Security in Wisdom

4 Hear, amy children, the instruction of a father,

And give attention to know understanding;

2 For I give you good doctrine:

Do not forsake my law.

3 When I was my father’s son,

bTender and the only one in the sight of my mother,

4 cHe also taught me, and said to me:

“Let your heart retain my words;

dKeep my commands, and live.

5 eGet wisdom! Get understanding!

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

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

fLove her, and she will keep you.

7 gWisdom is the principal thing;

Therefore get wisdom.

And in all your getting, get understanding.

8 hExalt her, and she will promote you;

She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.

9 She will place on your head ian ornament of grace;

A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”

10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,

jAnd the years of your life will be many.

11 I have ktaught you in the way of wisdom;

I have led you in right paths.

12 When you walk, lyour steps will not be hindered,

mAnd when you run, you will not stumble.

13 Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go;

Keep her, for she is your life.

14 nDo not enter the path of the wicked,

And do not walk in the way of evil.

15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;

Turn away from it and pass on.

16 oFor they do not sleep unless they have done evil;

And their sleep is 1taken away unless they make someone fall.

17 For they eat the bread of wickedness,

And drink the wine of violence.

18 pBut the path of the just qis like the shining 2sun,

That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.

19 rThe way of the wicked is like darkness;

They do not know what makes them stumble.

20 My son, give attention to my words;

Incline your ear to my sayings.

21 Do not let them depart from your eyes;

Keep them in the midst of your heart;

22 For they are life to those who find them,

And health to all their flesh.

23 Keep your heart with all diligence,

For out of it spring the issues of slife.

24 Put away from you a 3deceitful mouth,

And put perverse lips far from you.

25 Let your eyes look straight ahead,

And your eyelids look right before you.

26 Ponder the path of your tfeet,

And let all your ways be established.

27 Do not turn to the right or the left;

Remove your foot from evil.