4 Hear, O children, the instruction of a father,
    and attend to know understanding.
² For I give you good precepts;
    do not forsake my teaching.
³ For I was my father’s son,
    tender and the only beloved in the sight of my mother.
⁴ He also taught me and said to me,
    “Let your heart retain my words;
    keep my commandments, and live.
⁵ Get wisdom! Get understanding!
    Do not forget it, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
⁶ Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you;
    love her, and she will keep you.
⁷ Wisdom is principal; therefore get wisdom.
    And with all your getting, get understanding.
⁸ Exalt her, and she will promote you;
    she will bring you honor, when you embrace her.
⁹ She will place on your head an ornament of grace;
    a crown of glory she will deliver to you.”