Proverbs
|
|
English: New American Standard Bible |
|
Proverbs 4 [Commentary]
|
1. |
Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father, And give attention that you may gain understanding,
|
2. |
For I give you sound teaching; Do not abandon my instruction.
|
3. |
When I was a son to my father, Tender and the only son in the sight of my mother,
|
4. |
Then he taught me and said to me, "Let your heart hold fast my words; Keep my commandments and live;
|
5. |
Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
|
6. |
"Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you.
|
7. |
"The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding.
|
8. |
"Prize her, and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her.
|
9. |
"She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty."
|
10. |
Hear, my son, and accept my sayings And the years of your life will be many.
|
11. |
I have directed you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths.
|
12. |
When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; And if you run, you will not stumble.
|
13. |
Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life.
|
14. |
Do not enter the path of the wicked And do not proceed in the way of evil men.
|
15. |
Avoid it, do not pass by it; Turn away from it and pass on.
|
16. |
For they cannot sleep unless they do evil; And they are robbed of sleep unless they make someone stumble.
|
17. |
For they eat the bread of wickedness And drink the wine of violence.
|
18. |
But the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until the full day.
|
19. |
The way of the wicked is like darkness; They do not know over what they stumble.
|
20. |
My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.
|
21. |
Do not let them depart from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart.
|
22. |
For they are life to those who find them And health to all their body.
|
23. |
Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.
|
24. |
Put away from you a deceitful mouth And put devious speech far from you.
|
25. |
Let your eyes look directly ahead And let your gaze be fixed straight in front of you.
|
26. |
Watch the path of your feet And all your ways will be established.
|
27. |
Do not turn to the right nor to the left; Turn your foot from evil.
|
|
|
NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE
Copyright (C) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by:
THE LOCKMAN FOUNDATION
LA HABRA, CA 90631
A Corporation Not for Profit
All Rights Reserved
|