The King James Version Bible

Proverbs 4:1-14

  1. Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

  2. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.

  3. For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.

  4. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

  5. Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

  6. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.

  7. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

  8. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

  9. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

  10. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.

  11. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

  12. When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

  13. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

  14. Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.