Proverbs 3:1-35

¹My son, don't forget my instructions. Always keep my commands in mind.

²Then you will live a long time, and have a full life.

³Hold on to kindness and truth. Tie them around your neck; write them in your mind.

⁴That way you'll gain a good reputation and be appreciated by both God and people.

⁵Put your trust totally in the Lord—don't rely on what you think you know!

⁶Remember him in everything you do, and he'll show you the right way.

⁷Don't think you're wise—respect God and avoid evil.

⁸Then you will have healed and be made strong.

⁹Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all the crops you grow.

¹⁰Then your barns will be filled with produce, and your vats will overflow with new wine.

¹¹My son, don't reject the Lord's discipline or resent it when he corrects you,

¹²for the Lord corrects those he loves, as a father corrects a son who pleases him.

¹³Happy are those who find wisdom and gain understanding,

¹⁴for wisdom is worth more than silver, and pays better than gold.

¹⁵She is more valuable than rubies—everything you could ever want just doesn't compare!

¹⁶She offers long life in one hand, and riches and honor in the other.

¹⁷She brings true happiness, and leads to peaceful prosperity.

¹⁸Wisdom is a tree of life to everyone who embraces her, blessing those who accept her.

¹⁹It was through wisdom that the Lord created the earth, and through understanding he set the heavens in place.

²⁰It was through his knowledge the waters of the deep were broken open, and the clouds sent down the dew.

²¹My son, hold on to good judgment and wise decisions—don't let them out of your sight,

²²for they will be life to you, and an ornament for your neck.

²³You will be able to walk confidently on your way, and you won't trip up.

²⁴When you rest, you won't be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

²⁵You won't be afraid of a sudden panic, or of disasters that hit the wicked,

²⁶for the Lord will be the one you can trust in, and he will prevent you being caught in a trap.

²⁷Don't hold back good from those who deserve it when it's something you have the power to do.

²⁸Don't tell your neighbor, “Go away. Come back tomorrow and then I'll give it to you,” when you've already got it.

²⁹Don't plan to harm your neighbor who lives nearby and trusts you.

³⁰Don't quarrel with anybody for no reason, when they haven't done anything to hurt you.

³¹Don't be jealous of violent people—don't choose to follow their example!

³²For the Lord hates deceitful people, but he is a friend to those who do what is good.

³³The houses of the wicked are cursed by the Lord, but he blesses the homes of those who live right.

³⁴He mocks those who mock, but he is kind to the humble.

³⁵The wise will receive honor, but fools are held up in disgrace.