Proverbs 3:13–35

¹³Happy is the one^g who finds wisdom,

and one who obtains understanding.

¹⁴For her^h income is better than the income of silver,

and her revenue than that of gold.

¹⁵She is more precious than rubies,

and all your desires shall not compare with her.

¹⁶Length of days is in her right hand;

in her left hand are riches and honor.

¹⁷Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

and all her paths are peace.

¹⁸She is a tree of life for those who seize her;

those who take hold of her are considered happy.

Role of Wisdom in Creation and Society

¹⁹Yahweh in wisdom founded the earth;

he established the heavens in understanding.

²⁰With his knowledge, depths broke open,

and clouds dropped dew.

²¹My child, may theyⁱ not escape from your sight;^j

may you keep sound wisdom and prudence.

²²They shall be life for your soul^k

and adornment^l for your neck.

²³Then you will walk in the confidence of your ways,

and your foot will not stumble.

²⁴If you sit down, you will not panic,^m

and if you lie down, then your sleep shall be sweet.

²⁵Do not be afraid of sudden panic,ⁿ

or the storm of wickedness that will come.

²⁶Yahweh will be your confidence^o

and guard your foot from capture.

²⁷Do not withhold good from its owner^p

when it is in the power of your hand to do.

²⁸Do not say to your neighbor,

“Go and return and tomorrow I will give it,”

when it is with you.^q

²⁹Do not plot harm against your neighbor

who dwells in confidence beside you.

³⁰Do not quarrel with anyone without cause,

when he did not do you harm.

³¹Do not envy a man of violence,

and do not choose any of his ways,

³²for he who is perverse is an abomination of Yahweh,

but those who are upright are his confidence.

³³The curse of Yahweh is on the house of the wicked,

and the abode of the righteous ones he blesses.

³⁴With those who scorn, he is scornful,

but to those who are humble, he gives favor.

³⁵They will inherit the honor of the wise,

but stubborn fools, disgrace.