Proverbs 4:1-4

Admonition to Follow Righteousness and Avoid Wickedness

4:1 Listen, children, to a father’s instruction,

and pay attention so that you may gain discernment.

4:2 Because I give you good instruction,

do not forsake my teaching.

4:3 When I was a son to my father,

a tender only child before my mother,

4:4 he taught me, and he said to me:

“Let your heart lay hold of my words;

keep my commands so that you will live.

Proverbs 4:20-22

4:20 My child, pay attention to my words;

listen attentively to my sayings.

4:21 Do not let them depart from your sight,

guard them within your heart;

4:22 for they are life to those who find them

and healing to one’s entire body.