1 Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
2 For I give you sound teaching; do not abandon my directive.
3 When I was a son to my father, tender and the only child of my mother,
4 he taught me and said, “Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands and you will live.
5 Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn from them.
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will guard you.
7 Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding.
8 Prize her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you.
9 She will set a garland of grace on your head; she will present you with a crown of beauty.”