TRUST THE LORD

3 My son, don’t forget my teaching,

but let your heart keep my commands;y

2 for they will bring you

many days, a full life,C,z and well-being.aa

3 Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you.

Tie them around your neck;

write them on the tablet of your heart.ab

4 Then you will find favor and high regard

with God and people.ac

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,ad

and do not rely on your own understanding;ae

6 in all your ways know him,

and he will make your paths straight.af

7 Don’t be wise in your own eyes;ag

fear the Lord and turn away from evil.ah

8 This will be healing for your bodyD,ai

and strengthening for your bones.aj

9 Honor the Lord with your possessions

and with the first produce of your entire harvest;a

10 then your barns will be completely filled,

and your vats will overflow with new wine.b

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

and do not loathe his discipline;c

12 for the Lord disciplines the one he loves,

just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.d

WISDOM BRINGS HAPPINESS

13 Happy is a man who finds wisdome

and who acquires understanding,

14 for she is more profitable than silver,

and her revenue is better than gold.f

15 She is more precious than jewels;g

nothing you desire can equal her.h

16 Long lifeA is in her right hand;

in her left, riches and honor.i

17 Her ways are pleasant,j

and all her paths, peaceful.

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

and those who hold on to her are happy.