1. Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction,and be attentive, that you may gain insight,
2. for I give you good precepts;do not forsake my teaching.
3. When I was a son with my father, tender, the only one in the sight of my mother,
4. he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.
5. Get wisdom; get insight;do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
6. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.
7. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,and whatever you get, get insight.
8. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;she will honor you if you embrace her.
9. She will place on your head a graceful garland;she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”
10. Hear, my son, and accept my words,that the years of your life may be many.
11. I have taught you the way of wisdom;I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
12. When you walk, your step will not be hampered,and if you run, you will not stumble.
13. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;guard her, for she is your life.
14. Do not enter the path of the wicked,and do not walk in the way of the evil.
15. Avoid it; do not go on it;turn away from it and pass on.
16. For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.