⁸ Listen, my son,^(A) to your father’s^(B) instruction
    and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.^(C)
9 They are a garland to grace your head
    and a chain to adorn your neck.^(D)

3 My son,^(A) do not forget my teaching,^(B)
    but keep my commands in your heart,
² for they will prolong your life many years^(C)
    and bring you peace and prosperity.^(D)

4 Listen, my sons,^(A) to a father’s instruction;^(B)
    pay attention and gain understanding.^(C)
2 I give you sound learning,
    so do not forsake my teaching.
³ For I too was a son to my father,
    still tender, and cherished by my mother.
⁴ Then he taught me, and he said to me,
    “Take hold^(D) of my words with all your heart;
    keep my commands, and you will live.^(E)
5 Get wisdom,^(F) get understanding;
    do not forget my words or turn away from them.
⁶ Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;^(G)
    love her, and she will watch over you.^(H)
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get^[a] wisdom.
    Though it cost all^(I) you have,^[b] get understanding.^(J)
8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
    embrace her, and she will honor you.^(K)
9 She will give you a garland to grace your head
    and present you with a glorious crown.^(L)”

5 My son,^(A) pay attention to my wisdom,
    turn your ear to my words^(B) of insight,
² that you may maintain discretion
    and your lips may preserve knowledge.

²⁰ My son,^(A) keep your father’s command
    and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.^(B)
21 Bind them always on your heart;
    fasten them around your neck.^(C)
22 When you walk, they will guide you;
    when you sleep, they will watch over you;
    when you awake, they will speak to you.
²³ For this command is a lamp,
    this teaching is a light,^(D)
and correction and instruction
    are the way to life,^(E)

7 My son,^(A) keep my words
    and store up my commands within you.
² Keep my commands and you will live;^(B)
    guard my teachings as the apple of your eye.
³ Bind them on your fingers;
    write them on the tablet of your heart.^(C)