1 Hear, my sons, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding: 2 For I give you good doctrine; forsake ye not my law. 3 For I was a son unto my father, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. 4 And he taught me, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words; keep my commandments, and live: 5 Get wisdom, get understanding; forget it not, neither decline from the words of my mouth: 6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee; love her, and she shall keep thee.