Proverbs 3

1My son, do not forget my instruction; let your heart hold on to my commands,

2for they will give you more length of days, more years of life, and more peace.

3Never let loyalty and faithfulness depart from you; fasten them around your neck; inscribe them on the tablet of your heart.

4So you will find favor and be highly regarded in the eyes of God and people.

5Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and do not depend on your own understanding.

6In all your ways know him, and he will make your paths smooth.

7Do not be wise in your own sight; fear Yahweh and keep away from evil.

8It will be medicine for your body and a refreshing drink for your bones.

9Honor Yahweh with your possessions and with the firstfruits of everything you harvest;

10then your storehouses will be packed full, and your vats will burst with new wine.

11My son, do not refuse Yahweh’s discipline, and do not recoil from his correction,

12for Yahweh corrects the one he loves, like a father with the son he delights in.

13Blessed is anyone who finds wisdom, anyone who acquires understanding,

14for trading in her is better than trading in silver, and what she produces is better than fine gold.

15She is more valuable than pearls; nothing you long for can equal her.

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

17Her ways are ways of delight, and every one of her paths is peace.

18She is a tree of life for those who grasp her; whoever clings to her is blessed.

19With wisdom Yahweh laid the foundation of the earth; with understanding he set the heavens firmly in place.

20Through his knowledge the depths burst open and the clouds drip dew.

21My son, do not let them drift from your sight; guard practical wisdom and discretion,

22and they will be life for your soul and a thing of grace around your neck.

23Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not trip.

24If you lie down, you will not be terrified; you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant.

25Have no fear of sudden terror or of the devastation of the wicked when it comes,

26for Yahweh will be the one you rely on, and he will guard your foot from the trap.

27Do not keep good from its rightful owners when it is within your power to do it.

28Do not tell your neighbor, “Go away and come back; I will give it tomorrow,” when you have it on hand.

29Do not scheme to harm your neighbor while he is living securely beside you.

30Do not pick a fight with anyone for no reason if they have not done you harm.

31Do not envy someone who is violent, and do not choose any path he takes,

32for Yahweh detests the crooked, but his close counsel is with the upright.

33The curse of Yahweh is in the wicked person’s house, but the home of the righteous he blesses.

34He mocks the mockers, but he shows favor to the humble.

35Honor is the inheritance of the wise, but fools carry away disgrace.