| 1 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction and pay attention so that you may gain insight. | |
| 2 For I have given you good principles; do not discard my teaching! | |
| 3 For when I, too, was a young boy, and my mother fondly looked on me as special, | |
| 4 my father taught me and said to me: Treasure my words in your heart; listen to my directions and you will live. | |
| 5 Acquire wisdom and insight and do not forget or reject the words of my mouth. | |
| 6 Do not abandon wisdom for she will protect you. Love her and she will be your salvation. | |
| 7 The beginning of wisdom is to work to acquire it. At the cost of all you possess, strive to gain insight. | |
| 8 Hold her close, for she will exalt you and bring you honor if you embrace her. | |
| 9 She will crown you with grace and put a diadem of splendor on your head. | |
| 10 Listen, my son, and take my words to heart; then the years of your life will be multiplied. | |
| 11 Because I have taught you the way of wisdom and have guided you along honest ways, | |
| 12 you will walk with ease and run without falling. | |
| 13 Hold firm to discipline; never let her go. Guard her well for she is your salvation. | |
| 14 Do not follow the way of the wicked nor walk with evildoers. | |
| 15 Avoid them, turn your back on them and pass on. | |
| 16 For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; they cannot rest unless they have caused someone’s downfall. | |
| 17 Wickedness is their bread and violence their wine. | |
| 18 The way of the upright is like the dawn that becomes brighter until the fullness of day. | |
| 19 The way of the wicked is total darkness and they do not notice that which will make them fall. | |
| 20 My son, be attentive and listen carefully to my words. | |
| 21 Never let them out of your sight but guard them in the bottom of your heart. | |
| 22 For they are life to those who cling to them and healing for the inner spirit. | |
| 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for therein is the source of life. | |
| 24 Keep your mouth from lies and let not deceit come from your lips. | |
| 25 Keep your sight on what is ahead and your eyes directed straight in front of you. | |
| 26 Test the ground under your feet and all your ways will be secure. | |
| 27 Turn neither to left nor to right and keep your path from evil. | |
