Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Hear, O children, a father’s counsel, and heed it to gain understanding,
For I offer sound wisdom; do not forsake my teaching.
Once I was my father’s child, tender, cherished by my mother.
He taught me, saying to my heart, “Cling to my words, keep my commands, and live.

[Verse 2]
Seek wisdom, pursue insight; forget not, nor stray from my words.
Do not abandon her; she will shield you; love her, she will guard you.
Wisdom is chief, seek wisdom! With all you gain, gain understanding.

[Chorus]
Hold on to wisdom, she will crown you with life,
A shield in the battle, a light in the night.
The path of the righteous shines brighter each day,
Till the fullness of morning drives darkness away.

[Verse 3]
Exalt her, and she will raise you high; embrace her, and she will bring you honor.
She will crown you with grace, and adorn you with a wreath of splendor.
Listen, my child, and take my words; your years of life will multiply.
I teach you the way of wisdom, and guide you on upright paths.

[Verse 4]
Your steps will not be hindered; your running will not falter.
Hold fast to instruction, never release it; guard it, for it is your life.
Do not tread the path of the wicked, nor walk the way of evil ones.
Avoid it, do not cross it; turn aside, and pass it by.

[Bridge]
They cannot sleep without evil; their rest flees unless they cause a fall.
They feed on the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.
But the righteous path shines like dawn, growing brighter to full day.
The wicked’s way is deep darkness; they know not what trips them.

[Chorus]
Hold on to wisdom, she will crown you with life,
A shield in the battle, a light in the night.
The path of the righteous shines brighter each day,
Till the fullness of morning drives darkness away.

[Verse 5]
My child, attend to my words; bend your ear to my sayings.
Keep them ever in your sight; store them deep in your heart.
They are life to those who find them, and healing to all their flesh.
Above all, guard your heart; from it flow the springs of life.

[Verse 6]
Banish crooked speech; cast far all devious talk.
Let your eyes look straight ahead, and your gaze fixed firmly forward.
Make level your foot’s path; let all your ways be sure.
Veer not right nor left; keep your foot from evil.

[Final Chorus]
Guard your heart, for life flows from within,
Keep your eyes on the Lord, turn away from sin.
The path of the righteous shines brighter each day,
Till the glory of Heaven drives darkness away.