Guidance for the Young

3 My son, do not forget my law,

aBut let your heart keep my commands;

2 For length of days and long life

And bpeace they will add to you.

3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;

cBind them around your neck,

dWrite them on the tablet of your heart,

4 eAnd so find favor and 1high esteem

In the sight of God and man.

5 fTrust in the Lord with all your heart,

gAnd lean not on your own understanding;

6 hIn all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He shall 2direct your paths.

7 Do not be wise in your own ieyes;

Fear the Lord and depart from evil.

8 It will be health to your 3flesh,

And jstrength 4to your bones.

9 kHonor the Lord with your possessions,

And with the firstfruits of all your increase;

10 lSo your barns will be filled with plenty,

And your vats will overflow with new wine.

11 mMy son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,

Nor detest His correction;

12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects,

nJust as a father the son in whom he delights.

13 oHappy is the man who finds wisdom,

And the man who gains understanding;

14 pFor her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,

And her gain than fine gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies,

And qall the things you may desire cannot compare with her.

16 rLength of days is in her right hand,

In her left hand riches and honor.

17 sHer ways are ways of pleasantness,

And all her paths are peace.

18 She is ta tree of life to those who take hold of her,

And happy are all who 5retain her.

19 uThe Lord by wisdom founded the earth;

By understanding He established the heavens;

20 By His knowledge the depths were vbroken up,

And clouds drop down the dew.

21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes—

Keep sound wisdom and discretion;

22 So they will be life to your soul

And grace to your neck.

23 wThen you will walk safely in your way,

And your foot will not stumble.

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

Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.

25 xDo not be afraid of sudden terror,

Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;

26 For the Lord will be your confidence,

And will keep your foot from being caught.

27 yDo not withhold good from 6those to whom it is due,

When it is in the power of your hand to do so.

28 zDo not say to your neighbor,

“Go, and come back,

And tomorrow I will give it,”

When you have it with you.

29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor,

For he dwells by you for safety’s sake.

30 aDo not strive with a man without cause,

If he has done you no harm.

31 bDo not envy the oppressor,

And choose none of his ways;

32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord,

cBut His secret counsel is with the upright.

33 dThe curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,

But eHe blesses the home of the just.

34 fSurely He scorns the scornful,

But gives grace to the humble.

35 The wise shall inherit glory,

But shame shall be the legacy of fools.