1 O sons, hear the teaching of a father. Listen so you may get understanding.

2 F or I give you good teaching. Do not turn away from it.

3 W hen I was a much loved and only son of my mother and father,

4 h e taught me, saying, “Hold my words close to your heart. Keep my teachings and live.

5 G et wisdom and understanding. Do not forget or turn away from the words of my mouth.

6 D o not leave her alone, and she will keep you safe. Love her, and she will watch over you.

7 T he beginning of wisdom is: Get wisdom! And with all you have gotten, get understanding.

8 H onor her and she will honor you. She will honor you if you hold her to your heart.

9 S he will put on your head a crown of loving-favor and beauty.”

10 H ear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many.

11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom. I have led you on the right paths.

12 W hen you walk, your steps will not be stopped. If you run, you will not trip.

13 T ake hold of teaching. Do not let go. Watch over her, for she is your life.

14 D o not go on the path of the sinful. Do not walk in the way of bad men.

15 S tay away from it. Do not pass by it. Turn from it, and pass on.

16 F or they cannot sleep unless they do wrong. They are robbed of sleep unless they make someone fall.

17 F or they eat the bread of sin, and drink the wine of wrong-doing.

18 B ut the way of those who are right is like the early morning light. It shines brighter and brighter until the perfect day.

19 T he way of the sinful is like darkness. They do not know what they trip over.

20 M y son, listen to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings.

21 D o not let them leave your eyes. Keep them in the center of your heart.

22 F or they are life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.

23 K eep your heart pure for out of it are the important things of life.

24 P ut false speaking away from you. Put bad talk far from you.

25 L et your eyes look straight in front of you, and keep looking at what is in front of you.

26 W atch the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure.

27 D o not turn to the right or to the left. Turn your foot away from sin.