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4:1  My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment,
4:2  for I am giving you good guidance. Don't turn away from my instructions.
4:3  For I, too, was once my father's son, tenderly loved as my mother's only child.
4:4  My father taught me, "Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live.
4:5  Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don't forget my words or turn away from them.
4:6  Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you.
4:7  Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
4:8  If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you.
4:9  She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown."
4:10  My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life.
4:11  I will teach you wisdom's ways and lead you in straight paths.
4:12  When you walk, you won't be held back; when you run, you won't stumble.
4:13  Take hold of my instructions; don't let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.
4:14  Don't do as the wicked do, and don't follow the path of evildoers.
4:15  Don't even think about it; don't go that way. Turn away and keep moving.
4:16  For evil people can't sleep until they've done their evil deed for the day. They can't rest until they've caused someone to stumble.
4:17  They eat the food of wickedness and drink the wine of violence!
4:18  The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.
4:19  But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over.
4:20  My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words.
4:21  Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
4:22  for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.
4:23  Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
4:24  Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech.
4:25  Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
4:26  Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path.
4:27  Don't get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil.