[1] My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment, [2] for I am giving you good guidance. Don't turn away from my instructions. [3] For I, too, was once my father's son, tenderly loved as my mother's only child. [4] My father taught me, "Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. [5] Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don't forget my words or turn away from them. [6] Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. [7] Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. [8] If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. [9] She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown." [10] My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. [11] I will teach you wisdom's ways and lead you in straight paths. [12] When you walk, you won't be held back; when you run, you won't stumble. [13] Take hold of my instructions; don't let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life. [14] Don't do as the wicked do, and don't follow the path of evildoers. [15] Don't even think about it; don't go that way. Turn away and keep moving. [16] For evil people can't sleep until they've done their evil deed for the day. They can't rest until they've caused someone to stumble. [17] They eat the food of wickedness and drink the wine of violence! [18] The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. [19] But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over. [20] My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. [21] Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, [22] for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. [23] Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. [24] Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. [25] Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. [26] Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. [27] Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.
