| 章 |
| 4:1 |
Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
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| 4:2 |
I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.
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| 4:3 |
When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother,
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| 4:4 |
he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.
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| 4:5 |
Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.
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| 4:6 |
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
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| 4:7 |
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
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| 4:8 |
Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.
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| 4:9 |
She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor."
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| 4:10 |
Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.
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| 4:11 |
I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
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| 4:12 |
When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.
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| 4:13 |
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.
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| 4:14 |
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.
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| 4:15 |
Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.
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| 4:16 |
For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.
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| 4:17 |
They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
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| 4:18 |
The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
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| 4:19 |
But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
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| 4:20 |
My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.
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| 4:21 |
Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
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| 4:22 |
for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.
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| 4:23 |
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
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| 4:24 |
Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
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| 4:25 |
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.
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| 4:26 |
Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.
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| 4:27 |
Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
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