1 Hearken, children, to the admonition of the father, and hearken, that ye may learn understanding,

2 For I have taught you a good doctrine. Forsake not my commandment.

3 For I also was my father's son, dearly loved, and my mother's only son,

4 And he taught me, and said unto me, Let thy heart keep my words; keep my commandments, and live.

5 Acquire wisdom, gain understanding: forget not these things, and do not shrink from the words of my mouth.

6 Do not leave her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will protect you.

7 Wisdom is the main thing: acquire wisdom, and with all your possessions acquire understanding.

8 Esteem her highly, and she will exalt you; she will glorify you if you cling to her;

9 He will put a beautiful wreath on your head, He will bring you a magnificent crown.

10 Hear, my son, and receive my words, and the years of life shall be multiplied unto thee.

11 I show thee the way of wisdom, I lead thee in straight paths.

12 When you go, your progress will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble.

13 Hold fast to the instruction, do not forsake it, keep it, for it is your life.

14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, nor walk in the way of the wicked;

15 Leave it, do not walk on it, turn away from it, and pass by.

16 for they shall not sleep, except they do evil; they lose sleep if they do not bring someone to fall;

17 For they eat the bread of iniquity, and drink the wine of theft.

18 The path of the righteous is like a radiant light, which brightens more and more until the full day.

19 But the way of the wicked is like darkness; they don't know what they're going to stumble over.

20 My son! Give heed to my words, and incline thy ear unto my words;

21 Let them not depart from thy eyes; keep them within your heart;