2.2 KiB
A Father's Example
Chapter 4
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Listen, sons, to a father's discipline, and pay attention so that you may gain understanding,
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for I am giving you good instruction. Don't abandon my teaching.
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When I was a son with my father, tender and precious to my mother,
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he taught me and said, "Your heart must hold on to my words. Keep my commands and live.
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Get wisdom, get understanding; don't forget or turn away from the words from my mouth.
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Don't abandon wisdom, and she will watch over you; love her, and she will guard you.
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Wisdom is supreme--so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding.
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Cherish her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you.
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She will place a garland of favor on your head; she will give you a crown of beauty." Two Ways of Life
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Listen, my son. Accept my words, and you will live many years.
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I am teaching you the way of wisdom; I am guiding you on straight paths.
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When you walk, your steps will not be hindered; when you run, you will not stumble.
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Hold on to instruction; don't let go. Guard it, for it is your life.
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Keep off the path of the wicked; don't proceed on the way of evil ones.
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Avoid it; don't travel on it. Turn away from it, and pass it by.
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For they can't sleep unless they have done what is evil; they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.
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They eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
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The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.
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But the way of the wicked is like the darkest gloom; they don't know what makes them stumble.
The Straight Path
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My son, pay attention to my words; listen closely to my sayings.
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Don't lose sight of them; keep them within your heart.
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For they are life to those who find them, and health to one's whole body.
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Guard your heart above all else, for it is the source of life.
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Don't let your mouth speak dishonestly, and don't let your lips talk deviously.
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Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead.
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Carefully consider the path for your feet, and all your ways will be established.
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Don't turn to the right or to the left; keep your feet away from evil.