⁴ They make the naive mature,
    the young knowledgeable and discreet.

²¹ My son, don’t let them slip from your eyes;
    hold on to sound judgment and discretion.
²² They will be life for your whole being,
    and an ornament for your neck.
²³ Then you will walk safely on your path,
    and your foot won’t stumble.
²⁴ If you lie down, you won’t be terrified.
    When you lie down, your sleep will be pleasant.
²⁵ Don’t fear sudden terror
    or the ruin that comes to the wicked.
²⁶ The Lord will be your confidence;
    he will guard your feet from being snared.

4 Hear, children, fatherly instruction;
    pay attention to gain understanding.
² I’ll teach you well.
    Don’t abandon my instruction.
³ When I was a son to my father,
    tender and my mother’s favorite,
⁴     he taught me and said to me:
“Let your heart hold on to my words:
    Keep my commands and live.
⁵ Get wisdom; get understanding.
    Don’t forget and don’t turn away from my words.
⁶ Don’t abandon her, and she will guard you.
    Love her, and she will protect you.
⁷ The beginning of wisdom:
Get wisdom!
    Get understanding before anything else.