⁸ Listen, my son,^(A) to your father’s^(B) instruction
    and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.^(C)

4 Listen, my sons,^(A) to a father’s instruction;^(B)
    pay attention and gain understanding.^(C)

2 My son,^(A) if you accept my words
    and store up my commands within you,
² turning your ear to wisdom
    and applying your heart to understanding^(B)—
³ indeed, if you call out for insight^(C)
    and cry aloud for understanding,
⁴ and if you look for it as for silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasure,^(D)
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.^(E)
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;^(F)
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.^(G)
7 He holds success in store for the upright,
    he is a shield^(H) to those whose walk is blameless,^(I)
8 for he guards the course of the just
    and protects the way of his faithful ones.^(J)