Trust the Lord

3 My son, don’t forget my teaching,

but let your heart keep my commands; s

2 for they will bring you

many days, a full life, t u and well-being. v

3 Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you.

Tie them around your neck;

write them on the tablet of your heart. w

4 Then you will find favor and high regard

in the sight of God and man. x

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, y

and do not rely on your own understanding; z

6 think about Him in all your ways,

and He will guide you on the right paths. a b

7 Don’t consider yourself to be wise; c

* fear the Lord and turn away from evil. d

8 This will be healing for your body e f

and strengthening for your bones. g

9 Honor the Lord with your possessions

and with the first produce of your entire harvest; h

10 then your barns will be completely filled,

and your vats will overflow with new wine. i

11 Do not despise the Lord’s instruction, my son,

and do not loathe His discipline; j

12 for the Lord disciplines the one He loves,

just as a father, the son he delights in. k

Wisdom Brings Happiness

13 Happy is a man who finds wisdom l

and who acquires understanding,

14 for she is more profitable than silver,

and her revenue is better than gold. m

15 She is more precious than jewels; n

nothing you desire compares with her. o

16 Long life p is in her right hand;

in her left, riches and honor. q

17 Her ways are pleasant, r

and all her paths, peaceful.

18 She is a tree of life s to those who embrace her,

and those who hold on to her are happy.

19 The Lord founded the earth by wisdom t

and established the heavens by understanding.

20 By His knowledge the watery depths broke open, u

and the clouds dripped with dew. v

21 Maintain your competence and discretion.

My son, don’t lose sight of them. w

22 They will be life for you x y z

and adornment a for your neck.

23 Then you will go safely on your way;

your foot will not stumble. b

24 When you lie c down, you will not be afraid; d

you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant.

25 Don’t fear sudden danger

or the ruin of the wicked when it comes, e

26 for the Lord will be your confidence f

and will keep your foot from a snare. g

Treat Others Fairly

27 When it is in your power, h

don’t withhold good i from the one it belongs to.

28 Don’t say to your neighbor, “Go away! Come back later.

I’ll give it tomorrow”—when it is there with you. j

29 Don’t plan any harm against your neighbor, k

for he trusts you and lives near you.

30 Don’t accuse anyone without cause, l

when he has done you no harm.

31 Don’t envy a violent man m

or choose any of his ways;

32 for the devious are detestable to the Lord,

but He is a friend n to the upright. o

33 The Lord’s curse is on the household of the wicked, p

but He blesses the home of the righteous;

34 He mocks those who mock,

but gives grace to the humble. q

35 The wise will inherit honor,

but He holds up fools to dishonor. r