Instruction passed from father to son

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DisciplineFamily1Listen, my sons, to a father`s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

Discipline2I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.

Family3For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother.

Discipline4Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.

Wisdom5Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.

Wisdom6Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.

Wisdom7The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

Wisdom8Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.

Wisdom9She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”

The path of the righteous shines brighter

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Discipline10Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.

Wisdom11I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.

Wisdom12When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.

Discipline13Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

Wisdom14Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers.

Wisdom15Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.

Wisdom16For they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make someone stumble.

Justice17They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.

Wisdom18The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

Wisdom19But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.

Guard your heart above all else

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Discipline20My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words.

Discipline21Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;

Discipline22for they are life to those who find them and health to one`s whole body.

Desire23Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Speech24Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

Wisdom25Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you.

Wisdom26Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways.

Wisdom27Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.

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