Proverbs 4:1-9 - The Father's Wisdom

¹ Listen, children, to a father's instruction, and pay attention so that you may gain discernment. ² Because I give you good instruction, do not forsake my teaching. ³ When I was a son to my father, a tender only child before my mother, ⁴ he taught me, and he said to me: "Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands so that you will live. ⁵ Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding; do not forget and do not turn aside from the words I speak. ⁶ Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will guard you. ⁷ Wisdom is supreme -- so acquire wisdom, and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding! ⁸ Esteem her highly and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. ⁹ She will place a fair garland on your head; she will bestow a beautiful crown on you."