4:1 Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

4:2 I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.

4:3 When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother,

4:4 he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.

4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.

4:6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.

4:7 Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

4:8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.

4:9 She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor."

4:10 Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.

4:11 I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.

4:12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.

4:13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

4:14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.

4:15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.

4:16 For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.

4:17 They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.

4:18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

4:19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.

4:20 My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.

4:21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;

4:22 for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.

4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

4:24 Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

4:25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.

4:26 Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.

4:27 Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.