[4:1] My children, listen to what your father teaches you. Pay attention, and you will have understanding.
[4:2] What I am teaching you is good, so remember it all.
[4:3] When I was only a little boy, my parents' only son,
[4:4] my father would teach me. He would say, “Remember what I say and never forget it. Do as I tell you, and you will live.
[4:5] Get wisdom and insight! Do not forget or ignore what I say.
[4:6] Do not abandon wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will keep you safe.
[4:7] Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do. Whatever else you get, get insight.
[4:8] Love wisdom, and she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will bring you honor.
[4:9] She will be your crowning glory.”
[4:10] Listen to me, my child. Take seriously what I am telling you, and you will live a long life.
[4:11] I have taught you wisdom and the right way to live.
[4:12] Nothing will stand in your way if you walk wisely, and you will not stumble when you run.
[4:13] Always remember what you have learned. Your education is your life—guard it well.
[4:14] Do not go where evil people go. Do not follow the example of the wicked.
[4:15] Don't do it! Keep away from evil! Refuse it and go on your way.
[4:16] Wicked people cannot sleep unless they have done something wrong. They lie awake unless they have hurt someone.
[4:17] Wickedness and violence are like food and drink to them.
[4:18] The road the righteous travel is like the sunrise, getting brighter and brighter until daylight has come.
[4:19] The road of the wicked, however, is dark as night. They fall, but cannot see what they have stumbled over.
[4:20] My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen to my words.
[4:21] Never let them get away from you. Remember them and keep them in your heart.
[4:22] They will give life and health to anyone who understands them.
[4:23] Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.
[4:24] Never say anything that isn't true. Have nothing to do with lies and misleading words.
[4:25] Look straight ahead with honest confidence; don't hang your head in shame.
[4:26] Plan carefully what you do, and whatever you do will turn out right.
[4:27] Avoid evil and walk straight ahead. Don't go one step off the right way.