NIV



4:1 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

4:2 I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.

4:3 For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother.

4:4 Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.

4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.

4:6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.

4:7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

4:8 Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.

4:9 She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”

4:10  Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.

4:11 I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.

4:12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.

4:13 Hold on to instruction [this is an active command, not passive listening; the Hebrew carries the idea of seizing, gripping tightly, taking hold with intention], do not let it go [this assumes resistance — there are forces constantly working to loosen our grip]; guard it well [this introduces vigilance and protection — defending it from compromise, neglect, or selective obedience], for it is your life [this is the weight of the verse — not metaphorical exaggeration but reality; instruction is not merely helpful, it is life-giving and life-preserving].

4:14 Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers.

4:15 Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.

4:16 For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.

4:17 They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.

4:18 The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

4:19 But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.

4:20 My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.

4:21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;

4:22 for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body.

4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

4:24 Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

4:25 Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.

4:26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.

4:27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil