4:1   My child, listen closely to my teachings and learn common sense.

4:2   My advice is useful, so don't turn away.

4:3   When I was still very young and my mother's favorite child, my father

4:4   said to me: "If you follow my teachings and keep them in mind, you will live.

4:5   Be wise and learn good sense; remember my teachings and do what I say.

4:6   If you love Wisdom and don't reject her, she will watch over you.

4:7   The best thing about Wisdom is Wisdom herself; good sense is more important than anything else.

4:8   If you value Wisdom and hold tightly to her, great honors will be yours.

4:9   It will be like wearing a glorious crown of beautiful flowers.

4:10   My child, if you listen and obey my teachings, you will live a long time.

4:11   I have shown you the way that makes sense; I have guided you along the right path.

4:12   Your road won't be blocked, and you won't stumble when you run.

4:13   Hold firmly to my teaching and never let go. It will mean life for you.

4:14   Don't follow the bad example of cruel and evil people.

4:15   Turn aside and keep going. Stay away from them.

4:16   They can't sleep or rest until they do wrong or harm some innocent victim.

4:17   Their food and drink are violence and cruelty.

4:18   The lifestyle of good people is like sunlight at dawn that keeps getting brighter until broad daylight.

4:19   The lifestyle of the wicked is like total darkness, and they will never know what makes them stumble.

4:20   My child, listen carefully to everything I say.

4:21   Don't forget a single word, but think about it all.

4:22   Knowing these teachings will mean true life and good health for you.

4:23   Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life.

4:24   Never tell lies or be deceitful in what you say.

4:25   Keep looking straight ahead, without turning aside.

4:26   Know where you are headed, and you will stay on solid ground.

4:27   Don't make a mistake by turning to the right or the left.