1 My son, do not forget mya Or lawteaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments; | |
2 For length of days and years of life
And peace they will add to you. | |
3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart. | |
4 So you will find favor and goodb Lit understandingrepute
In the sight of God and man. | |
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding. | |
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight. | |
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. | |
8 It will be healing to yourc Lit navelbody
And refreshment to your bones. | |
9 Honor the LORD from your wealth
And from the first of all your produce; | |
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty
And your vats will overflow with new wine. | |
11 My son, do not reject thed Or instructiondiscipline of the LORD
Or loathe His reproof, | |
12 For whom the LORD loves He reproves,
Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. | |
13 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom
And the man who gains understanding. | |
14 For her profit is better than the profit of silver
And her gain better than fine gold. | |
15 She is more precious thane Lit coralsjewels;
And nothing you desire compares with her. | |
16 f Lit Length of daysLong 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,
And happy are all who hold her fast. | |
19 The LORD by wisdom founded the earth,
By understanding He established the heavens. | |
20 By His knowledge the deeps were broken up
And the skies drip with dew. | |
21 My son, let them notg Lit departvanish from your sight;
Keep sound wisdom and discretion, | |
22 So they will be life to your soul
And adornment to your neck. | |
23 Then you will walk in your way securely
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 Do not be afraid of sudden fear
Nor of theh Lit stormonslaught of the wicked when it comes; | |
26 For the LORD will bei Or at your sideyour confidence
And will keep your foot from being caught. | |
27 Do not withhold good fromj Lit its ownersthose to whom it is due,
When it is in your power to do it. | |
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 harm against your neighbor,
While he lives securely beside you. | |
30 Do not contend with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm. | |
31 Do not envy a man of violence
And do not choose any of his ways. | |
32 For the devious are an abomination to the LORD;
Butk Lit His private counsel isHe is intimate with the upright. | |
33 The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the dwelling of the righteous. | |
34 Though He scoffs at the scoffers,
Yet He gives grace to the afflicted. | |
35 The wise will inherit honor,
But foolsl Lit raise highdisplay dishonor. | |
