Proverbs
Chapter 4

1] Hear, O children, a father's instruction, be attentive, that you may gain understanding!
2] Yes, excellent advice I give you; my teaching do not forsake.
3] When I was my father's child, frail, yet the darling of my mother,
4] He taught me, and said to me: "Let your heart hold fast my words: keep my commands, that you may live!
5] "Get wisdom, get understanding! Do not forget or turn aside from the words I utter.
6] Forsake her not, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will safeguard you;
7] The beginning of wisdom is: get wisdom; at the cost of all you have, get understanding.
8] Extol her, and she will exalt you; she will bring you honors if you embrace her;
9] She will put on your head a graceful diadem; a glorious crown will she bestow on you."
10] Hear, my son, and receive my words, and the years of your life shall be many.
11] On the way of wisdom I direct you, I lead you on straightforward paths.
12] When you walk, your step will not be impeded, and should you run, you will not stumble.
13] Hold fast to instruction, never let her go; keep her, for she is your life.
14] The path of the wicked enter not, walk not on the way of evil men;
15] Shun it, cross it not, turn aside from it, and pass on.
16] For they cannot rest unless they have done evil; to have made no one stumble steals away their sleep.
17] For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
18] But the path of the just is like shining light, that grows in brilliance till perfect day.
19] The way of the wicked is like darkness; they know not on what they stumble.
20] My son, to my words be attentive, to my sayings incline your ear;
21] Let them not slip out of your sight, keep them within your heart;
22] For they are life to those who find them, to man's whole being they are health.
23] With closest custody, guard your heart, for in it are the sources of life.
24] Put away from you dishonest talk, deceitful speech put far from you.
25] Let your eyes look straight ahead and your glance be directly forward.
26] Survey the path for your feet, and let all your ways be sure.
27] Turn neither to right nor to left, keep your foot far from evil.


Source: http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/proverbs/proverb4.htm