[1] My children, listen to what your father teaches you. Pay attention, and you will have understanding. [2] What I am teaching you is good, so remember it all. [3] When I was only a little boy, my parents' only son, [4] my father would teach me. He would say, "Remember what I say and never forget it. Do as I tell you, and you will live. [5] Get wisdom and insight! Do not forget or ignore what I say. [6] Do not abandon wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will keep you safe. [7] Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do. Whatever else you get, get insight. [8] Love wisdom, and she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will bring you honor. [9] She will be your crowning glory." [10] Listen to me, my child. Take seriously what I am telling you, and you will live a long life. [11] I have taught you wisdom and the right way to live. [12] Nothing will stand in your way if you walk wisely, and you will not stumble when you run. [13] Always remember what you have learned. Your education is your life-guard it well. [14] Do not go where evil people go. Do not follow the example of the wicked. [15] Don't do it! Keep away from evil! Refuse it and go on your way. [16] Wicked people cannot sleep unless they have done something wrong. They lie awake unless they have hurt someone. [17] Wickedness and violence are like food and drink to them. [18] The road the righteous travel is like the sunrise, getting brighter and brighter until daylight has come. [19] The road of the wicked, however, is dark as night. They fall, but cannot see what they have stumbled over. [20] My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen to my words. [21] Never let them get away from you. Remember them and keep them in your heart. [22] They will give life and health to anyone who understands them. [23] Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts. [24] Never say anything that isn't true. Have nothing to do with lies and misleading words. [25] Look straight ahead with honest confidence; don't hang your head in shame. [26] Plan carefully what you do, and whatever you do will turn out right. [27] Avoid evil and walk straight ahead. Don't go one step off the right way.
