Advice to Young People
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.”
The Right Way and the Wrong Way
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. — Proverbs 4 | Contemporary English Version (CEV) Contemporary English Version Copyright © 1995 by American Bible Society. Cross References: Deuteronomy 5:32; Deuteronomy 11:21; Deuteronomy 32:2; 1 Samuel 2:30; 1 Samuel 12:23; 2 Samuel 22;37; 1 Chronicles 22:5; Psalm 1:1; Psalm 34:11; Psalm 36:4; Proverbs 1:2; Proverbs 1:9; Proverbs 2:2; Proverbs 2:11; Proverbs 3:1; Proverbs 3:8; Proverbs 3:21; Proverbs 8:23; Proverbs 13:2; Proverbs 19:1; Matthew 5:14; Luke 6:45; John 6:63; John 11:10; Ephesians 6:4; Hebrews 12:13
Proverbs 4 | Resources from Ligonier Ministries
