Proverbs 4:1-12 ▼

1 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

2 For I give you⁺ sound teaching; do not abandon my directive.

3 When I was a son to my father, tender and the only child of my mother,

4 he taught me and said, “Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live.

5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them.

6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you.

7 Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire (And whatever else you acquire), gain understanding.

8 Prize her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you.

9 She will set a garland of grace on your head; she will present you with a crown of beauty.”

10 Listen, my son, and receive my words, and the years of your life will be many.

11 I will guide you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you on straight paths.

12 When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble.