‏ Proverbs 3

More Good Things Come From Wisdom

1My son, do not forget my teaching.
Keep my commands in your heart.
2They will help you live for many years.
They will bring you peace and success.

3Don’t let love and truth ever leave you.
Tie them around your neck.
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4Then you will find favor and a good name
in the eyes of God and people.

5Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Do not depend on your own understanding.
6In all your ways obey him.
Then he will make your paths smooth and straight.

7Don’t be wise in your own eyes.
Have respect for the Lord and avoid evil.
8That will bring health to your body.
It will make your bones strong.

9Honor the Lord with your wealth.
Give him the first share of all your crops.
10Then your storerooms will be so full they can’t hold everything.
Your huge jars will spill over with fresh wine.

11My son, do not hate the Lord’s training.
Do not object when he corrects you.
12The Lord trains those he loves.
He is like a father who trains the son he is pleased with.

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 take hold of her.
Those who hold her close 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, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight.
Hold on to good sense and the understanding of what is right.
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 will be at your side.
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 already have something to give.
Don’t say to your neighbor,
“Come back tomorrow.
I’ll give it to you then.”

29Don’t plan to harm your neighbor.
He lives near you and trusts you.
30Don’t bring charges against anyone for no reason.
They have not harmed you.

31Don’t be jealous of a person who hurts others.
Don’t choose any of their 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 makes fun of proud people who make fun of others.
But he gives grace to those who are humble and treated badly.
35Wise people receive honor.
But foolish people get only shame.