Proverbs 4:1-2, 4-7, 10, 12-15

Hear, my sons, the instruction of a father, And attend to know understanding: For I give you good doctrine; Forsake ye not my law.

And he taught me, and said unto me: Let thy heart retain my words; Keep my commandments, and live; Get wisdom, get understanding; Forget not, neither decline from the words of my mouth; Forsake her not, and she will preserve thee; Love her, and she will keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; Yea, with all thy getting get understanding.

Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; And the years of thy life shall be many.

When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; And if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: Keep her; for she is thy life. Enter not into the path of the wicked, And walk not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it; Turn from it, and pass on.