12. Bring your mind to instruction,your ear to knowledgeable sayings.
13. Don’t withhold instruction from children;if you strike them with a rod, they won’t die.
14. Strike them with a rod,and you will save their lives from the grave.
15. My child, if your heart is wise,then my heart too will be happy.
16. My inner being will rejoicewhen your lips speak with integrity.
17. Don’t let your heart envy sinners,but fear the Lord constantly;
18. then you will have a future,and your hope won’t be cut off.
19. Listen, my child, and be wise!Keep your mind straight on the path.
20. Don’t hang out with those who get drunk on wineor those who eat too much meat,
21. because drunks and gluttons will be impoverished;their stupor will clothe them in rags.
22. Listen to your father, who gave you life;don’t despise your elderly mother.
23. Buy truth and don’t sell it;buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
24. The father of the righteous will be very happy;the one who gives life to the wise will rejoice.