4 ^aHe also taught me, and said to me:
“Let your heart retain my words;
^bKeep my commands, and live. ‡

5 ^aGet 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;
^aLove her, and she will keep you. ‡

7 ^aWisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding. ‡

8 ^aExalt her, and she will promote you;
She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. ‡

9 She will place on your head ^aan ornament of grace;
A crown of glory she will deliver to you.” ‡

10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,
^aAnd the years of your life will be many. ‡

11 I have ^ataught you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in right paths. ‡

12 When you walk, ^ayour steps will not be hindered,
^bAnd 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 ^aDo 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 ^aFor they do not sleep unless they have done evil;
And their sleep is¹ taken away unless they make someone fall. ‡

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

18 ^aBut the path of the just ^bis like the shining sun,
That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. ‡

19 ^aThe 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.