Proverbs

¹HEAR, MY sons, the instruction of a father, and pay attention in order to gain and to know intelligent discernment, comprehension, and interpretation [of spiritual matters]. ²For I give you good doctrine [what is to be received]; do not forsake my teaching. ³When I [Solomon] was a son with my father [David], tender and the only son in the sight of my mother [Bathsheba], ⁴He taught me and said to me, Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live. [I Chron. 28:9; Eph. 6:4.] ⁵Get skillful and godly Wisdom, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation); do not forget and do not turn back from the words of my mouth. ⁶Forsake not [Wisdom], and she will keep, defend, and protect you; love her, and she will guard you.