Proverbs Chapter 4 (NIV)

undefined Wisdom Is SupremeListen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;pay attention and gain understanding.
undefined I give you sound learning,so do not forsake my teaching.
undefined When I was a boy in my father’s house,still tender, and an only child of my mother,
undefined he taught me and said,“Lay hold of my words with all your heart;keep my commands and you will live.
undefined Get wisdom, get understanding;do not forget my words or swerve from them.
undefined Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;love her, and she will watch over you.
undefined Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom.Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
undefined Esteem her, and she will exalt you;embrace her, and she will honor you.
undefined She will set a garland of grace on your headand present you with a crown of splendor.”
undefined Listen, my son, accept what I say,and the years of your life will be many.
undefined I guide you in the way of wisdomand lead you along straight paths.
undefined When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;when you run, you will not stumble.
undefined Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;guard it well, for it is your life.
undefined Do not set foot on the path of the wickedor walk in the way of evil men.
undefined Avoid it, do not travel on it;turn from it and go on your way.
undefined For they cannot sleep till they do evil;they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.
undefined They eat the bread of wickednessand drink the wine of violence.
undefined The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
undefined But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness;they do not know what makes them stumble.
undefined My son, pay attention to what I say;listen closely to my words.
undefined Do not let them out of your sight,keep them within your heart;
undefined for they are life to those who find themand health to a man’s whole body.
undefined Above all else, guard your heart,for it is the wellspring of life.
undefined Put away perversity from your mouth;keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
undefined Let your eyes look straight ahead,fix your gaze directly before you.
undefined Make level paths for your feetand take only ways that are firm.
undefined Do not swerve to the right or the left;keep your foot from evil.

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