[1] My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment,
[2] for I am giving you good guidance. Don’t turn away from my instructions.
[3] For I, too, was once my father’s son, tenderly loved as my mother’s only child.
[4] My father taught me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live.
[5] Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.
[6] Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you.
[7] Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
[8] If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you.
[9] She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.”
[10] My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life.
[11] I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths.
[12] When you walk, you won’t be held back; when you run, you won’t stumble.
[13] Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.
[14] Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t follow the path of evildoers.
[15] Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way. Turn away and keep moving.
[16] For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day. They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble.
[17] They eat the food of wickedness and drink the wine of violence!
[18] The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.
[19] But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over.
[20] My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words.
[21] Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
[22] for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.
[23] Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
[24] Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.
[25] Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
[26] Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.
[27] Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.