A Father’s Wise Instruction

4 fHear, O sons, a father’s instruction,

and be attentive, that you may ggain1 insight,

2  for I give you good hprecepts;

do not forsake my teaching.

3  When I was a son with my father,

itender, jthe only one in the sight of my mother,

4  he ktaught me and said to me,

l“Let your heart hold fast my words;

mkeep my commandments, and live.

5  nGet wisdom; get ginsight;

do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.

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

olove her, and she will guard you.

7  pThe beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,

and whatever you get, get ginsight.

8  Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;

she will qhonor you rif you embrace her.

9  She will place on your head sa graceful garland;

she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”

10  fHear, tmy son, and accept my words,

that uthe years of your life may be many.

11  I have vtaught you the way of wisdom;

I have led you in the paths of uprightness.

12  When you walk, wyour step will not be hampered,

and xif you run, you will not stumble.

13  yKeep hold of instruction; do not let go;

guard her, for she is your zlife.