Proverbs 4
4
A Father’s Lesson: Get Wisdom!
1Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction. Pay attention, to gain understanding.
2For I give you sound learning— do not forsake my instruction.
3When I was a son to my father, tender and special to my mother,
4he taught me and said to me: “Lay hold of my words in your heart, keep my commands and you will live!
5Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
6Do not forsake her, and she will guard you. Love her, and she will watch over you.
7Wisdom is supreme—acquire wisdom! With all your acquisitions, get understanding.
8Prize her, and she will exalt you. She will honor you when you embrace her.
9She will set a garland of grace on your head. She will give you a crown of glory.”
Ways of Wisdom and Wickedness
10Listen, my son, and accept my words, so the years of your life will be many.
11I instructed you in the way of wisdom. I have guided you along straight paths.
12When you walk, your step will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble.
13Hold on tightly to instruction, do not let it go— guard it, for it is your life.
14Do not enter the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil people.
15Avoid it—do not travel on it— turn away from it and pass by.
16For they cannot sleep until they do evil. They are robbed of sleep until they make someone fall.
17For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
18The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until the full day.
19The way of the wicked is like darkness. They do not know what makes them stumble.
20My son, pay attention to my words— incline your ear to my sayings.
21Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart.
22For they are life to those who find them and health to their whole body.
23Guard your heart diligently, for from it flow the springs of life.
24Put away perversity from your mouth, and keep devious lips far from you.
25Let your eyes look directly ahead, and fix your gaze straight in front of you.
26 Clear a level path for your feet, so all your ways will be firm.
27Do not turn to the right or to the left. Divert your foot from evil.
Copyright © 2014 - Messianic Jewish Family Bible Society
