Proverbs 14 for the 14th day of Jan 2024 - Free Audio - Listen to Today's Proverb - Free Audio - Listen to Today's Proverb
Day 14 Proverbs 14
Voice talent by Don Bratschie
14:1 Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish one tears it down with her own hands.
14:2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is perverse in his ways despises him.
14:3 The fool's talk brings a rod to his back, but the lips of the wise protect them.
14:4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, but much increase is by the strength of the ox.
14:5 A truthful witness will not lie, but a false witness pours out lies.
14:6 A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn't find it, but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person.
14:7 Stay away from a foolish man, for you won't find knowledge on his lips.
14:8 The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.
14:9 Fools mock at making atonement for sins, but among the upright there is good will.
14:10 The heart knows its own bitterness and joy; he will not share these with a stranger.
14:11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish.
14:12 There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
14:13 Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful, and mirth may end in heaviness.
14:14 The unfaithful will be repaid for his own ways; likewise a good man will be rewarded for his ways.
14:15 A simple man believes everything, but the prudent man carefully considers his ways.
14:16 A wise man fears, and shuns evil, but the fool is hotheaded and reckless.
14:17 He who is quick to become angry will commit folly, and a crafty man is hated.
14:18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
14:19 The evil bow down before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.
14:20 The poor person is shunned even by his own neighbor, but the rich person has many friends.
14:21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who has pity on the poor.
14:22 Don't they go astray who plot evil? But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.
14:23 In all hard work there is profit, but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty.
14:24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools crowns them with folly.
14:25 A truthful witness saves souls, but a false witness is deceitful.
14:26 In the fear of the Lord is a secure fortress, and he will be a refuge for his children.
14:27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning people from the snares of death.
14:28 In the multitude of people is the king's glory, but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince.
14:29 He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a quick temper displays folly.
14:30 The life of the body is a heart at peace, but envy rots the bones.
14:31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him.
14:32 The wicked is brought down in his calamity, but in death, the righteous has a refuge.
14:33 Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, and is even made known in the inward part of fools.
14:34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
14:35 The king's favor is toward a servant who deals wisely, but his wrath is toward one who causes shame.
Proverbs 13 for the 13th day of Jan 2024 - Free Audio - Listen to Today's Proverb - Free Audio - Listen to Today's Proverb
Day 13 Proverbs 13
13:1 A wise son listens to his father's instruction, but a scoffer doesn't listen to rebuke.
13:2 By the fruit of his lips, a man enjoys good things; but the unfaithful crave violence.
13:3 He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
13:4 The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.
13:5 A righteous man hates lies, but a wicked man brings shame and disgrace.
13:6 Righteousness guards the way of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
13:7 There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing. There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.
13:8 The ransom of a man's life is his riches, but the poor hear no threats.
13:9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
13:10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but with ones who take advice is wisdom.
13:11 Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but he who gathers by hand makes it grow.
13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.
13:13 Whoever despises instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command will be rewarded.
13:14 The teaching of the wise is a spring of life, to turn from the snares of death.
13:15 Good understanding wins favor; but the way of the unfaithful is hard.
13:16 Every prudent man acts from knowledge, but a fool exposes folly.
13:17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy gains healing.
13:18 Poverty and shame come to him who refuses discipline, but he who heeds correction shall be honored.
13:19 Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.
13:20 One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
13:21 Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.
13:22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.
13:23 An abundance of food is in poor people's fields, but injustice sweeps it away.
13:24 One who spares the rod hates his son, but one who loves him is careful to discipline him.
13:25 The righteous one eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.
Proverbs 12 for the 12th day of Jan 2024 - Free Audio - Listen to Today's Proverb - Free Audio - Listen to Today's Proverb
Day 12 Proverbs 12
12:1 Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
12:2 A good man shall obtain favor from the Lord, but he will condemn a man of wicked devices.
12:3 A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.
12:4 A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones.
12:5 The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.
12:6 The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.
12:7 The wicked are overthrown, and are no more, but the house of the righteous shall stand.
12:8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, but he who has a warped mind shall be despised.
12:9 Better is he who is lightly esteemed, and has a servant, than he who honors himself, and lacks bread.
12:10 A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.
12:11 He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.
12:12 The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.
12:13 An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips, but the righteous shall come out of trouble.
12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth. The work of a man's hands shall be rewarded to him.
12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel.
12:16 A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.
12:17 He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies.
12:18 There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.
12:19 Truth's lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary.
12:20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace.
12:21 No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil.
12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, but those who do the truth are his delight.
12:23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
12:24 The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.
12:25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad.
12:26 A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.
