Proverbs 4:1-12 Diligently Pursue Wisdom Listen, children, to your father’s instruction, and pay attention in order to gain understanding.

ISV⁽ⁱ⁾ ¹ Diligently Pursue Wisdom Listen, children, to your father’s instruction, and pay attention in order to gain understanding. ² I give you sound teaching, so do not abandon my instruction. ³ When I was a son to my father, not yet strong and an only son to my mother, ⁴ he taught me and told me, “Let your heart fully embrace what I have to say; keep my commandments and live! ⁵ Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget or turn aside from the words of my mouth! ⁶ Do not abandon her, and she will protect you. Love her, and she will watch over you. ⁷ Wisdom is of utmost importance, therefore get wisdom, and with all your effort work to acquire understanding. ⁸ Prize her and she will exalt you. Indeed, if you embrace her, she will honor you. ⁹ She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will present to you a crown of beauty.” ¹⁰ Listen, my son: accept my words, and you’ll live a long, long time. ¹¹ I have directed you in the way of wisdom, and I have led you along straight paths. ¹² When you walk, your step will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble.