Proverbs 4:1-9

International Standard Version

4 Listen, children,^[a] to your father’s instruction,
and pay attention in order to gain understanding.
² I give you sound teaching,
so do not abandon my instruction.^[b]
3 When I was a son to my father,
    not yet strong^[c] and an only son to my mother,
⁴ he taught me and told me,
    “Let your heart fully embrace what I have to say;^[d]
        keep my commandments and live!
⁵ Get wisdom! Get understanding!
    Do not forget or turn aside from the words of my mouth!
⁶ Do not abandon her, and she will protect you.
    Love her, and she will watch over you.
⁷ Wisdom is of utmost importance, therefore get wisdom,
    and with all your effort work to acquire understanding.
⁸ Prize her and she will exalt you.
    Indeed, if you embrace her, she will honor you.
⁹ She will place on your head a graceful garland;
    she will present to you a crown of beauty.”