Proverbs

¹ Hear, O sons, the discipline of a father, And pay attention that you may know understanding,

² Do not forsake my instruction.

³ Tender and the only son before my mother,

⁴ “Let your heart hold fast my words; Keep my commandments and live;

⁵ Do not forget and do not turn away from the sayings of my mouth.

⁶ Love her, and she will guard you.

⁷ And with all your acquiring, acquire understanding.

⁸ She will honor you if you embrace her.

⁹ She will present you with a crown of beauty.”

¹⁰ And the years of your life will be many.

¹¹ I have led you in upright tracks.

¹² And if you run, you will not stumble.

¹³ Guard her, for she is your life.

¹⁴ And do not step into the way of evil men.

¹⁵ Stray from it and pass on.

¹⁶ And they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.

¹⁷ And drink the wine of violence.

¹⁸ That shines brighter and brighter until the fullness of day.

¹⁹ They do not know over what they stumble.

²⁰ Incline your ear to my sayings.

²¹ Keep them in the midst of your heart.

²² And healing to all his flesh.

²³ For from it flow the springs of life.

²⁴ And put devious lips far from you.

²⁵ And even let your eyelids be fixed straight in front of you.

²⁶ And all your ways will be established.

²⁷ Turn your foot from evil.