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

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

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

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

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

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.

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Then he taught me, and he said to me,
    “Take hold(A) of my words with all your heart;
    keep my commands, and you will live.(B)
Get wisdom,(C) get understanding;
    do not forget my words or turn away from them.
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;(D)
    love her, and she will watch over you.(E)
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get[a] wisdom.
    Though it cost all(F) you have,[b] get understanding.(G)
Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
    embrace her, and she will honor you.(H)
She will give you a garland to grace your head
    and present you with a glorious crown.(I)

10 Listen, my son,(J) accept what I say,
    and the years of your life will be many.(K)
11 I instruct(L) you in the way of wisdom
    and lead you along straight paths.(M)
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
    when you run, you will not stumble.(N)
13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
    guard it well, for it is your life.(O)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 4:7 Or Wisdom is supreme; therefore get
  2. Proverbs 4:7 Or wisdom. / Whatever else you get