Proverbs 4:1-13

JPS_ASV_Byz(i) 1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. 2 For I give you good doctrine; forsake ye not my teaching. 3 For I was a son unto my father, tender and an only one in the sight of my mother. 4 And he taught me, and said unto me: 'Let thy heart hold fast my words, keep my commandments, and live; 5 Get wisdom, get understanding; forget not, neither decline from the words of my mouth; 6 Forsake her not, and she will preserve thee; love her, and she will keep thee. 7 The beginning of wisdom is: Get wisdom; yea, with all thy getting get understanding. 8 Extol her, and she will exalt thee; she will bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. 9 She will give to thy head a chaplet of grace; a crown of glory will she bestow on thee.' 10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. 11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in paths of uprightness. 12 When thou goest, thy step shall not be straitened; and if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. 13 Take fast hold of instruction, let her not go; keep her, for she is thy life.