4:1   My children, listen to what your father teaches you. Pay attention, and you will have understanding.

4:2   What I am teaching you is good, so remember it all.

4:3   When I was only a little boy, my parents' only son,

4:4   my father would teach me. He would say, "Remember what I say and never forget it. Do as I tell you, and you will live.

4:5   Get wisdom and insight! Do not forget or ignore what I say.

4:6   Do not abandon wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will keep you safe.

4:7   Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do. Whatever else you get, get insight.

4:8   Love wisdom, and she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will bring you honor.

4:9   She will be your crowning glory."

4:10   Listen to me, my child. Take seriously what I am telling you, and you will live a long life.

4:11   I have taught you wisdom and the right way to live.

4:12   Nothing will stand in your way if you walk wisely, and you will not stumble when you run.

4:13   Always remember what you have learned. Your education is your life---guard it well.

4:14   Do not go where evil people go. Do not follow the example of the wicked.

4:15   Don't do it! Keep away from evil! Refuse it and go on your way.

4:16   Wicked people cannot sleep unless they have done something wrong. They lie awake unless they have hurt someone.

4:17   Wickedness and violence are like food and drink to them.

4:18   The road the righteous travel is like the sunrise, getting brighter and brighter until daylight has come.

4:19   The road of the wicked, however, is dark as night. They fall, but cannot see what they have stumbled over.

4:20   My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen to my words.

4:21   Never let them get away from you. Remember them and keep them in your heart.

4:22   They will give life and health to anyone who understands them.

4:23   Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.

4:24   Never say anything that isn't true. Have nothing to do with lies and misleading words.

4:25   Look straight ahead with honest confidence; don't hang your head in shame.

4:26   Plan carefully what you do, and whatever you do will turn out right.

4:27   Avoid evil and walk straight ahead. Don't go one step off the right way.