1 Wisdom and her fruits ought to be searched. 14 The way of the wicked must be refused. 20 By the word of God the heart, eyes, and course of life must be guided.

Hear, O ye children, the instruction of a [a]father, and give ear to learn understanding.

For I do give you a good doctrine: therefore forsake ye not my law.

For I was my father’s son, tender and dear in the sight of my mother,

When he [b]taught me, and said unto me, Let thine heart hold fast my words: keep my commandments, and thou shalt live.

Get wisdom: get understanding: forget not, neither decline from the words of my mouth.

Forsake her not, and she shall keep thee: love her and she shall preserve thee.

[c]Wisdom is the beginning: get wisdom therefore: and above all thy possession get understanding.

Exalt her, and she shall exalt thee: she shall bring thee to honor, if thou embrace her.

She shall give a comely ornament unto thine head, yea, she shall give thee a crown of glory.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 4:1 He speaketh this in the person of a Preacher and Minister, which is as a father unto the people, read Prov. 2:8.
  2. Proverbs 4:4 Meaning, David his father.
  3. Proverbs 4:7 He showeth that we must first begin at God’s word, if so be we will that other things prosper with us, contrary to the judgment of the world, which make it their last study, or else care not for it at all.

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