Proverbs 3:13–35

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.

²⁷Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. ²⁸Never tell your neighbours to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now. ²⁹Don’t plan anything that will hurt your neighbours; they live beside you, trusting you. ³⁰Don’t argue with others for no reason when they have never done you any harm. ³¹Don’t be jealous of violent people or decide to act as they do, ³²because the Lord hates people who do evil, but he takes righteous people into his confidence. ³³The Lord puts a curse on the homes of the wicked, but blesses the homes of the righteous. ^34*He has no use for conceited people, but shows favour to those who are humble. ³⁵Wise people will gain an honourable reputation, but stupid people will only add to their own disgrace.