1 Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction.
    Pay attention and know understanding;
² for I give you sound learning.
    Don’t forsake my law.
³ For I was a son to my father,
    tender and an only child in the sight of my mother.
⁴ He taught me, and said to me:
    “Let your heart retain my words.
    Keep my commandments, and live.
⁵ Get wisdom.
    Get understanding.
    Don’t forget, and don’t deviate from the words of my mouth.
⁶ Don’t forsake her, and she will preserve you.
    Love her, and she will keep you.
⁷ Wisdom is supreme.
    Get wisdom.
    Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding.
⁸ Esteem her, and she will exalt you.
    She will bring you to honor when you embrace her.
⁹ She will give to your head a garland of grace.
    She will deliver a crown of splendor to you.”