1Listen, sons, to a father's instruction. Pay attention and know understanding;¶ 2for I give you sound learning. 3For I was a son to my father, 4He taught me, and said to me: 5Get wisdom. 6Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you. 7Wisdom is supreme. 8Esteem her, and she will exalt you. 9She will give to your head a garland of grace. 10Listen, my son, and receive my sayings. 11I have taught you in the way of wisdom. 12When you go, your steps will not be hampered. 13Take firm hold of instruction. 14Do not enter into the path of the wicked. 15Avoid it, and do not pass by it. 16For they do not sleep, unless they do evil. 17For they eat the bread of wickedness, 18But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light, 19The way of the wicked is like darkness. 20My son, attend to my words. 21Let them not depart from your eyes. 22For they are life to those who find them, 23Keep your heart with all diligence, 24Put away from yourself a perverse mouth. 25Let your eyes look straight ahead. 26Make the path of your feet level. 27Do not turn to the right hand nor to the left.