Acquire wisdom and gain understanding; never forget or turn aside from my words. | Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. |
The beginning of wisdom is: acquire wisdom, and no matter what the cost, acquire understanding. | The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. |
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Listen, my son, and take my words to heart, and the years of your life will be multiplied. | Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. |
I have instructed you in the ways of wisdom and led you along the paths of righteousness. | I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. |
My son, concentrate attentively on my words; pay heed to the instructions I pass on to you. Do not let them slip from your mind; keep them forever in your heart. | My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart. |
Guard your heart with all possible vigilance, for from it flow the wellsprings of life. | Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. |
Turn away from the mouth that deceives and keep your distance from lips that mislead. | Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. |
Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze on what lies before you. | Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. |
Ensure that the path you tread is level, and then your ways will be sure. | Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. |
Do not swerve either to the right or to the left; keep your foot far from evil. | Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil. |