A FATHER’S EXAMPLE

4 Listen, sons, to a father’s discipline,ac

and pay attention so that you may gain understanding,

2 for I am giving you good instruction.ad

Don’t abandon my teaching.

3 When I was a son with my father,

tender and precious to my mother,

4 he taught me and said,

“Your heart must hold on to my words.

Keep my commands and live.ae

5 Get wisdom, get understanding;af

don’t forget or turn away from the words from my mouth.

6 Don’t abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you;

love her,ag and she will guard you.

7 Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom.

And whatever else you get, get understanding.ah

8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you;

if you embrace her, she will honor you.a

9 She will place a garland of favor on your head;

she will give you a crown of beauty.”b

TWO WAYS OF LIFE

10 Listen, my son. Accept my words,c

and you will live many years.d