Proverbs 4

All 27 verses in the Clear Bible Translation. Tap a verse to compare the KJV and read what it means.

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1. 1Listen, children, to a father's instruction, and pay attention so that you may know understanding.
2. 2For I give you good instruction; do not abandon my law.
3. 3For I was my father's son, tender and the only beloved in my mother's sight.
4. 4He taught me also, and said to me, 'Let your heart retain my words; keep my commandments, and live.'
5. 5Get wisdom, get understanding. Do not forget it, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
6. 6Do not abandon her, and she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you.
7. 7Wisdom is the most important thing; therefore, get wisdom. And with all your acquiring, gain understanding.
8. 8Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor when you embrace her.
9. 9She will place on your head an ornament of grace; she will present you with a crown of glory.
10. 10Listen, my son, and accept my words, and the years of your life will be many.
11. 11I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you on right paths.
12. 12When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble.
13. 13Take firm hold of instruction; don't let her go. Keep her, for she is your life.
14. 14Don't enter the path of the wicked, and don't go in the way of evil men.
15. 15Avoid it, do not go near it, turn away from it, and keep going.
16. 16They cannot sleep unless they have done mischief, and they lose sleep unless they cause someone to fall.
17. 17For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the wine of violence.
18. 18But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shines more and more to the perfect day.
19. 19The way of the wicked is like darkness; they don't know what they stumble at.
20. 20My son, pay attention to my words; listen closely to what I say.
21. 21Don't let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart.
22. 22For they bring life to those who find them, and health to their whole body.
23. 23Guard your heart with all diligence, for out of it flow the issues of life.
24. 24Put away from you a crooked mouth, and put perverse lips far from you.
25. 25Let your eyes look right on, and let your eyelids look straight before you.
26. 26Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.
27. 27Do not turn to the right or to the left; keep your foot away from evil.