[1] My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart.
[2] If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying.
[3] Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart.
[4] Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.
[5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
[6] Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
[7] Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
[8] Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.
[9] Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.
[10] Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.
[11] My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
[12] For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.
[13] Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.
[14] For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold.
[15] Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
[16] She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left.
[17] She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying.
[18] Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.
[19] By wisdom the Lord founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens.
[20] By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky.
[21] My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them,
[22] for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace.
[23] They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble.
[24] You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly.
[25] You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
[26] for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
[27] Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them.
[28] If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”
[29] Don’t plot harm against your neighbor, for those who live nearby trust you.
[30] Don’t pick a fight without reason, when no one has done you harm.
[31] Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways.
[32] Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord, but he offers his friendship to the godly.
[33] The Lord curses the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright.
[34] The Lord mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble.
[35] The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame!