1 My child, listen closely

to my teachings

and learn common sense.

2 My advice is useful,

so don't turn away.

3 When I was still very young

and my mother's favorite child,

my father 4 said to me:

"If you follow my teachings

and keep them in mind,

you will live.

5 Be wise and learn good sense;

remember my teachings

and do what I say.

6 "If you love Wisdom

and don't reject her,

she will watch over you.

7 The best thing about Wisdom

is Wisdom herself;

good sense is more important

than anything else.

8 If you value Wisdom

and hold tightly to her,

great honors will be yours.

9 It will be like wearing

a glorious crown

of beautiful flowers."

10 My child, if you listen

and obey my teachings,

you will live a long time.

11 I have shown you the way

that makes sense;

I have guided you

along the right path.

12 Your road won't be blocked,

and you won't stumble

when you run.

13 Hold firmly to my teaching

and never let go.

It will mean life for you.

14 Don't follow the bad example

of cruel and evil people.

15 Turn aside and keep going.

Stay away from them.

16 They can't sleep or rest

until they do wrong or harm

some innocent victim.

17 Their food and drink

are cruelty and wickedness.

18 The lifestyle of good people

is like sunlight at dawn

that keeps getting brighter

until broad daylight.

19 The lifestyle of the wicked

is like total darkness,

and they will never know

what makes them stumble.

20 My child, listen carefully

to everything I say.

21 Don't forget a single word,

but think about it all.

22 Knowing these teachings

will mean true life

and good health for you.

23 Carefully guard your thoughts

because they are the source

of true life.

24 Never tell lies or be deceitful

in what you say.

25 Keep looking straight ahead,

without turning aside.

26 * Know where you are headed,

and you will stay

on solid ground.

27 Don't make a mistake by turning

to the right or the left.