^{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.

^{13 Ref} Take learning in your hands, do not let her go: keep her, for she is your life.

^{14 Ref} Do not go in the road of sinners, or be walking in the way of evil men.

^{15 Ref} Keep far from it, do not go near; be turned from it, and go on your way.

^{16 Ref} For they take no rest till they have done evil; their sleep is taken away if they have not been the cause of someone's fall.

^{17 Ref} The bread of evil-doing is their food, the wine of violent acts their drink.

^{18 Ref} But the way of the upright is like the light of early morning, getting brighter and brighter till the full day.

^{19 Ref} The way of sinners is dark; they see not the cause of their fall.

^{20 Ref} My son, give attention to my words; let your ear be turned to my sayings.

^{21 Ref} Let them not go from your eyes; keep them deep in your heart.

^{22 Ref} For they are life to him who gets them, and strength to all his flesh.

^{23 Ref} And keep watch over your heart with all care; so you will have life.