Proverbs 3:1–26

Trusting in the Lord

¹My child, never forget the things I have taught you.

Store my commands in your heart.

²If you do this, you will live many years,

and your life will be satisfying.

³Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!

Tie them around your neck as a reminder.

Write them deep within your heart.

⁴Then you will find favor with both God and people,

and you will earn a good reputation.

⁵Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

⁶Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take.

⁷Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.

Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

⁸Then you will have healing for your body

and strength for your bones.

⁹Honor the Lord with your wealth

and with the best part of everything you produce.

¹⁰Then he will fill your barns with grain,

and your vats will overflow with good wine.

¹¹My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,

and don’t be upset when he corrects you.

¹²For the Lord corrects those he loves,

just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

¹³Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,

the one who gains understanding.

¹⁴For wisdom is more profitable than silver,

and her wages are better than gold.

¹⁵Wisdom is more precious than rubies;

nothing you desire can compare with her.

¹⁶She offers you long life in her right hand,

and riches and honor in her left.

¹⁷She will guide you down delightful paths;

all her ways are satisfying.

¹⁸Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;

happy are those who hold her tightly.

¹⁹By wisdom the Lord founded the earth;

by understanding he created the heavens.

²⁰By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,

and the dew settles beneath the night sky.

²¹My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.

Hang on to them,

²²for they will refresh your soul.

They are like jewels on a necklace.

²³They keep you safe on your way,

and your feet will not stumble.

²⁴You can go to bed without fear;

you will lie down and sleep soundly.

²⁵You need not be afraid of sudden disaster

or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,

²⁶for the Lord is your security.

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