Proverbs of Solomon 4 Exhortation to Acquire Wisdom and Turn from the Way of the Wicked

 Proverbs of Solomon 4

Exhortation to Acquire Wisdom and Turn from the Way of the Wicked

1 Hear, O children, a father's instruction, and attend to know understanding.

2 For I give you good instruction: do not forsake my law.

3 For I was my father's son, tender, and only in favor with my mother.

4 And he taught me, and said to me, "Let your heart retain my words; keep my commandments, and live."

5 Get wisdom, get understanding, and do not forget or turn away from the words of my mouth.

6 Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will preserve you.

7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; yes, with all your getting, get knowledge.

8 Exalt her, and she will exalt you; and when you embrace her, she will honor you.

9 She will place on your head a diadem of grace, and bestow a crown of splendor on you.

10 Hear, my son, and accept my words, and the years of your life will be many.

11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom and led you along straight paths.

12 When you walk in them, your steps will not be strayed; and when you run, you will not stumble.

13 Hold fast to instruction and do not let go; keep it, for it is your life.

14 Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil men.

15 Avoid it; do not pass by it; turn away from it and pass on.

16 For they do not sleep unless they do evil, and sleep flees from them unless they cause someone to stumble. 

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

18 But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light, that shines brighter and brighter until the perfect day.

19 The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what they stumble over.

20 My son, attend to my words; incline your ear to my words.

21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them within your heart.

22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to their flesh.

23 Above all else, guard your heart, for from it are the issues of life.

24 Put away from you a crooked mouth, and perverse lips put far from you.

25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, and let your eyelids look straight before you. 

26 Consider the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.

27 Do not turn aside to the right or to the left; remove your foot from evil.