[1] Hear, O children, the instructions of a father; and attend to know the meaning: [2] for I am giving you a good gift; forsake not my law: [3] for I was a son obedient to a father; and beloved in the sight of a mother: [4] and they said when they taught me, "Let our words sink deep in thy heart. Keep our commandments; do not forget— [5] overlook not the dictate of my mouth: [6] forsake it not, and it will defend thee: [7] love it and it will preserve thee: [8] secure it and it will exalt thee: honour it that it may embrace thee: [9] that it may be to thy head a crown of graces and cover thee with a crown of pleasure."
[10] Hear my son and receive my words; that, when the years of thy life shall be multiplied, thou mayst have many ways of a livelihood: [11] for I am teaching thee ways of wisdom; and confirming thee in right paths. [12] For when thou goest, thy steps will not be straitened: and when thou runnest thou shalt not be tired. [13] Take fast hold of mine instruction, let it not go: but keep it for thyself during thy life. [14] Go not in the ways of wicked men; nor be fond of the ways of transgressors. [15] In what place soever they encamp, go not thither: but turn away from them and keep at a distance: [16] for they cannot sleep. Unless they do evil; their sleep is taken from them and they cannot lie down to rest. [17] For they eat the bread of wickedness; and drink plentifully of die wine of violence. [18] But the paths of the just shine like light; shining more and more until it is perfect day. [19] But the ways of' the wicked being dark; they know not at what they stumble.
[20] Attend, my son, to my speech, and incline thine ear to my words. [21] That thy fountains may not fail thee, keep them in thy heart; [22] for they are life to them who find them and health to all flesh. [23] Guard thy heart with all diligence; for out of these are the issues of life. [24] Put away from thee a froward mouth, and put perverse lips far from thee. [25] Let thine eyes look straight forward and thine eyelids wink justly. [26] Make straight paths with thy feet and order all thy ways right. [27] Turn not to the right, nor the left; but turn away thy foot from an evil way; for God knoweth the ways on the right, but those on the left, are crooked. But he will make thy paths straight and conduct thy steps in peace.
