a young boy in my father's house. I was like an only child to my mother. [4] And my father taught me and said, "Hold on to my words with all your heart. Keep my commands and you will live. [5] Get wisdom and understanding. Don't forget or ignore my words. [6] Use wisdom, and it will take care of you. Love wisdom, and it will keep you safe. [7] Wisdom is the most important thing. So get wisdom. If it costs everything you have, get understanding. [8] Believe in the value of wisdom, and it will make you great. Use it, and it will bring honor to you. [9] Like flowers in your hair, it will beautify your life. Like a crown, it will make you look beautiful." [10] My child, listen and accept what I say. Then you will have a long life. [11] I am guiding you in wisdom. And I am leading you to do what is right. [12] Nothing will hold you back. You will not be overwhelmed. [13] Always remember what you have been taught. Don't let go of it. Keep safe all that you have learned. It is the most important thing in your life. [14] Don't follow the ways of the wicked. Don't do what evil people do. [15] Avoid their ways. Don't go near what they do. Stay away from them and keep on going. [16] They cannot sleep until they do evil. They cannot rest until they hurt someone. [17] They fill themselves with wickedness and cruelty as if they were eating bread and drinking wine. [18] The way of the good person is like the light of dawn. It grows brighter and brighter until it is full daylight. [19] But the wicked are like those who stumble in the dark. They can't even see what has hurt them. [20] My child, pay attention to my words. Listen closely to what I say. [21] Don't ever forget my words. Keep them deep within your heart. [22] These words are the secret to life for those who find them. They bring health to the whole body. [23] Be very careful about what you think. Your thoughts run your life. [24] Don't use your mouth to tell lies. Don't ever say things that are not true. [25] Keep your eyes focused on what is right. Keep looking straight ahead to what is good. [26] Be careful what you do. Always do what is right. [27] Do not do anything unless it is right. Stay away from evil.