Proverbs 4

Dad’s turn to talk

1  Listen, children, to what your dad wants to teach you.
Pay attention so you can learn something.
2  What I’m about to give you is solid instruction.
Don’t tune me out.
3  When I was my dad’s little boy,
Just a little squirt, and my mom’s only son,
4  Dad taught me. He said,
“Park these words in your head, and keep them there.
Obey my rules and they’ll protect you; you’ll live longer.
5  Get yourself some wisdom. Grow smarter.
I’m talking to you. So, don’t tune me out or forget these words.
6  Lady Wisdom will protect you, so don’t walk away from her.
Love this lady and she’ll look after you.

Wisdom starts here

7  Here’s where wisdom starts: get some of it.
As you accumulate stuff, make sure some of it is good judgment.
8  Treat Lady Wisdom like a queen and she’ll lift you up.
Welcome her into your life and she’ll bring you honor.
9  She’ll crown you with kindness.
She’ll clothe you in beauty.”

Live this kind of life

10  Listen, my child, and do as I say.
You’ll live a long life if you do.
11  I’ve pointed you to wisdom,
And I’ve shown you how to live honorably.
12  As you walk through life, you’ll have a clear path.
If you decide to run, you won’t get tripped up.
13  Latch onto what I’m teaching you. Don’t let go.
Guard this insight. Your life depends on it.
14  There’s a trail the bad folks take. Don’t take it.
Do not jump onto that path.
15  Avoid it. Don’t go anywhere near it.
Go in the opposite direction, then keep going.
16  Bad folks have to do something bad before they go to bed.
They can’t sleep until they’ve turned a good person in the wrong direction.
17  They feed on evil.
They drink violence.
18  The life of a good soul shines like the sun.
The further into the day, the brighter the light.
19  The life of a bad soul is like the dark of night.
These folks fall without even knowing what tripped them.
20  My child, listen to what I’m saying.
Tune those ears to my voice.
21  Don’t forget what I’m saying.
Park these words in your head and keep them there.
22  These words save lives.
These words produce good health.

Protect your heart

23  Guard your mind most of all.
It decides where you’ll go with your life.
24  Don’t let your mouth lie.
In fact, don’t say anything deceptive.
25  Keep your eyes on where you’re going.
Keep them front and center, focused tight.
26  Keep your feet walking in the right direction,
You’ll get where you’re going, then.
27  Don’t veer left or right into the weeds.
Keep your feet from walking you into trouble.