12:27 The slothful man doesn't roast his game, but the possessions of diligent men are prized.
12:28 In the way of righteousness is life; in its path there is no death.
Proverbs 11 for the 11th day of Jan 2024 - Free Audio - Listen to Today's Proverb - Free Audio - Listen to Today's Proverb
Day 11 Proverbs 11
11:1 A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but accurate weights are his delight.
11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom.
11:3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.
11:4 Riches don't profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.
11:5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness.
11:6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them, but the unfaithful will be trapped by evil desires.
11:7 When a wicked man dies, hope perishes, and expectation of power comes to nothing.
11:8 A righteous person is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked takes his place.
11:9 With his mouth the godless man destroys his neighbor, but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge.
11:10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices. When the wicked perish, there is shouting.
11:11 By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
11:12 One who despises his neighbor is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding holds his peace.
11:13 One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.
11:14 Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory.
11:15 He who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it, but he who refuses pledges of collateral is secure.
11:16 A gracious woman obtains honor, but violent men obtain riches.
11:17 The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh.
11:18 Wicked people earn deceitful wages, but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.
11:19 He who is truly righteous gets life. He who pursues evil gets death.
11:20 Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord, but those whose ways are blameless are his delight.
11:21 Most certainly, the evil man will not be unpunished, but the seed of the righteous will be delivered.
11:22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout, is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.
11:23 The desire of the righteous is only good. The expectation of the wicked is wrath.
11:24 There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty.
11:25 The liberal soul shall be made fat. He who waters shall be watered also himself.
11:26 People curse someone who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.
11:27 He who diligently seeks good seeks favor, but he who searches after evil, it shall come to him.
11:29 He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind. The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.
11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. He who is wise wins souls.
11:31 Behold, the righteous shall be repaid in the earth; how much more the wicked and the sinner!
Proverbs 10 for the 10th day of Jan 2024 - Free Audio - Listen to Today's Proverb
Day 10 Proverbs 10
10:1 The proverbs of Solomon. A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.
10:2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.
10:3 The Lord will not allow the soul of the righteous to go hungry, but he thrusts away the desire of the wicked.
10:4 He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent brings wealth.
10:5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during the harvest is a son who causes shame.
10:6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
10:7 The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot.
10:8 The wise in heart accept commandments, but a chattering fool will fall.
10:9 He who walks blamelessly walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will be found out.
10:10 One winking with the eye causes sorrow, but a chattering fool will fall.
10:11 The mouth of the righteous is a spring of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all wrongs.
10:13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has discernment, but a rod is for the back of him who is void of understanding.
10:14 Wise men lay up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin.
10:15 The rich man's wealth is his strong city. The destruction of the poor is their poverty.
10:16 The labor of the righteous leads to life. The increase of the wicked leads to sin.
10:17 He is in the way of life who heeds correction, but he who forsakes reproof leads others astray.
10:18 He who hides hatred has lying lips. He who utters a slander is a fool.
10:19 In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but he who restrains his lips does wisely.
10:20 The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver. The heart of the wicked is of little worth.
10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but the foolish die for lack of understanding.
10:22 The Lord's blessing brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.
10:23 It is a fool's pleasure to do wickedness, but wisdom is a man of understanding's pleasure.
10:24 What the wicked fear, will overtake them, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.
10:25 When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more; but the righteous stand firm forever.
10:26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him.
10:27 The fear of the Lord prolongs days, but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.
10:28 The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hope of the wicked will perish.
10:29 The way of the Lord is a stronghold to the upright, but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.
10:30 The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land.
10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.
Proverbs 9 for the 9th day of Jan 2024 - Free Audio - Listen to Today's Proverb
Day 9 Proverbs 9
9:1 Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars.
9:2 She has prepared her meat. She has mixed her wine. She has also set her table.
9:3 She has sent out her maidens. She cries from the highest places of the city:
9:4 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!" As for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,
9:5 "Come, eat some of my bread, Drink some of the wine which I have mixed!
9:6 Leave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding."
9:7 He who corrects a mocker invites insult. He who reproves a wicked man invites abuse.
9:8 Don't reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you. Reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9:9 Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
9:11 For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased.
9:12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it.
9:13 The foolish woman is loud, Undisciplined, and knows nothing.
9:14 She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
9:15 To call to those who pass by, who go straight on their ways,
9:16 "Whoever is simple, let him turn in here." as for him who is void of understanding, she says to him,
9:17 "Stolen water is sweet. Food eaten in secret is pleasant."
9:18 But he doesn't know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell.
