¹² Apply your mind to instruction
    and your ear to words of knowledge.^(A)

¹⁰ Hear, my child, and accept my words,
    that the years of your life may be many.
¹¹ I have taught you the way of wisdom;
    I have led you in the paths of uprightness.^(A)
12 When you walk, your step will not be hampered,
    and if you run, you will not stumble.^(B)
13 Keep hold of instruction; do not let go;
    guard her, for she is your life.
¹⁴ Do not enter the path of the wicked,
    and do not walk in the way of evildoers.^(C)
15 Avoid it; do not go on it;
    turn away from it and pass on.
¹⁶ For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;
    they are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone stumble.^(D)
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness
    and drink the wine of violence.
¹⁸ But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn,
    which shines brighter and brighter until full day.^(E)
19 The way of the wicked is like deep darkness;
    they do not know what they stumble over.^(F)
20 My child, be attentive to my words;
    incline your ear to my sayings.
²¹ Do not let them escape from your sight;
    keep them within your heart.^(G)
22 For they are life to those who find them
    and healing to all their flesh.^(H)
23 Keep your heart with all vigilance,
    for from it flow the springs of life.^(I)

⁶ Lay aside immaturity and live,
    and walk in the way of insight.”^(A)