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.

19 The Lord founded the earth by wisdoml

and established the heavens by understanding.

20 By his knowledge the watery depths broke open,m

and the clouds dripped with dew.n

21 Maintain sound wisdom and discretion.

My son, don’t lose sight of them.o

22 They will be life for youB,p

and adornmentC for your neck.

23 Then you will go safely on your way;

your foot will not stumble.q

24 When you lieD down, you will not be afraid;r

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,s

26 for the Lord will be your confidenceE

and will keep your foot from a snare.t

TREAT OTHERS FAIRLY

27 When it is in your power,F

don’t withhold goodu from the one to whom it belongs.

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

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

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

for he trusts you and lives near you.

30 Don’t accuse anyone without cause,x

when he has done you no harm.

31 Don’t envy a violent many

or choose any of his ways;

32 for the devious are detestable to the Lord,

but he is a friendG to the upright.z

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

but he blesses the home of the righteous;

34 He mocks those who mock

but gives grace to the humble.ab

35 The wise will inherit honor,

but he holds up fools to dishonor.H