[1] Listen, my sons, to the instruction of a father, And pay attention so that you may gain understanding, [2] For I give you good teaching; Do not abandon my instruction. [3] When I was a son to my father, Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother, [4] He taught me and said to me, “Let your heart take hold of my words; Keep my commandments and live; [5] Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. [6] “Do not abandon her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you. [7] “The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your possessions, acquire understanding. [8] “Prize her, and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her. [9] “She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty.” [10] Listen, my son, and accept my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. [11] I have instructed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths. [12] When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; And if you run, you will not stumble. [13] Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life. [14] Do not enter the path of the wicked And do not proceed in the way of evil people. [15] Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on. [16] For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; And they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble. [17] For they eat the bread of wickedness, And drink the wine of violence. [18] But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn That shines brighter and brighter until the full day. [19] The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know over what they stumble. [20] My son, pay attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. [21] They are not to escape from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart. [22] For they are life to those who find them, And healing to all their body. [23] Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life. [24] Rid yourself of a deceitful mouth And keep devious speech far from you. [25] Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you. [26] Watch the path of your feet, And all your ways will be established. [27] Do not turn to the right or to the left; Turn your foot from evil.
