1. Hear, my sons, the instruction of a father, And attend to know understanding:
2. For I give you good doctrine; Forsake ye not my law.
3. For I was a son unto my father, Tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
4. And he taught me, and said unto me: Let thy heart retain my words; Keep my commandments, and live;
5. Get wisdom, get understanding; Forget not, neither decline from the words of my mouth;
6. Forsake her not, and she will preserve thee; Love her, and she will keep thee.
7. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; Yea, with all thy getting get understanding.
8. Exalt her, and she will promote thee; She will bring thee to honor, when thou dost embrace her.