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.