Proverbs 4:5-19

New International Version

⁵Get wisdom,^(A) get understanding;
    do not forget my words or turn away from them.
⁶Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;^(B)
    love her, and she will watch over you.^(C)
⁷The beginning of wisdom is this: Get^[a] wisdom.
    Though it cost all^(D) you have,^[b] get understanding.^(E)
⁸Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
    embrace her, and she will honor you.^(F)
⁹She will give you a garland to grace your head
    and present you with a glorious crown.^(G)”

¹⁰Listen, my son,^(H) accept what I say,
    and the years of your life will be many.^(I)
¹¹I instruct^(J) you in the way of wisdom
    and lead you along straight paths.^(K)
¹²When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
    when you run, you will not stumble.^(L)
¹³Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
    guard it well, for it is your life.^(M)
¹⁴Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
    or walk in the way of evildoers.^(N)
¹⁵Avoid it, do not travel on it;
    turn from it and go on your way.
¹⁶For they cannot rest until they do evil;^(O)
    they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.
¹⁷They eat the bread of wickedness
    and drink the wine of violence.^(P)

¹⁸The path of the righteous^(Q) is like the morning sun,^(R)
shining ever brighter till the full light of day.^(S)
¹⁹But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;^(T)
they do not know what makes them stumble.^(U)