1Hear, O children, the instruction of a father,

2For I give you good doctrine;

3When I was a son with my father (David),

4He taught me and said to me,

5Get [skillful and godly] wisdom! Acquire understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]!

6Do not Lit forsake.turn away from her (Wisdom) and she will guard and protect you;

7The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skillful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]!

8Prize wisdom [and exalt her], and she will exalt you;

9She will place on your head a garland of grace;

10Hear, my son, and accept my sayings,

11I have instructed you in the way of [skillful and godly] wisdom;

12When you walk, your steps will not be impeded [for your path will be clear and open];

13Take hold of instruction; [actively seek it, grip it firmly and] do not let go.

14Do not enter the path of the wicked,

15Avoid it, do not travel on it;

16For the wicked cannot sleep unless they do evil;

17For they eat the bread of wickedness

18But the path of the just (righteous) is like the light of dawn,

19The way of the wicked is like [deep] darkness;

20My son, pay attention to my words and be willing to learn;

21Do not let them escape from your sight;

22For they are life to those who find them,

23Watch over your heart with all diligence,

24Put away from you a deceitful (lying, misleading) mouth,

25Let your eyes look directly ahead [toward the path of moral courage]

26Consider well and watch carefully the path of your feet,

27Do not turn away to the right nor to the left [where evil may lurk];