Proverbs 3:13–35

¹³Blessed is the one who finds wisdom.

Blessed is the one who gains understanding.

¹⁴Wisdom pays better than silver does.

She earns more than gold does.

¹⁵She is worth more than rubies.

Nothing you want can compare with her.

¹⁶Long life is in her right hand.

In her left hand are riches and honor.

¹⁷Her ways are pleasant ways.

All her paths lead to peace.

¹⁸She is a tree of life to those who hold her close.

Those who hold on to her will be blessed.

¹⁹By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations.

Through understanding he set the heavens in place.

²⁰By his knowledge the seas were separated,

and the clouds dropped their dew.

²¹My son, hold on to good sense and the understanding of what is right.

Don’t let them out of your sight.

²²They will be life for you.

They will be like a gracious necklace around your neck.

²³Then you will go on your way in safety.

You will not trip and fall.

²⁴When you lie down, you won’t be afraid.

When you lie down, you will sleep soundly.

²⁵Don’t be terrified by sudden trouble.

Don’t be afraid when sinners are destroyed.

²⁶The Lord is the one you will trust in.

He will keep your feet from being caught in a trap.

²⁷Don’t hold back good from those who are worthy of it.

Don’t hold it back when you can help.

²⁸Suppose you have something to give.

Don’t say to your neighbor,

“Come back later.

I’ll give it to you tomorrow.”

²⁹Don’t plan to harm your neighbor.

He lives near you and trusts you.

³⁰Don’t bring charges against a man without any reason.

He has not harmed you.

³¹Don’t be jealous of a man who hurts others.

Don’t choose any of his ways.

³²The Lord really hates sinful people.

But he makes honest people his closest friends.

³³The Lord puts a curse on the houses of sinners.

But he blesses the homes of those who do what is right.

³⁴He laughs at proud people who make fun of others.

But he gives grace to those who are not proud.

³⁵Wise people receive honor.

But the Lord puts foolish people to shame.