Proverbs 4:5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17-21, 24, 27

“Get [skillful and godly] wisdom! Acquire understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

“The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skillful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]! And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]. [James 1:5]

¶Hear, my son, and accept my sayings, And the years of your life will be many.

When you walk, your steps will not be impeded [for your path will be clear and open]; And when you run, you will not stumble.

Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not go the way of evil men.

For they eat the bread of wickedness And drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just (righteous) is like the light of dawn, That shines brighter and brighter until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day. [2 Sam 23:4; Matt 5:14; Phil 2:15] The way of the wicked is like [deep] darkness; They do not know over what they stumble. [John 12:35] ¶My son, pay attention to my words and be willing to learn; Open your ears to my sayings. Do not let them escape from your sight; Keep them in the center of your heart.

Put away from you a deceitful (lying, misleading) mouth, And put devious lips far from you.

Do not turn away to the right nor to the left [where evil may lurk]; Turn your foot from [the path of] evil.