4:1 Listen, children,1 to a father’s instruction,2
and pay attention so that3 you may gain4 discernment.
4:2 Because I give5 you good instruction,6
do not forsake my teaching.
4:3 When I was a son to my father,7
a tender only child8 before my mother,
4:4 he taught me, and he said to me:
“Let your heart lay hold of my words;
keep my commands so that9 you will live.
4:5 Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding;
do not forget and do not turn aside from the words I speak.10
4:6 Do not forsake her,11 and she will protect you;
love her, and she will guard you.
4:7 Wisdom is supreme12—so13 acquire wisdom,
and whatever you acquire,14 acquire understanding!15
4:8 Esteem her highly16 and she will exalt you;
she will honor you if you embrace her.
4:9 She will place a fair17 garland on your head;
she will bestow18 a beautiful crown19 on you.”
4:10 Listen, my child,20 and accept my words,
so that21 the years of your life will be many.22
4:11 I will guide you23 in the way of wisdom
and I will lead you in upright paths.24
4:12 When you walk, your steps25 will not be hampered,26
and when you run,27 you will not stumble.
4:13 Hold on to instruction,28 do not let it go;
protect it,29 because it is your life.
4:14 Do not enter the path of the wicked
or walk30 in the way of those who are evil.
4:15 Avoid it, do not go on it;
turn away from it, and go on.31
4:16 For they cannot sleep unless they cause harm;32
they are robbed of sleep33 until they make someone fall.34
4:17 For they eat bread35 gained from wickedness36
and drink wine obtained from violence.37
4:18 But the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light,38
growing brighter and brighter39 until full day.40
4:19 The way of the wicked is like gloomy darkness;41
they do not know what causes them to stumble.42
4:20 My child,43 pay attention to my words;
listen attentively44 to my sayings.
4:21 Do not let them depart45 from your sight,
guard46 them within your heart;47
4:22 for they are life to those who find them
and healing to one’s entire body.48
4:23 Guard your heart with all vigilance,49
for from it are the sources50 of life.
4:24 Remove perverse speech51 from your mouth;52
keep devious talk far from your lips.53
4:25 Let your eyes look directly54 in front of you
and let your gaze55 look straight before you.
4:26 Make the path for your feet56 level,57
so that58 all your ways may be established.59
4:27 Do not turn60 to the right or to the left;
turn yourself61 away from evil.62
Admonition to Avoid Seduction to Evil63