Two Ways of Life

10 Listen, my son. Accept my words,(A)
and you will live many years.(B)
11 I am teaching you the way of wisdom;
I am guiding you on straight paths.(C)
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered;(D)
when you run, you will not stumble.(E)
13 Hold on to instruction; don’t let go.(F)
Guard it, for it is your life.

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10 My child,[a] listen to me and do as I say,
    and you will have a long, good life.
11 I will teach you wisdom’s ways
    and lead you in straight paths.
12 When you walk, you won’t be held back;
    when you run, you won’t stumble.
13 Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go.
    Guard them, for they are the key to life.

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Footnotes

  1. 4:10 Hebrew My son; also in 4:20.

The Straight Path

20 My son, pay attention to my words;
listen closely to my sayings.(A)
21 Don’t lose sight of them;(B)
keep them within your heart.
22 For they are life to those who find them,
and health to one’s whole body.
23 Guard your heart above all else,[a]
for it is the source of life.(C)
24 Don’t let your mouth speak dishonestly,(D)
and don’t let your lips talk deviously.
25 Let your eyes look forward;
fix your gaze[b] straight ahead.(E)
26 Carefully consider the path[c] for your feet,(F)
and all your ways will be established.
27 Don’t turn to the right or to the left;(G)
keep your feet away from evil.

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Footnotes

  1. 4:23 Or heart with all diligence
  2. 4:25 Lit eyelids
  3. 4:26 Or Clear a path

20 My child, pay attention to what I say.
    Listen carefully to my words.
21 Don’t lose sight of them.
    Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
22 for they bring life to those who find them,
    and healing to their whole body.

23 Guard your heart above all else,
    for it determines the course of your life.

24 Avoid all perverse talk;
    stay away from corrupt speech.

25 Look straight ahead,
    and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
26 Mark out a straight path for your feet;
    stay on the safe path.
27 Don’t get sidetracked;
    keep your feet from following evil.

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