Study Desk

Listen, my sons,^(a) to a father's instruction;^(b) pay attention and gain understanding.^(c)

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

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

Then he taught me, and he said to me, "Take hold^(d) of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.^(e)

Get wisdom,^(f) get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;^(g) love her, and she will watch over you.^(h)

The beginning of wisdom is this: Get^[a] wisdom. Though it cost all⁽ⁱ⁾ you have,^[b] get understanding.^(j)

Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.^(k)

She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.^(l)"

Listen, my son,^(m) accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.⁽ⁿ⁾

I instruct^(o) you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.^(p)

When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.^(q)

Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.^(r)

Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers.^(s)

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

For they cannot rest until they do evil;^(t) they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.

They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.^(u)

The path of the righteous^(v) is like the morning sun,^(w) shining ever brighter till the full light of day.^(x)

But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;^(y) they do not know what makes them stumble.^(z)

My son,^(aa) pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.^(ab)

Do not let them out of your sight,^(ac) keep them within your heart;

for they are life to those who find them and health to one's whole body.^(ad)

Above all else, guard^(ae) your heart, for everything you do flows from it.^(af)

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

Let your eyes^(ag) look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.

Give careful thought to the^[c] paths for your feet^(ah) and be steadfast in all your ways.

Do not turn to the right or the left;^(ai) keep your foot from evil.