Proverbs 3

1My son, do not forget my teaching, and let your heart keep my commandments.

2For they will add length of days, years of life, and peace to you.

3Do not let unfailing love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

4You will find favor and good sense in the eyes of God and people.

5Place your trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.

6Know him in all your ways, and he will straighten your paths.

7Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear Yahweh and turn from evil.

8It will be healing to your body and marrow to your bones.

9Honor Yahweh with your wealth and with the first of all your produce.

10Your barns will be filled with abundance, and your winepresses will burst with new wine.

11My son, do not despise Yahweh's chastening, nor resent his correction.

12For whom Yahweh loves, he chastens—even as a father the son in whom he delights.

13Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding.

14For her profit is better than silver's profit, and her revenue better than refined gold.

15She is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire equals her.

16Length of days is in her right hand; riches and honor in her left.

17Her ways are ways of delight, and all her paths are peace.

18She is a tree of life to those who grasp her, and blessed are those who uphold her.

19Yahweh founded the earth by wisdom; by understanding he established the heavens.

20By his knowledge the depths broke open, and the clouds drip dew.

21My son, do not let them depart from your eyes; guard sound wisdom and prudence.

22They will be life to your soul and favor to your neck.

23Then you will walk securely on your path, and your foot will not stumble.

24When you lie down, you will not be afraid, and when you lie down, your sleep will be pleasant.

25Do not fear sudden terror, nor the destruction of the wicked when it comes.

26For Yahweh will be your confidence and will guard your foot from capture.

27Do not withhold good from its owners when it is in the power of your hand to do it.

28Do not say to your neighbor, to your companion, "Go and come back tomorrow; I will give it," when you have it with you.

29Do not plot evil against your neighbor while he dwells securely beside you.

30Do not quarrel with a man causelessly if he has not repaid you evil.

31Do not envy a violent man, nor choose any of his ways.

32For the perverse is an abomination to Yahweh, but his counsel is with the upright.

33Yahweh's curse is in the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.

34He scorns the scoffers, but gives grace to the afflicted and the humble.

35The wise inherit honor, but shame exalts fools.