New English [1970], THE NEW ENGLISH BIBLE (OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS; CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE) [word count] [B16000].
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1 Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction,
consider attentively how to gain understanding;
2 for it is sound learning I give you;
so do not forsake my teaching.
3 I too have been a father's son,
tender in years, my mother's only child.
4 He taught me and said to me:
Hold fast to my words with all your heart,
-- --
Advice to the reader
keep my commands and you will have life.
5 noteDo not forget or turn a deaf ear to what I say.
7 The first thing note is to acquire wisdom;
gain understanding though it cost you all you have.
6 Do not forsake her, and she will keep you safe;
love her, and she will guard you;
8 cherish her, and she will lift you high;
if only you embrace her, she will bring you to honour.
9 She will set a garland of grace on your head
and bestow on you a crown of glory.
10 Listen, my son, take my words to heart,
and the years of your life shall be multiplied.
11 I will guide you in the paths of wisdom
and lead you in honest ways.
12 As you walk you will not slip,
and, if you run, nothing will bring you down.
13 Cling to instruction and never let it go;
observe it well, for it is your life.
14 Do not take to the course of the wicked
or follow the way of evil men;
15 do not set foot on it, but avoid it;
turn aside and go on your way.
16 For they cannot sleep unless they have done some wrong;
unless they have been someone's downfall they lose their sleep.
17 The bread they eat is the fruit of crime
and they drink wine got by violence.
18 The course of the righteous is like morning light,
growing brighter till it is broad day;
19 but the ways of the wicked are like darkness at night,
and they do not know what has been their downfall.
20 My son, attend to my speech,
pay heed to my words;
21 do not let them slip out of your mind,
keep them close in your heart;
22 for they are life to him who finds them,
and health to his whole body.
23 Guard your heart more than any treasure,
for it is the source of all life.
24 Keep your mouth from crooked speech
and your lips from deceitful talk.
-- --
Advice to the reader
25 Let your eyes look straight before you,
fix your gaze upon what lies ahead.
26 Look out for the path that your feet must take,
and your ways will be secure.
27 Swerve neither to right nor left,
and keep clear of every evil thing.
New English [1970], THE NEW ENGLISH BIBLE (OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS; CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE) [word count] [B16000].
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