Proverbs 8 for the 8th day of Jan 2024 - Free Audio - Listen to Today's Proverb
Day 8 Proverbs 8
8:1 Doesn't wisdom cry out? Doesn't understanding raise her voice?
8:2 On the top of high places by the way, where the paths meet, she stands.
8:3 Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entry doors, she cries aloud:
8:4 "To you men, I call! I send my voice to the sons of mankind.
8:5 You simple, understand prudence. You fools, be of an understanding heart.
8:6 Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things.
8:7 For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.
8:8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.
8:9 They are all plain to him who understands, right to those who find knowledge.
8:10 Receive my instruction rather than silver; knowledge rather than choice gold.
8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can't be compared to it.
8:12 "I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion.
8:13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.
8:14 Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power.
8:15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.
8:16 By me princes rule; nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.
8:17 I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.
8:18 With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity.
8:19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; my yield than choice silver.
8:20 I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice;
8:21 That I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.
8:22 "The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.
8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.
8:24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water.
8:25 Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was brought forth;
8:26 while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.
8:27 When he established the heavens, I was there; when he set a circle on the surface of the deep,
8:28 when he established the clouds above, when the springs of the deep became strong,
8:29 when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not violate his commandment, when he marked out the foundations of the earth;
8:30 then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before him,
8:31 Rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.
8:32 "Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.
8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise. Don't refuse it.
8:34 Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my door posts.
8:35 For whoever finds me, finds life, and will obtain favor from the Lord.
8:36 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul. All those who hate me love death."
Proverbs 7 for the 7th day of Jan 2024 - Free Audio - Listen to Today's Proverb
Day 7 Proverbs 7
Voice talent by Don Bratschie
7:1 My son, keep my words. Lay up my commandments within you.
7:2 Keep my commandments and live! Guard my teaching as the apple of your eye.
7:3 Bind them on your fingers. Write them on the tablet of your heart.
7:4 Tell wisdom, "You are my sister." Call understanding your relative,
7:5 that they may keep you from the strange woman, from the foreigner who flatters with her words.
7:6 For at the window of my house, I looked out through my lattice.
7:7 I saw among the simple ones. I discerned among the youths a young man void of understanding,
7:8 passing through the street near her corner, he went the way to her house,
7:9 in the twilight, in the evening of the day, in the middle of the night and in the darkness.
7:10 Behold, there a woman met him with the attire of a prostitute, and with crafty intent.
7:11 She is loud and defiant. Her feet don't stay in her house.
7:12 Now she is in the streets, now in the squares, and lurking at every corner.
7:13 So she caught him, and kissed him. With an impudent face she said to him:
7:14 "Sacrifices of peace offerings are with me. This day I have paid my vows.
7:15 Therefore I came out to meet you, to diligently seek your face, and I have found you.
7:16 I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry, with striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt.
7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
7:18 Come, let's take our fill of loving until the morning. Let's solace ourselves with loving.
7:19 For my husband isn't at home. He has gone on a long journey.
7:20 He has taken a bag of money with him. He will come home at the full moon."
7:21 With persuasive words, she led him astray. With the flattering of her lips, she seduced him.
7:22 He followed her immediately, as an ox goes to the slaughter, as a fool stepping into a noose.
7:23 Until an arrow strikes through his liver, as a bird hurries to the snare, and doesn't know that it will cost his life.
7:24 Now therefore, sons, listen to me. Pay attention to the words of my mouth.
7:25 Don't let your heart turn to her ways. Don't go astray in her paths,
7:26 for she has thrown down many wounded. Yes, all her slain are a mighty army.
7:27 Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.
Proverbs 6 for the 6th day of Jan 2024 - Free Audio - Listen to Today's Proverb
Day 6 Proverbs 6
6:1 My son, if you have become collateral for your neighbor if you have struck your hands in pledge for a stranger;
6:2 You are trapped by the words of your mouth. You are ensnared with the words of your mouth.
6:3 Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself, seeing you have come into the hand of your neighbor. Go, humble yourself. Press your plea with your neighbor.
6:4 Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids.
6:5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
6:6 Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise;
6:7 which having no chief, overseer, or ruler,
6:8 provides her bread in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.
6:9 How long will you sleep, sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep?
6:10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
6:11 so your poverty will come as a robber, and your scarcity as an armed man.
6:12 A worthless person, a man of iniquity, is he who walks with a perverse mouth;
6:13 who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet, who motions with his fingers;
6:14 in whose heart is perverseness, who devises evil continually, who always sows discord.
6:15 Therefore his calamity will come suddenly. He will be broken suddenly, and that without remedy.
