Proverbs 4:1–9
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.”