1. Hear, O children, a father’s instruction,be attentive, that you may gain understanding!
2. Yes, excellent advice I give you;my teaching do not forsake.
3. When I was my father’s child,tender, the darling of my mother,
4. He taught me and said to me:“Let your heart hold fast my words:keep my commands, and live!
5. Get wisdom, get understanding!Do not forget or turn aside from the words of my mouth.
6. Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;love her, and she will safeguard you;
7. The beginning of wisdom is: get wisdom;whatever else you get, get understanding.
8. Extol her, and she will exalt you;she will bring you honors if you embrace her;
9. She will put on your head a graceful diadem;a glorious crown will she bestow on you.”
10. Hear, my son, and receive my words,and the years of your life shall be many.
11. On the way of wisdom I direct you,I lead you on straight paths.
12. When you walk, your step will not be impeded,and should you run, you will not stumble.
13. Hold fast to instruction, never let it go;keep it, for it is your life.
14. The path of the wicked do not enter,nor walk in the way of the evil;
15. Shun it, do not cross it,turn aside from it, pass on.
16. For they cannot rest unless they have done evil;if they do not trip anyone they lose sleep.
17. For they eat the bread of wickednessand drink the wine of violence.
18. But the path of the just is like shining light,that grows in brilliance till perfect day.
19. The way of the wicked is like darkness;they do not know on what they stumble.