Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. | Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. |
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. | Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. |
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My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. | Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. |
I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. | I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. |
My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart. | My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart. |
Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. | Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. |
Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. | Put away from you a deceitful mouth, And put perverse lips far from you. |
Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. | Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you. |
Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. | Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. |
Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. | Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil. |