1Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction;
pay attention and gain understanding.
2For I give you sound teaching;
do not abandon my directive.
3When I was a son to my father,
tender and the only child of my mother,
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, 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.
— Proverbs 4:1-13

Related Resources from Heartlight

Do not forsake wisdom, and she will...
Illustration of Proverbs 4:6

Illustration of Proverbs 4:6 -- Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.

I guide you in the way of wisdom and...
Illustration of Proverbs 4:11

Illustration of Proverbs 4:11 -- I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get...
Illustration of Proverbs 4:7

Illustration of Proverbs 4:7 -- Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.