6:16 There are six things which the Lord hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him:
6:17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood;
6:18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief,
6:19 a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers.
6:20 My son, keep your father's commandment, and don't forsake your mother's teaching.
6:21 Bind them continually on your heart. Tie them around your neck.
6:22 When you walk, it will lead you. When you sleep, it will watch over you. When you awake, it will talk with you.
6:23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light. Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,
6:24 to keep you from the immoral woman, from the flattery of the wayward wife's tongue.
6:25 Don't lust after her beauty in your heart, neither let her captivate you with her eyelids.
6:26 For a prostitute reduces you to a piece of bread. The adulteress hunts for your precious life.
6:27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap, and his clothes not be burned?
6:28 Or can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be scorched?
6:29 So is he who goes into his neighbor's wife. Whoever touches her will not be unpunished.
6:30 Men don't despise a thief, if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry:
6:31 but if he is found, he shall restore seven times. He shall give all the wealth of his house.
6:32 He who commits adultery with a woman is void of understanding. He who does it destroys his own soul.
6:33 He will get wounds and dishonor. His reproach will not be wiped away.
6:34 For jealousy arouses the fury of the husband. He won't spare in the day of vengeance.
6:35 He won't regard any ransom, neither will he rest content, though you give many gifts.
Proverbs 5 for the 5th day of Jan 2024 - Free Audio - Listen to Today's Proverb
Day 5 Proverbs 5
5:1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom. Turn your ear to my understanding:
5:2 that you may maintain discretion, that your lips may preserve knowledge.
5:3 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey. Her mouth is smoother than oil,
5:4 But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a two-edged sword.
5:5 Her feet go down to death. Her steps lead straight to Sheol.
5:6 She gives no thought to the way of life. Her ways are crooked, and she doesn't know it.
5:7 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me. Don't depart from the words of my mouth.
5:8 Remove your way far from her. Don't come near the door of her house,
5:9 lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one;
5:10 lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich another man's house.
5:11 You will groan at your latter end, when your flesh and your body are consumed,
5:12 and say, "How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;
5:13 neither have I obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor turned my ear to those who instructed me!
5:14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin, in the midst of the gathered assembly."
5:15 Drink water out of your own cistern, running water out of your own well.
5:16 Should your springs overflow in the streets, streams of water in the public squares?
5:17 Let them be for yourself alone, not for strangers with you.
5:18 Let your spring be blessed. Rejoice in the wife of your youth.
5:19 A loving doe and a graceful deer-- let her breasts satisfy you at all times. Be captivated always with her love.
5:20 For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another?
5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord. He examines all his paths.
5:22 The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare him. The cords of his sin hold him firmly.
5:23 He will die for lack of instruction. In the greatness of his folly, he will go astray.
Proverbs 4 for the 4th day of Jan 2024 - Free Audio - Listen to Today's Proverb
Day 4 Proverbs 4
4:1 Listen, sons, to a father's instruction. Pay attention and know understanding;
4:2 for I give you sound learning. Don't forsake my law.
4:3 For I was a son to my father, tender and an only child in the sight of my mother.
4:4 He taught me, and said to me: "Let your heart retain my words. Keep my commandments, and live.
4:5 Get wisdom. Get understanding. Don't forget, neither swerve from the words of my mouth.
4:6 Don't forsake her, and she will preserve you. Love her, and she will keep you.
4:7 Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding.
4:8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you. She will bring you to honor, when you embrace her.
4:9 She will give to your head a garland of grace. She will deliver a crown of splendor to you."
4:10 Listen, my son, and receive my sayings. The years of your life will be many.
4:11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom. I have led you in straight paths.
4:12 When you go, your steps will not be hampered. When you run, you will not stumble.
4:13 Take firm hold of instruction. Don't let her go. Keep her, for she is your life.
4:14 Don't enter into the path of the wicked. Don't walk in the way of evil men.
4:15 Avoid it, and don't pass by it. Turn from it, and pass on.
4:16 For they don't sleep, unless they do evil. Their sleep is taken away, unless they make someone fall.
4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
4:18 But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light, that shines more and more until the perfect day.
4:19 The way of the wicked is like darkness. They don't know what they stumble over.
4:20 My son, attend to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings.
4:21 Let them not depart from your eyes. Keep them in the midst of your heart.
4:22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to their whole body.
4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life.
4:24 Put away from yourself a perverse mouth. Put corrupt lips far from you.
4:25 Let your eyes look straight ahead. Fix your gaze directly before you.
4:26 Make the path of your feet level. Let all of your ways be established.
4:27 Don't turn to the right hand nor to the left. Remove your foot from evil.