[1] Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father, And give attention that you may gain understanding,
[2] For I give you sound 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] Then he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast 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 forsake 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 acquiring, get 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] Hear, my son, and accept my sayings And the years of your life will be many.
[11] I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths.
[12] When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; And if you run, you will not stumble.
[13] Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life.
[14] Do not enter the path of the wicked And do not proceed in the way of evil men.
[15] Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on.
[16] For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; And they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.
[17] For they eat the bread of wickedness And drink the wine of violence.
[18] But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.
[19] The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know over what they stumble.
[20] My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.
[21] Do not let them depart from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart.
[22] For they are life to those who find them And health to all their body.
[23] Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.
[24] Put away from you a deceitful mouth And put devious speech far from you.
[25] Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.
[26] Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established.
[27] Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil.