A Father’s Instruction

1 Hear, O sons, the ainstruction of a father,

And bgive attention that you may 1gain understanding,

2 For I give you 1sound ateaching;

bDo not abandon my 2instruction.

3 When I was a son to my father,

aTender and bthe only son in the sight of my mother,

4 Then he ataught me and said to me,

“Let your heart bhold fast my words;

cKeep my commandments and live;

5 aAcquire wisdom! bAcquire understanding!

Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

6 “Do not forsake her, and she will guard you;

aLove her, and she will watch over you.

7 “aThe 1beginning of wisdom is: bAcquire wisdom;

And with all your acquiring, get understanding.

8 “aPrize her, and she will exalt you;

She will honor you if you embrace her.

9 “She will place aon your head a garland of grace;

She will present you with a crown of beauty.”