Proverbs 4:1-9

Tree of Life Version

4 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction.
Pay attention, to gain understanding.
² For I give you sound learning—
do not forsake my instruction.
³ When I was a son to my father,
tender and special to my mother,
⁴ he taught me and said to me:
    “Lay hold of my words in your heart,
    keep my commands and you will live!
⁵ Get wisdom! Get understanding!
Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
⁶ Do not forsake her, and she will guard you.
    Love her, and she will watch over you.
⁷ Wisdom is supreme—acquire wisdom!
    With all your acquisitions, get understanding.
⁸ Prize her, and she will exalt you.
    She will honor you when you embrace her.
⁹ She will set a garland of grace on your head.
    She will give you a crown of glory.”