Proverbs 4:1-12 ▼

1 Listen, children, to a father's instruction, and pay attention so that you may gain discernment.

2 Because I give you good instruction, do not forsake my teaching.

3 When I was a son to my father, a tender only child before my mother,

4 he taught me, and he said to me: |Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands so that you will live.

5 Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding; do not forget and do not turn aside from the words I speak.

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

7 Wisdom is supreme--so acquire wisdom, and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding!

8 Esteem her highly and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her.

9 She will place a fair garland on your head; she will bestow a beautiful crown on you.|

10 Listen, my child, and accept my words, so that the years of your life will be many.

11 I will guide you in the way of wisdom and I will lead you in upright paths.

12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered, and when you run, you will not stumble.