“Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob; listen to your father Israel.
Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways,
Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.
“Now then, my children, listen to me; blessed are those who keep my ways.
Now then, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.
My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you.
My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
My son, pay attention to my wisdom, turn your ear to my words of insight,
“Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, the first sign of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power.
Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days,
“Come together, all of you, and listen: Which of the idols has foretold these things? The Lord’s chosen ally will carry out his purpose against Babylon; his arm will be against the Babylonians.