Proverbs 4:1-13

A Father’s Wise Instruction

1 aHear, O sons, a father’s instruction,
and be attentive, that you may bgain
Hebrew know
insight,
2for I give you good dprecepts;
do not forsake my teaching.
3When I was a son with my father,
etender, fthe only one in the sight of my mother,
4he gtaught me and said to me,
h“Let your heart hold fast my words;
ikeep my commandments, and live.
5 jGet wisdom; get kinsight;
do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
6Do not forsake her, and she will keep you;
llove her, and she will guard you.
7 mThe beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,
and whatever you get, get ninsight.
8Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;
she will ohonor you pif you embrace her.
9She will place on your head qa graceful garland;
she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.”
10 rHear, smy son, and accept my words,
that tthe years of your life may be many.
11I have utaught you the way of wisdom;
I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
12When you walk, vyour step will not be hampered,
and wif you run, you will not stumble.
13 xKeep hold of instruction; do not let go;
guard her, for she is your ylife.
Copyright information for ESV