Proverbs 3:1–26

Using Wisdom

¹My son, 

do not forget my teachings, 

and keep my commands in mind, 

²because they will bring you 

long life, good years, and peace. 

³Do not let mercy and truth leave you. 

Fasten them around your neck. 

Write them on the tablet of your heart. 

⁴Then you will find favor and much success 

in the sight of God and humanity. 

⁵Trust the Lord with all your heart, 

and do not rely on your own understanding. 

⁶In all your ways acknowledge him, 

and he will make your paths smooth.^a

⁷Do not consider yourself wise. 

Fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. 

⁸⸤Then⸥ your body will be healed, 

and your bones will have nourishment. 

⁹Honor the Lord with your wealth 

and with the first and best part of all your income.^b

¹⁰Then your barns will be full, 

and your vats will overflow with fresh wine. 

¹¹Do not reject the discipline of the Lord, my son, 

and do not resent his warning, 

¹²because the Lord warns the one he loves, 

even as a father warns a son with whom he is pleased. 

¹³Blessed is the one who finds wisdom 

and the one who obtains understanding. 

¹⁴The profit ⸤gained⸥ from ⸤wisdom⸥ is greater than 

the profit ⸤gained⸥ from silver. 

Its yield is better than fine gold. 

¹⁵⸤Wisdom⸥ is more precious than jewels, 

and all your desires cannot equal it. 

¹⁶Long life is in ⸤wisdom’s⸥ right hand. 

In ⸤wisdom’s⸥ left hand are riches and honor. 

¹⁷⸤Wisdom’s⸥ ways are pleasant ways, 

and all its paths lead to peace. 

¹⁸⸤Wisdom⸥ is a tree of life 

for those who take firm hold of it. 

Those who cling to it are blessed. 

¹⁹By Wisdom the Lord laid the foundation of the earth. 

By understanding he established the heavens. 

²⁰By his knowledge the deep waters were divided, 

and the skies dropped dew. 

²¹My son, 

do not lose sight of these things. 

Use priceless wisdom and foresight. 

²²Then they will mean life for you, 

and they will grace your neck. 

²³Then you will go safely on your way, 

and you will not hurt your foot. 

²⁴When you lie down, you will not be afraid. 

As you lie there, your sleep will be sweet. 

²⁵Do not be afraid of sudden terror 

or of the destruction of wicked people when it comes. 

²⁶The Lord will be your confidence. 

He will keep your foot from getting caught.