[1] My children, listen to your father's teaching; pay attention so you will understand. [2] What I am telling you is good, so do not forget what I teach you. [3] When I was a young boy in my father's house and like an only child to my mother, [4] 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] Hold on to wisdom, and it will take care of you. Love it, 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] Treasure wisdom, and it will make you great; hold on to it, and it will bring you honor. [9] It will be like flowers in your hair and like a beautiful crown on your head." [10] My child, listen and accept what I say. Then you will have a long life. [11] I am guiding you in the way of wisdom, and I am leading you on the right path. [12] Nothing will hold you back; you will not be overwhelmed. [13] Always remember what you have been taught, and don't let go of it. Keep all that you have learned; it is the most important thing in life. [14] Don't follow the ways of the wicked; don't do what evil people do. [15] Avoid their ways, and don't follow them. Stay away from them and keep on going, [16] because they cannot sleep until they do evil. They cannot rest until they harm someone. [17] They feast on 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, growing brighter and brighter until full daylight. [19] But the wicked walk around in the dark; they can't even see what makes them stumble. [20] My child, pay attention to my words; listen closely to what I say. [21] Don't ever forget my words; keep them always in mind. [22] They are the key to life for those who find them; they bring health to the whole body. [23] Be careful what you think, because 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, and look straight ahead to what is good. [26] Be careful what you do, and always do what is right. [27] Don't turn off the road of goodness; keep away from evil paths.
