Get wisdom. Get understanding. Don’t forget, and don’t deviate from the words of my mouth. | Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. |
Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding. | Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. |
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Listen, my son, and receive my sayings. The years of your life will be many. | My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life. |
I have taught you in the way of wisdom. I have led you in straight paths. | I will teach you wisdom’s ways and lead you in straight paths. |
My son, attend to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings. Let them not depart from your eyes. Keep them in the center of your heart. | 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. |
Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life. | Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. |
Put away from yourself a perverse mouth. Put corrupt lips far from you. | Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. |
Let your eyes look straight ahead. Fix your gaze directly before you. | Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. |
Make the path of your feet level. Let all of your ways be established. | Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. |
Don’t turn to the right hand nor to the left. Remove your foot from evil. | Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. |