⁸ My child, may you keep^[a] your father’s instruction,
    and do not reject your mother’s teachings,
⁹ for they are a garland of favor for your head,
    and pendants for your neck.

3 My child, do not forget my instruction,
    and may your heart guard my commands.
² For length of days, years of life,
    and peace they^[a] shall add to you.

4 Children, listen to the instruction of a father,
    and be attentive in order to know insight.
² For I have given you good instruction;
    do not forsake my teaching.
³ When I was a son to my father,
    tender and alone before my mother,
⁴ he taught me and said to me,
    “May your heart hold fast to my words;
    guard my commandments and live.
⁵ Get wisdom and insight;
    do not forget and do not turn from the sayings of my mouth.
⁶ Do not forsake her—then she will guard you;
    love her and she will keep you.
⁷ The beginning of wisdom: Get wisdom!
    With all that is in your possession, gain insight.
⁸ Cherish her and she will exalt you;
    she will honor you if you embrace her.
⁹ She will give a garland for your head;
    she shall bestow a crown of glory upon you.”

¹⁰ Listen, my child, take my sayings,
    and the years of your life shall be great.
¹¹ In the way of wisdom I have instructed you;
    I have led you in the path of uprightness.
¹² When you walk,^[a] your step will not be hampered,
    and if you run, you will not stumble.
¹³ Seize the instruction! Do not let go!
    Guard her, for she is your life.