1
Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
2
I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.
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For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother.
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Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.
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Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.
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Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
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The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
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Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.
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She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”
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Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.
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I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
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When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.
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Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.
14
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers.
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Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.
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For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.
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They eat the bread of the wickedness and drink the vine of violence.
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The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
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But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
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My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.
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Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
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for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.
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Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
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Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
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Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.
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Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.
27
Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
