Proverbs 4
A Father's Instruction
My sons, hear a father's instructions and words,
and gain understanding with what you have heard.
I give you sound learning as insightful guide;
forsake not my teaching, do not turn aside.
For I was a son of my father, so wise,
the child who was favored in my mother's eyes.
He said, Take to heart all these words that I give.
Obey my commandments so that you will live.
Get wisdom! Get prudence! Do not turn away!
Remember my teachings and do what I say.
Do not forsake wisdom, she'll guard all you do;
but love her, and she will keep watch over you.
Get wisdom! That's key, and your first thing to do.
Then get understanding, and that's number two.
Prize wisdom, and she'll make you great all your days;
embrace her, and she'll bring you honor and praise.
She'll place on your head a magnificent wreath;
a beautiful, glorious crown, she'll bequeath.
Oh, listen, my son, hear the words that I say,
that years of your life may increase by the day.
I'll teach you the ways in which wisdom still goes,
I'll lead you down straight paths not everyone knows.
Whenever you walk, naught will hinder at all;
whenever you run, you'll not stumble and fall.
Hold on to instruction; do not let her slip.
Since she is your life, keep her tight in your grip.
Don't enter the paths where the wicked men walk;
nor walk in the ways where the evil men stalk.
Avoid it, evade it, don't let your feet stray;
keep moving, keep walking, just don't pass that way.
The wicked can't rest lest some evil is done;
they're robbed of their sleep till they've ruined someone.
They've eaten the bread of sheer wickedness up;
their wine, made of violence, is drained from their cup.
The path of the righteous is like the dawn's ray,
which shines ever brighter until the midday.
But that of the wicked is darkness so thick;
they don't know what caused them to stumble and trip.
My son, pay attention to my words you hear;
attend to my sayings, inclining your ear.
Don't ever lose sight of the things that I've said,
remember and keep them in your heart, instead.
For he who's made searches has life once they're found;
there's health for his flesh and his whole body's sound.
Watch over your heart with all caution and care,
for all of your issues of life flow from there.
Do not let your mouth speak with dishonesty;
and don't let your lips speak so deviously.
Your eyes should look forward, directly ahead;
your gaze should be straight on the path that you tread.
Be careful to plan out the paths for your feet,
and all of your ways will be sure and discreet.
Don't swerve to the left, neither veer to the right;
just turn from that evil and perilous plight.
My sons, hear a father's instructions and words,
and gain understanding with what you have heard.
I give you sound learning as insightful guide;
forsake not my teaching, do not turn aside.
For I was a son of my father, so wise,
the child who was favored in my mother's eyes.
He said, Take to heart all these words that I give.
Obey my commandments so that you will live.
Get wisdom! Get prudence! Do not turn away!
Remember my teachings and do what I say.
Do not forsake wisdom, she'll guard all you do;
but love her, and she will keep watch over you.
Get wisdom! That's key, and your first thing to do.
Then get understanding, and that's number two.
Prize wisdom, and she'll make you great all your days;
embrace her, and she'll bring you honor and praise.
She'll place on your head a magnificent wreath;
a beautiful, glorious crown, she'll bequeath.
Oh, listen, my son, hear the words that I say,
that years of your life may increase by the day.
I'll teach you the ways in which wisdom still goes,
I'll lead you down straight paths not everyone knows.
Whenever you walk, naught will hinder at all;
whenever you run, you'll not stumble and fall.
Hold on to instruction; do not let her slip.
Since she is your life, keep her tight in your grip.
Don't enter the paths where the wicked men walk;
nor walk in the ways where the evil men stalk.
Avoid it, evade it, don't let your feet stray;
keep moving, keep walking, just don't pass that way.
The wicked can't rest lest some evil is done;
they're robbed of their sleep till they've ruined someone.
They've eaten the bread of sheer wickedness up;
their wine, made of violence, is drained from their cup.
The path of the righteous is like the dawn's ray,
which shines ever brighter until the midday.
But that of the wicked is darkness so thick;
they don't know what caused them to stumble and trip.
My son, pay attention to my words you hear;
attend to my sayings, inclining your ear.
Don't ever lose sight of the things that I've said,
remember and keep them in your heart, instead.
For he who's made searches has life once they're found;
there's health for his flesh and his whole body's sound.
Watch over your heart with all caution and care,
for all of your issues of life flow from there.
Do not let your mouth speak with dishonesty;
and don't let your lips speak so deviously.
Your eyes should look forward, directly ahead;
your gaze should be straight on the path that you tread.
Be careful to plan out the paths for your feet,
and all of your ways will be sure and discreet.
Don't swerve to the left, neither veer to the right;
just turn from that evil and perilous plight.
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