Proverbs 4

1Listen, sons, to a father's instruction, and pay attention to gain understanding.

2For I have given you good instruction; do not forsake my teaching.

3For I was my father's son, tender and my mother's only one.

4Then he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast to my words; keep my commandments and live.”

5Acquire wisdom; acquire understanding. Do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.

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

7The beginning of wisdom is this: acquire wisdom, and with all you acquire, acquire understanding.

8Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you when you embrace her.

9She will place on your head a graceful wreath; she will bestow on you a crown of beauty.

10Hear, my son, and receive my words, and the years of your life will be many.

11I have instructed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in paths of uprightness.

12When you walk, your step will not be hindered; and if you run, you will not stumble.

13Hold fast to instruction; do not let go. Guard it, for it is your life.

14Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not proceed in the way of evildoers.

15Avoid it; do not pass through it. Turn away from it and pass on.

16For they do not sleep unless they have done evil, and their sleep is taken away unless they make someone stumble.

17For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.

18But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, growing brighter until full day.

19The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what they stumble over.

20My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings.

21Do not let them out of your sight; keep them within your heart.

22For they are life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.

23Guard your heart with utmost vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.

24Put a crooked mouth away from you, and keep devious lips far from you.

25Let your eyes look straight ahead, and let your gaze be straight before you.

26Level the path of your feet, and all your ways will be established.

27Do not turn to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.