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.
