Proverbs 4:1-12 ▼

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.