1Listen, friends, to some fatherly advice; sit up and take notice so you'll know how to live.
2I'm giving you good counsel; don't let it go in one ear and out the other.
3When I was a boy at my father's knee, the pride and joy of my mother,
4He would sit me down and drill me: "Take this to heart. Do what I tell you—live!
5Sell everything and buy Wisdom! Forage for Understanding! Don't forget one word! Don't deviate an inch!
6Never walk away from Wisdom—she guards your life; love her—she keeps her eye on you.
7Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding!
8Throw your arms around her—believe me, you won't regret it; never let her go—she'll make your life glorious.
9She'll garland your life with grace, she'll festoon your days with beauty."
10Dear friend, take my advice; it will add years to your life.
11I'm writing out clear directions to Wisdom Way, I'm drawing a map to Righteous Road.
12I don't want you ending up in blind alleys, or wasting time making wrong turns.
13Hold tight to good advice; don't relax your grip. Guard it well—your life is at stake!
14Don't take Wicked Bypass; don't so much as set foot on that road.
15Stay clear of it; give it a wide berth. Make a detour and be on your way.
16Evil people are restless unless they're making trouble; They can't get a good night's sleep unless they've made life miserable for somebody.
17Perversity is their food and drink, violence their drug of choice.
18The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine.
19But the road of wrongdoing gets darker and darker— travelers can't see a thing; they fall flat on their faces.
20Dear friend, listen well to my words; tune your ears to my voice.
21Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart!
22Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul, they're bursting with health.
23Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts.
24Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.
25Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions.
26Watch your step, and the road will stretch out smooth before you.
27Look neither right nor left; leave evil in the dust.