Proverbs 4:1-12 ▼

1 Hear, ye sons, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding.

2 For good learning I have given to you, My law forsake not.

3 For, a son I have been to my father -- tender, And an only one before my mother.

4 And he directeth me, and he saith to me: 'Let thy heart retain my words, Keep my commands, and live.

5 Get wisdom, get understanding, Do not forget, nor turn away From the sayings of my mouth.

6 Forsake her not, and she doth preserve thee, Love her, and she doth keep thee.

7 The first thing is wisdom -- get wisdom, And with all thy getting get understanding.

8 Exalt her, and she doth lift thee up, She honoureth thee, when thou dost embrace her.

9 She giveth to thy head a wreath of grace, A crown of beauty she doth give thee freely.

10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And years of life are multiplied to thee.

11 In a way of wisdom I have directed thee, I have caused thee to tread in paths of uprightness.

12 In thy walking thy step is not straitened, And if thou runnest, thou stumblest not.