Proverbs - Chapter 4 | New International Version

  • 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.
  • 3. When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother,
  • 4. he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.
  • 5. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.
  • 6. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
  • 7. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
  • 8. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.
  • 9. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor."
  • 10. Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.
  • 11. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
  • 12. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.
  • 13. 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 evil men.
  • 15. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.
  • 16. For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.
  • 17. They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
  • 18. The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
  • 19. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
  • 20. My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.
  • 21. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
  • 22. for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.
  • 23. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
  • 24. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
  • 25. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.
  • 26. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.
  • 27. Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
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