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1.
Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.
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2.
I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.
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3.
When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother,
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4.
he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.
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5.
Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.
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6.
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
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7.
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
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8.
Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.
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9.
She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor."
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10.
Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.
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11.
I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.
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12.
When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble.
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13.
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.
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14.
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men.
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15.
Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.
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16.
For they cannot sleep till they do evil; they are robbed of slumber till they make someone fall.
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17.
They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
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18.
The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
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19.
But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.
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20.
My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words.
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21.
Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
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22.
for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.
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23.
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
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24.
Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
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25.
Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you.
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26.
Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm.
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27.
Do not swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.
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