Trust the LORD
1 My son, don’t forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commands; f
many days, a full life, M,g and well-being. h
3 Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you.
Tie them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart. i
4 Then you will find favor and high regard
with God and people. j
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, k
and do not rely on your own understanding; l
and he will make your paths straight. m
7 Don’t be wise in your own eyes; n
fear the LORD and turn away from evil. o
8 This will be healing for your body N,p
and strengthening for your bones. q
9 Honor the LORD with your possessions
and with the first produce of your entire harvest; r
10 then your barns will be completely filled,
and your vats will overflow with new wine. s
11 Do not despise the LORD’S instruction, my son,
and do not loathe his discipline; t
12 for the LORD disciplines the one he loves,
just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights. u
Wisdom Brings Happiness
13 Happy is a man who finds wisdom v
and who acquires understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver,
and her revenue is better than gold. w
15 She is more precious than jewels; x
nothing you desire can equal her. y
16 Long life O is in her right hand;
in her left, riches and honor. z
17 Her ways are pleasant, a
and all her paths, peaceful.
18 She is a tree of life b to those who embrace her,
and those who hold on to her are happy.
19 The LORD founded the earth by wisdom c
and established the heavens by understanding.
20 By his knowledge the watery depths broke open, d
and the clouds dripped with dew. e
21 Maintain sound wisdom and discretion.
My son, don’t lose sight of them. f
22 They will be life for you P,g
and adornment Q for your neck.
23 Then you will go safely on your way;
your foot will not stumble. h
24 When you lie R down, you will not be afraid; i
you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant.
or the ruin of the wicked when it comes, j
26 for the LORD will be your confidence S
and will keep your foot from a snare. k
Treat Others Fairly
27 When it is in your power, T
don’t withhold good l from the one to whom it belongs.
28 Don’t say to your neighbor, “Go away! Come back later.
I’ll give it tomorrow”—when it is there with you. m
29 Don’t plan any harm against your neighbor, n
for he trusts you and lives near you.
30 Don’t accuse anyone without cause, o
when he has done you no harm.
31 Don’t envy a violent man p
or choose any of his ways;
32 for the devious are detestable to the LORD,
but he is a friend U to the upright. q
33 The LORD’S curse is on the household of the wicked, r
but he blesses the home of the righteous;
but gives grace to the humble. s
35 The wise will inherit honor,
but he holds up fools to dishonor. V