Proverbs 4:1-14

MSB(i) 1 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. 2 For I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my directive. 3 When I was a son to my father, tender and the only child of my mother, 4 he taught me and said, “Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live. 5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them. 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you. 7 Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding. 8 Prize her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you. 9 She will set a garland of grace on your head; she will present you with a crown of beauty.” 10 Listen, my son, and receive my words, and the years of your life will be many. 11 I will guide you in the way of wisdom; I will lead you on straight paths. 12 When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble. 13 Hold on to instruction; do not let go. Guard it, for it is your life. 14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers.