1. Hear, my sons, the instruction of a father, And attend to know understanding:
2. For I give you good doctrine; Forsake ye not my law.
3. For I was a son unto my father, Tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
4. And he taught me, and said unto me: Let thy heart retain my words; Keep my commandments, and live;
5. Get wisdom, get understanding; Forget not, neither decline from the words of my mouth;
6. Forsake her not, and she will preserve thee; Love her, and she will keep thee.
7. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom; Yea, with all thy getting get understanding.
8. Exalt her, and she will promote thee; She will bring thee to honor, when thou dost embrace her.
9. She will give to thy head a chaplet of grace; A crown of beauty will she deliver to thee.
10. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; And the years of thy life shall be many.
11. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in paths of uprightness.
12. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; And if thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.
13. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: Keep her; for she is thy life.
14. Enter not into the path of the wicked, And walk not in the way of evil men.
15. Avoid it, pass not by it; Turn from it, and pass on.