Proverbs 4

[1] Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding; [2] For I give you good doctrine: Do not forsake my law. [3] When I was my father's son, Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, [4] He also taught me, and said to me: "Let your heart retain my words; Keep my commands, and live. [5] Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. [6] Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. [7] Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. [8] Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. [9] She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you." [10] Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. [11] I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. [12] When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, And when you run, you will not stumble. [13] Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; Keep her, for she is your life. [14] Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. [15] Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on. [16] For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall. [17] For they eat the bread of wickedness, And drink the wine of violence. [18] But the path of the just is like the shining sun, That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. [19] The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know what makes them stumble. [20] My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. [21] Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart; [22] For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh. [23] Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. [24] Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you. [25] Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you. [26] Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. [27] Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil. (Proverbs 4:1-27 NKJV)