A Father’s Wise Instruction
Hear, O sons, the adiscipline of a father,
And bpay attention that you may know understanding,
2 For I give you sound alearning;
bDo not forsake my instruction.
3 When I was a son to my father,
aTender and bthe only son before my mother,
4 Then he ainstructed me and said to me,
“Let your heart bhold fast my words;
cKeep my commandments and live;
5 aAcquire wisdom! bAcquire understanding!
Do not forget and do not turn away from the sayings of my mouth.
6 Do not forsake her, and she will keep you;
aLove her, and she will guard you.
7 aThe beginning of wisdom is: bAcquire wisdom;
And with all your acquiring, acquire understanding.
8 aPrize her, and she will exalt you;
She will honor you if you embrace her.
9 She will give afor your head a garland of grace;
She will present you with a crown of beauty.”
10 Hear, my son, and areceive my sayings
And the byears of your life will be many.
11 I have ainstructed you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in upright tracks.
12 When you walk, your asteps will not be impeded;
And if you run, you bwill not stumble.
13 aSeize discipline; do not let go.
Guard her, for she is your blife.