Wisdom Is Supreme

1Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;

pay attention and gain understanding.

2I give you sound learning,

so do not forsake my teaching.

3When I was a boy in my father’s house,

still tender, and an only child of my mother,

4he taught me and said,

“Lay hold of my words with all your heart;

keep my commands and you will live.

5Get wisdom, get understanding;

do not forget my words or swerve from them.

6Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;

love her, and she will watch over you.

7Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.

Though it cost all you have,^a get understanding.

8Esteem her, and she will exalt you;

embrace her, and she will honor you.

9She will set a garland of grace on your head

and present you with a crown of splendor.”

10Listen, my son, accept what I say,

and the years of your life will be many.

11I guide you in the way of wisdom

and lead you along straight paths.

12When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;

when you run, you will not stumble.

13Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;

guard it well, for it is your life.

14Do not set foot on the path of the wicked

or walk in the way of evil men.

15Avoid it, do not travel on it;

turn from it and go on your way.

16For they cannot sleep till they do evil;

they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.

17They eat the bread of wickedness

and drink the wine of violence.

18The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,

shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

19But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;

they do not know what makes them stumble.

20My son, pay attention to what I say;

listen closely to my words.

21Do not let them out of your sight,

keep them within your heart;

22for they are life to those who find them

and health to a man’s whole body.

23Above all else, guard your heart,

for it is the wellspring of life.

24Put away perversity from your mouth;

keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

25Let your eyes look straight ahead,

fix your gaze directly before you.

26Make level^b paths for your feet

and take only ways that are firm.

27Do not swerve to the right or the left;

keep your foot from evil.