4 Hear, O children, the instruction of a father,
And pay attention [and be willing to learn] so that you may gain understanding and intelligent discernment.
² 
For I give you good doctrine;
Do not ^[a]turn away from my instruction.
³ 
When I was a son with my father (David),
Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother (Bathsheba),
⁴ 
He taught me and said to me,
“Let your heart hold fast my words;
Keep my commandments and live.^(A)
5 
“Get [skillful and godly] wisdom! Acquire understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]!
Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
⁶ 
“Do not ^[b]turn away from her (Wisdom) and she will guard and protect you;
Love her, and she will watch over you.
⁷ 
“The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skillful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]!
And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation].^(B)

5 My son, be attentive to my wisdom [godly wisdom learned by costly experience],
Incline your ear to my understanding;^(A)
2 
That you may exercise discrimination and discretion (good judgment),
And your lips may reserve knowledge and answer wisely [to temptation].

9 Wisdom has built her [spacious and sufficient] house;
She has hewn out and set up her seven pillars.
² 
She has prepared her food, she has mixed her wine;
She has also set her table.^(A)
3 
She has sent out her maidens, she calls
From the highest places of the city:
⁴ 
“Whoever is naive or inexperienced, let him turn in here!”
As for him who lacks understanding, she says,
⁵ 
“Come, eat my food
And drink the wine I have mixed [and accept my gifts].^(B)
6 
“Leave [behind] your foolishness [and the foolish] and live,
And walk in the way of insight and understanding.”