^1. Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

^2. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.

^3. When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother,

^4. he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.

^5. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.

^6. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.

^7. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, [1] get understanding.

^8. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.

^9. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor."

^10. Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.

^11. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.

^12. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.

^13. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

^14. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.

^15. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.

^16. For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.

^17. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.

^18. The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

^19. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.

^20. My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.

^21. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;

^22. for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.

^23. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

^24. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

^25. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.

^26. Make level [2] paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.

^27. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.