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.
4:5 Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding;
do not forget and do not turn aside from the words I speak.
4:6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
love her, and she will guard you.
4:7 Wisdom is supreme – so acquire wisdom,
and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding!
4:8 Esteem her highly and she will exalt you;
she will honor you if you embrace her.
4:9 She will place a fair garland on your head;
she will bestow a beautiful crown on you.”
4:10 Listen, my child, and accept my words,
so that the years of your life will be many.
4:11 I will guide you in the way of wisdom
and I will lead you in upright paths.
4:12 When you walk, your steps will not be hampered,
and when you run, you will not stumble.
4:13 Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
protect it, because it is your life.