^{1 Ref} Give ear, my sons, to the teaching of a father; give attention so that you may have knowledge:

^{2 Ref} For I give you good teaching; do not give up the knowledge you are getting from me.

^{3 Ref} For I was a son to my father, a gentle and an only one to my mother.

^{4 Ref} And he gave me teaching, saying to me, Keep my words in your heart; keep my rules so that you may have life:

^{5 Ref} Get wisdom, get true knowledge; keep it in memory, do not be turned away from the words of my mouth.

^{6 Ref} Do not give her up, and she will keep you; give her your love, and she will make you safe.

^{7 Ref} The first sign of wisdom is to get wisdom; go, give all you have to get true knowledge.

^{8 Ref} Put her in a high place, and you will be lifted up by her; she will give you honour, when you give her your love.

^{9 Ref} She will put a crown of grace on your head, giving you a head-dress of glory.

^{10 Ref} Give ear, O my son, and let your heart be open to my sayings; and long life will be yours.

^{11 Ref} I have given you teaching in the way of wisdom, guiding your steps in the straight way.

^{12 Ref} When you go, your way will not be narrow, and in running you will not have a fall.