Proverbs 3

Guidance for the Young

1 My son, do not forget my law, My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands;2 For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you.3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart,4  And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase;10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction;12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold.15 She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.16 Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor.17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens;20 By His knowledge the depths were broken 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 Then 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 Do 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 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so. 28 Do 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 safetys sake.30 Do not strive with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm.31 Do not envy the oppressor, And choose none of his ways;32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, But His secret counsel is with the upright.33 The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just.34 Surely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble.35 The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools.

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.