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4:1  Hear, O children, a father’s instruction, be attentive, that you may gain understanding!
4:2  Yes, excellent advice I give you; my teaching do not forsake.
4:3  When I was my father’s child, tender, the darling of my mother,
4:4  He taught me and said to me: “Let your heart hold fast my words: keep my commands, and live!
4:5  Get wisdom, get understanding! Do not forget or turn aside from the words of my mouth.
4:6  Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will safeguard you;
4:7  The beginning of wisdom is: get wisdom; whatever else you get, get understanding.
4:8  Extol her, and she will exalt you; she will bring you honors if you embrace her;
4:9  She will put on your head a graceful diadem; a glorious crown will she bestow on you.”
4:10  Hear, my son, and receive my words, and the years of your life shall be many.
4:11  On the way of wisdom I direct you, I lead you on straight paths.
4:12  When you walk, your step will not be impeded, and should you run, you will not stumble.
4:13  Hold fast to instruction, never let it go; keep it, for it is your life.
4:14  The path of the wicked do not enter, nor walk in the way of the evil;
4:15  Shun it, do not cross it, turn aside from it, pass on.
4:16  For they cannot rest unless they have done evil; if they do not trip anyone they lose sleep.
4:17  For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
4:18  But the path of the just is like shining light, that grows in brilliance till perfect day.
4:19  The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know on what they stumble.
4:20  My son, to my words be attentive, to my sayings incline your ear;
4:21  Let them not slip from your sight, keep them within your heart;
4:22  For they are life to those who find them, bringing health to one’s whole being.
4:23  With all vigilance guard your heart, for in it are the sources of life.
4:24  Dishonest mouth put away from you, deceitful lips put far from you.
4:25  Let your eyes look straight ahead and your gaze be focused forward.
4:26  Survey the path for your feet, and all your ways will be sure.
4:27  Turn neither to right nor to left, keep your foot far from evil.