Proverbs 4:1-27 1 Listen, children, to a father's instruction, and pay attention so that you may gain discernment. 2 Because I give you good instruction, do not forsake my teaching. 3 When I was a son to my father, a tender only child before my mother, 4 he taught me, and he said to me: "Let your heart lay hold of my words; keep my commands so that you will live. 5 Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding; do not forget and do not turn aside from the words I speak. 6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will guard you. 7 Wisdom is supreme - so acquire wisdom, and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding! 8 Esteem her highly and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. 9 She will place a fair garland on your head; she will bestow a beautiful crown on you." 10 Listen, my child, and accept my words, so that the years of your life will be many. 11 I will guide you in the way of wisdom and I will lead you in upright