1. Listen, children, to a father’s instruction,and pay attention so that you may gain discernment.
2. Because I give you good instruction,do not forsake my teaching.
3. When I was a son to my father,a tender only child before my mother,
4. he taught me, and he said to me:“Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands so that you will live.
5. Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding;do not forget and do not turn aside from the words I speak.
6. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;love her, and she will guard you.
7. Wisdom is supreme – so acquire wisdom,and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding!
8. Esteem her highly and she will exalt you;she will honor you if you embrace her.
9. She will place a fair garland on your head;she will bestow a beautiful crown on you.”
10. Listen, my child, and accept my words,so that the years of your life will be many.
11. I will guide you in the way of wisdomand I will lead you in upright paths.
12. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered,and when you run, you will not stumble.