Proverbs 4 (God’s Word)

¹Sons,
   listen to your father’s discipline,
      and pay attention in order to gain understanding.
       ²After all, I have taught you well.
   Do not abandon my teachings.
 ³When I was a boy learning from my father,
   when I was a tender and only child of my mother,
    ⁴they used to teach me and say to me,
         “Cling to my words wholeheartedly.
         Obey my commands so that you may live.
       ⁵Acquire wisdom.
         Acquire understanding.
         Do not forget.
         Do not turn away from the words that I have spoken.
       ⁶Do not abandon wisdom, and it will watch over you.
         Love wisdom, and it will protect you.
          ⁷The beginning of wisdom is to acquire wisdom.
            Acquire understanding with all that you have.
          ⁸Cherish wisdom.
               It will raise you up.
               It will bring you honor when you embrace it.
             ⁹It will give you a graceful garland for your head.
               It will hand you a beautiful crown.”

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