[1] Hear, O children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. [2] For I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching. [3] For I was my father's son, tender and the only beloved in the sight of my mother. [4] He also taught me and said to me, "Let your heart retain my words; keep my commandments, and live. [5] Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget it, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. [6] Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you. [7] Wisdom is principal; therefore get wisdom. And with all your getting, get understanding. [8] Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her. [9] She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you." [10] Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many. [11] I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. [12] When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble. [13] Take firm hold of instruction, do not let her go; keep her, for she is your life. [14] Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not go in the way of evil men. [15] Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and pass on. [16] For they do not sleep unless they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away unless they cause some to fall. [17] For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence. [18] But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day. [19] The way of the wicked is as darkness; they do not know at what they stumble. [20] My son, attend to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. [21] Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; [22] for they are life to those who find them, and health to all their body. [23] Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life. [24] Put away from you a deceitful mouth, and put perverse lips far from you. [25] Let your eyes look right on, and let your eyelids look straight before you. [26] Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. [27] Do not turn to the right or to the left; remove your foot from evil.
