A Father’s Example
and pay attention so that you may gain understanding,
Don’t abandon my teaching.
3When I was a son with my father,
tender and precious to my mother,
4he taught me and said,
“Your heart must hold on to my words.
don’t forget or turn away from the words from my mouth.
6Don’t abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you;
love her,4:6 2Th 2:10 and she will guard you.
7Wisdom is supreme — so get wisdom.
And whatever else you get, get understanding.4:7 Pr 16:16
8Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
if you embrace her, she will honor you.4:8 1Sm 2:30
9She will place a garland of favor on your head;
Two Ways of Life
and you will live many years.4:10 Pr 3:2
11I am teaching you the way of wisdom;
I am guiding you on straight paths.4:11 1Sm 12:23
when you run, you will not stumble.4:12 Pr 3:23
Guard it, for it is your life.
don’t proceed on the way of evil ones.
15Avoid it; don’t travel on it.
Turn away from it, and pass it by.
16For they can’t sleep
unless they have done what is evil;
they are robbed of sleep
17They eat the bread of wickedness
and drink the wine of violence.
shining brighter and brighter until midday.
19But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom;4:19 Is 59:9–10; Jr 23:12; Jn 12:35
The Straight Path
20My son, pay attention to my words;
listen closely to my sayings.4:20 Pr 5:1
keep them within your heart.
22For they are life to those who find them,
and health to one’s whole body.
23Guard your heart above all else,4:23 Or heart with all diligence
for it is the source of life.4:23 Mt 15:19; Mk 7:18–23
and don’t let your lips talk deviously.
25Let your eyes look forward;
fix your gaze4:25 Lit eyelids straight ahead.4:25 Heb 12:2
and all your ways will be established.
keep your feet away from evil.
Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard
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