1. Children, listen to the instruction of a father, and be attentive in order to know insight.
2. For I have given you good instruction; do not forsake my teaching.
3. When I was a son to my father, tender and alone before my mother,
4. he taught me and said to me, “May your heart hold fast to my words; guard my commandments and live.
5. Get wisdom and insight; do not forget and do not turn from the sayings of my mouth.
6. Do not forsake her—then she will guard you; love her and she will keep you.
7. The beginning of wisdom: Get wisdom! With all that is in your possession, gain insight.
8. Cherish her and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her.
9. She will give a garland for your head; she shall bestow a crown of glory upon you.”
10. Listen, my child, take my sayings, and the years of your life shall be great.
11. In the way of wisdom I have instructed you; I have led you in the path of uprightness.
12. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.
13. Seize the instruction! Do not let go! Guard her, for she is your life.