Proverbs 4:1-9

Lexham English Bible

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.”