Proverbs 3

1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,

2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and humankind.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.

8 This will bring health to your body
and nourishment to your bones.

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;

10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine.

11 My son, do not despise the Lord ’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,

12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.

13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,

14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.

16 Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.

17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;
those who hold her fast will be blessed.

19 By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations,
by understanding he set the heavens in place;

20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided,
and the clouds let drop the dew.

21 My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,
preserve sound judgment and discretion;

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

23 Then you will go on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble.

24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

26 for the Lord will be at your side
and will keep your foot from being snared.

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to act.

28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—
when you already have it with you.

29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you.

30 Do not accuse anyone for no reason—
when they have done you no harm.

31 Do not envy the violent
or choose any of their ways.

32 For the Lord detests the perverse
but takes the upright into his confidence.

33 The Lord ’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.

34 He mocks proud mockers
but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.

35 The wise inherit honor,
but fools get only shame.

PROVERBS 3

Trust God

1 My child, remember
my teachings and instructions
and obey them completely.

2 They will help you live
a long and prosperous life.

3 Let love and loyalty
always show like a necklace,
and write them in your mind.

4  t God and people will like you
and hold you in high esteem.

5 With all your heart
you must trust the [Lord]
and not your own judgment.

6 Always let him lead you,
and he will clear the road
for you to follow.

7  t Don't ever think that you
are wise enough,
but respect the [Lord]
and stay away from evil.

8 This will make you healthy,
and you will feel strong.

9 Honor the [Lord] by giving him
your money and the first part
of all your crops.

10 Then you will have
more grain and grapes
than you will ever need.

11  t t My child, don't turn away
or become bitter
when the [Lord] corrects you.

12  t The [Lord] corrects
everyone he loves,
just as parents correct
a child they dearly love.

The Value of Wisdom

13 God blesses everyone
who has wisdom
and common sense.

14 Wisdom is worth more
than silver;
it makes you much richer
than gold.

15 Wisdom is more valuable
than precious jewels;
nothing you want
compares with her.

16 In her right hand
Wisdom holds a long life,
and in her left hand
are wealth and honor.

17 Wisdom makes life pleasant
and leads us safely along.

18 Wisdom is a life-giving tree,
the source of happiness
for all who hold on to her.

19 By his wisdom and knowledge
the [Lord] created
heaven and earth.

20 By his understanding
he let the ocean break loose
and clouds release the rain.

21 My child, use common sense
and sound judgment!
Always keep them in mind.

22 They will help you to live
a long and beautiful life.

23 You will walk safely
and never stumble;

24 you will rest without a worry
and sleep soundly.

25 So don't be afraid
of sudden disasters
or storms that strike
those who are evil.

26 You can be sure that the [Lord]
will protect you from harm.

27  t Do all you can for everyone
who deserves your help.

28 Don't tell your neighbor
to come back tomorrow,
if you can help today.

29 Don't try to be mean
to neighbors who trust you.

30 Don't argue just to be arguing,
when you haven't been hurt.

31 Don't be jealous
of cruel people
or follow their example.

32 The [Lord] doesn't like
anyone who is dishonest,
but he lets good people
be his friends.

33 He places a curse on the home
of everyone who is evil,
but he blesses the home
of every good person.

34  t The [Lord] sneers at those
who sneer at him,
but he is kind to everyone
who is humble.

35 You will be praised
if you are wise,
but you will be disgraced
if you are a stubborn fool.