Proverbs 4:1

Listen, children, ²  to a father’s instruction, ³  and pay attention so that ⁴  you may gain ⁵  discernment.

Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

Hear, O sons, the instruction of a father, And give attention that you may gain understanding,

My children, listen to me. Listen to your father’s instruction. Pay attention and grow wise,

Listen, friends, to some fatherly advice; sit up and take notice so you'll know how to live.

Give ear, my sons, to the teaching of a father; give attention so that you may have knowledge:

Listen, children, to a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight;

Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding;

Listen, children, ²  to a father’s instruction, ³  and pay attention so that ⁴  you may gain ⁵  discernment.

¹ sn The chapter includes an exhortation to acquire wisdom (1-4a), a list of the benefits of wisdom (4b-9), a call to pursue a righteous lifestyle (10-13), a warning against a wicked lifestyle (14-19), and an exhortation to righteousness (20-27).

² tn Heb “sons.”

³ tn Heb “discipline.”

⁴ tn The Qal infinitive construct with preposition ל (lamed) indicates the purpose/result of the preceding imperative.

⁵ tn Heb “know” (so KJV, ASV).