Proverbs 4:1 - 4:9

Hear, O sons, the discipline of a father,

And pay attention that you may know understanding,

For I give you sound learning;

Do not forsake my instruction.

When I was a son to my father,

Tender and the only son before my mother,

Then he instructed me and said to me,

“Let your heart hold fast my words;

Keep my commandments and live;

Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding!

Do not forget and do not turn away from the sayings of my mouth.

Do not forsake her, and she will keep you;

Love her, and she will guard you.

The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom;

And with all your acquiring, acquire understanding.

Prize her, and she will exalt you;

She will honor you if you embrace her.

She will give for your head a garland of grace;

She will present you with a crown of beauty.”