Proverbs 4:1–11

Get Wisdom at Any Cost

4 Listen, my sons,b to a father’s instruction;c

pay attention and gain understanding.d

2 I give you sound learning,

so do not forsake my teaching.

3 For I too was a son to my father,

still tender, and cherished by my mother.

4 Then he taught me, and he said to me,

“Take holde of my words with all your heart;

keep my commands, and you will live.f

5 Get wisdom,g get understanding;

do not forget my words or turn away from them.

6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;h

love her, and she will watch over you.i

7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Geta wisdom.

Though it cost allj you have,b get understanding.k

8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you;

embrace her, and she will honor you.l

9 She will give you a garland to grace your head

and present you with a glorious crown.m”

10 Listen, my son,n accept what I say,

and the years of your life will be many.o

11 I instructp you in the way of wisdom

and lead you along straight paths.q