Gather yourselves together, and hear, you sons of Jacob; and hearken unto Israel your father.
Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:
Come, you children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
What man is he that desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good?
Hearken unto your father that begat you, and despise not your mother when she is old.
My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways.
My son, be attentive to my wisdom, and incline your ear to my understanding:
My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not the law of your mother:
My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with you.
Hearken unto me now therefore, O you children, and attend to the words of my mouth.
Now therefore hearken unto me, O you children: for blessed are they that keep my ways.
All you, assemble yourselves, and hear; who among them has declared these things? The LORD has loved him: he will do his pleasure on Babylon, and his arm shall be on the Chaldeans.