Proverbs 4:4–13

⁴he taught me and said,

“Let your heart lay hold of my words;

keep my commands and you will live.

⁵Get wisdom, get understanding;

do not forget my words or turn from them.

⁶Do not forsake wisdom, and she will preserve you;

love her, and she will guard you.

⁷Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom.

And whatever you may acquire,^a gain understanding.

⁸Prize her, and she will exalt you;

if you embrace her, she will honor you.

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

she will present you with a crown of beauty.”

¹⁰Listen, my son, and receive my words,

and the years of your life will be many.

¹¹I will guide you in the way of wisdom;

I will lead you on straight paths.

¹²When you walk, your steps will not be impeded;

when you run, you will not stumble.

¹³Hold on to instruction; do not let go.

Guard it, for it is your life.