1Listen, children, to a father's teaching. Pay attention, so you may know understanding.
2For I give you good teaching. Do not turn away from my law.
3For I too was my father's son, tender, and the only one dearly loved by my mother.
4He taught me, and said to me, "Let your heart hold on to my words. Keep my commandments, and live."
5"Get wisdom, get understanding. Do not forget it, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth."
6"Do not leave her, and she will guard you. Love her, and she will keep you safe."
7"Wisdom is the most important thing, so get wisdom. And with all you get, get understanding."
8"Lift her up, and she will lift you up. She will bring you honour when you hold her close."
9"She will set a beautiful wreath on your head. She will give you a crown of glory."
10Listen, my son, and take in what I say, and the years of your life will be many.
11I have taught you the way of wisdom. I have led you along right paths.
12When you walk, your steps will not be held back. When you run, you will not stumble.
13Take firm hold of instruction. Do not let her go. Keep her, for she is your life.
14Do not go onto the path of the wicked. Do not walk in the way of evil men.
15Keep away from it. Do not travel on it. Turn from it, and go on your way.
16For they cannot sleep unless they have done harm. Their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.
17For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
18But the path of those who do right is like the shining light, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day.
19The way of the wicked is like darkness. They do not know what makes them stumble.
20My son, pay attention to my words. Turn your ear to what I say.
21Do not let them leave your sight. Keep them deep in your heart.
22For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their body.
23Guard your heart with all care, for out of it flow the springs of life.
24Put a crooked mouth away from you. Keep twisted lips far from you.
25Let your eyes look straight ahead. Let your gaze be fixed on what is in front of you.
26Think carefully about the path your feet take, and let all your ways be sure.
27Do not turn to the right or to the left. Take your foot away from evil.