Proverbs 4

Listen, sons, to a father’s instruction.

for I give you sound learning.

For I was a son to my father,

He taught me, and said to me:

Get wisdom.

Don’t forsake her, and she will preserve you.

Wisdom is supreme.

Esteem her, and she will exalt you.

She will give to your head a garland of grace.

Listen, my son, and receive my sayings.

I have taught you in the way of wisdom.

When you go, your steps will not be hampered.

Take firm hold of instruction.

Don’t enter into the path of the wicked.

Avoid it, and don’t pass by it.

For they don’t sleep, unless they do evil.

For they eat the bread of wickedness,

But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light,

The way of the wicked is like darkness.

My son, attend to my words.

Let them not depart from your eyes.

For they are life to those who find them,

Keep your heart with all diligence,

Put away from yourself a perverse mouth.

Let your eyes look straight ahead.

Make the path of your feet level.

Don’t turn to the right hand nor to the left.