3. When I was my father’s little boy and my mother’s dear son,
4. my father taught me this: “Pay attention to what I say. Obey my commands and you will have a good life.
5. Try to get wisdom and understanding. Don’t forget my teaching or ignore what I say.
6. Don’t turn away from wisdom, and she will protect you. Love her, and she will keep you safe.
7. “The first step to becoming wise is to look for wisdom, so use everything you have to get understanding.
8. Love wisdom, and she will make you great. Hold on to wisdom, and she will bring you honor.
9. Wisdom will reward you with a crown of honor and glory.”
10. Son, listen to me. Do what I say, and you will live a long time.
11. I am teaching you about wisdom and guiding you on the right path.
12. As you walk on it, you will not step into a trap. Even if you run, you will not trip and fall.
13. Always remember this teaching. Don’t forget it. It is the key to life, so guard it well.
14. Don’t take the path of the wicked; don’t follow those who do evil.
15. Stay away from that path; don’t even go near it. Turn around and go another way.
16. The wicked cannot sleep until they have done something evil. They will not rest until they bring someone down.