Proverbs 4:1–4

Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction,

and be attentive, that you may gain insight,

for I give you good precepts;

do not forsake my teaching.

When I was a son with my father,

tender, the only one in the sight of my mother,

he taught me and said to me,

“Let your heart hold fast my words;

keep my commandments, and live.

Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;

pay attention and gain understanding.

I give you sound learning,

so do not forsake my teaching.

For I too was a son to my father,

still tender, and cherished by my mother.

Then he taught me, and he said to me,

“Take hold of my words with all your heart;

keep my commands, and you will live.

Listen, sons, to a father’s discipline,

and pay attention so that you may gain understanding,

for I am giving you good instruction.

Don’t abandon my teaching.

When I was a son with my father,

tender and precious to my mother,

he taught me and said,

“Your heart must hold on to my words.

Keep my commands and live.

My children, listen when your father corrects you.

Pay attention and learn good judgment,

for I am giving you good guidance.

Don’t turn away from my instructions.

For I, too, was once my father’s son,

tenderly loved as my mother’s only child.

My father taught me,

“Take my words to heart.

Follow my commands, and you will live.

Children, listen to the instruction of a father,

and be attentive in order to know insight.

For I have given you good instruction;

do not forsake my teaching.

When I was a son to my father,

tender and alone before my mother,

he taught me and said to me,

“May your heart hold fast to my words;

guard my commandments and live.