[1] My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;
[2] for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life.
[3] Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
[4] Then you will find favor and high regard 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 will make your paths straight.
[7] Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
[8] This will bring healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.
[9] Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest;
[10] then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
[11] My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke;
[12] for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.
[13] Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding,
[14] for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold.
[15] She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.
[16] Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
[17] All her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful.
[18] She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed.
[19] The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding.
[20] By His knowledge the watery depths were broken open, and the clouds dripped with dew.
[21] My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment.
[22] They will be life to your soul and adornment to 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 rest, your sleep will be sweet.
[25] Do not fear sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
[26] for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare.
[27] Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act.
[28] Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”— when you already have the means.
[29] Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he trustfully dwells beside you.
[30] Do not accuse a man without cause, when he has done you no harm.
[31] Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;
[32] for the LORD detests the perverse, but He is a friend to the upright.
[33] The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous.
[34] He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.
[35] The wise will inherit honor, but fools are held up to shame.