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10 Listen, my son: accept my words,
    and you’ll live a long, long time.[a]
11 I have directed you in the way of wisdom,
    and I have led you along straight[b] paths.
12 When you walk, your step will not be hindered,
    and when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go!
    Guard wisdom,[c] because she is your life!

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 4:10 Lit. and the years of your life will be many
  2. Proverbs 4:11 Or upright
  3. Proverbs 4:13 Lit. her

Remembering the Counsel of a Wise Father

20 My son, pay attention to my words,
    and listen closely[a] to what I say.
21 Do not let them out of your sight;
    keep them within your heart.
22 For they are life to those who find them,
    and healing to their whole body.[b]

23 Above everything else[c] guard your heart,
    because from it flow the springs of life.
24 Never talk deceptively
    and don’t keep company with people whose speech is corrupt.[d]

25 Let your eyes look directly ahead;
    fix your gaze straight in front of you.
26 Carefully measure[e] the paths for your feet,
    and all your ways will be established.
27 Do not turn to the right or to the left;
    turn your foot away from evil.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 4:20 Lit. turn your ear
  2. Proverbs 4:22 Lit. flesh
  3. Proverbs 4:23 Lit. Above all watching
  4. Proverbs 4:24 Lit. keep corrupt lips far from you
  5. Proverbs 4:26 Lit. Weigh