Proverbs 3:1–26

Advice to Young Men

3Don’t forget what I teach you, my son. Always remember what I tell you to do. ²My teaching will give you a long and prosperous life. ³Never let go of loyalty and faithfulness. Tie them round your neck; write them on your heart. ^4*If you do this, both God and people will be pleased with you.

⁵Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. ⁶Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. ^7*Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong. ⁸If you do, it will be like good medicine, healing your wounds and easing your pains. ⁹Honour the Lord by making him an offering from the best of all that your land produces. ¹⁰If you do, your barns will be filled with grain, and you will have too much wine to be able to store it all.

^11*When the Lord corrects you, my son, pay close attention and take it as a warning. ^12*The Lord corrects those he loves, as parents correct a child of whom they are proud. ¹³Happy is anyone who becomes wise—who gains understanding. ¹⁴There is more profit in it than there is in silver; it is worth more to you than gold. ¹⁵Wisdom is more valuable than jewels; nothing you could want can compare with it. ¹⁶Wisdom offers you long life, as well as wealth and honour. ¹⁷Wisdom can make your life pleasant and lead you safely through it. ¹⁸Those who become wise are happy; wisdom will give them life.

¹⁹The Lord created the earth by his wisdom;

by his knowledge he set the sky in place.

²⁰His wisdom caused the rivers to flow and the clouds to give rain to the earth.

²¹Hold on to your wisdom and insight, my son. Never let them get away from you. ²²They will provide you with life—a pleasant and happy life. ²³You can go safely on your way and never even stumble. ²⁴You will not be afraid when you go to bed, and you will sleep soundly through the night. ²⁵You will not have to worry about sudden disasters, such as come on the wicked like a storm. ²⁶The Lord will keep you safe. He will not let you fall into a trap.