A Father’s Wise Instruction

4 fHear, O sons, a father’s instruction,

and be attentive, that you may ggain1 insight,

2  for I give you good hprecepts;

do not forsake my teaching.

3  When I was a son with my father,

itender, jthe only one in the sight of my mother,

4  he ktaught me and said to me,

l“Let your heart hold fast my words;

mkeep my commandments, and live.

5  nGet wisdom; get ginsight;

do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.

6  Do not forsake her, and she will keep you;

olove her, and she will guard you.

7  pThe beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,

and whatever you get, get ginsight.

8  Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;

she will qhonor you rif you embrace her.

9  She will place on your head sa graceful garland;

she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”

10  fHear, tmy son, and accept my words,

that uthe years of your life may be many.