^{1 Ref} Hear, ye sons, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding.

^{2 Ref} For good learning I have given to you, My law forsake not.

^{3 Ref} For, a son I have been to my father -- tender, And an only one before my mother.

^{4 Ref} And he directeth me, and he saith to me: `Let thy heart retain my words, Keep my commands, and live.

^{5 Ref} Get wisdom, get understanding, Do not forget, nor turn away From the sayings of my mouth.

^{6 Ref} Forsake her not, and she doth preserve thee, Love her, and she doth keep thee.

^{7 Ref} The first thing `is' wisdom -- get wisdom, And with all thy getting get understanding.

^{8 Ref} Exalt her, and she doth lift thee up, She honoureth thee, when thou dost embrace her.

^{9 Ref} She giveth to thy head a wreath of grace, A crown of beauty she doth give thee freely.

^{10 Ref} Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And years of life `are' multiplied to thee.

^{11 Ref} In a way of wisdom I have directed thee, I have caused thee to tread in paths of uprightness.

^{12 Ref} In thy walking thy step is not straitened, And if thou runnest, thou stumblest not.