| 1 | My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; |
| 2 | for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you. |
| 3 | Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. |
| 4 | So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and of people. |
| 5 | Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. |
| 6 | In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. |
| 7 | Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. |
| 8 | It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body. |
| 9 | Honor the LORD with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; |
| 10 | then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. |
| 11 | My child, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof, |
| 12 | for the LORD reproves the one he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. |
| 13 | Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding, |
| 14 | for her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold. |
| 15 | She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. |
| 16 | Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. |
| 17 | Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. |
| 18 | She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called happy. |
| 19 | The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; |
| 20 | by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew. |
| 21 | My child, do not let these escape from your sight: keep sound wisdom and prudence, |
| 22 | and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. |
| 23 | Then you will walk on your way securely and your foot will not stumble. |
| 24 | If you sit down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. |
| 25 | Do not be afraid of sudden panic, or of the storm that strikes the wicked; |
| 26 | for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. |
| 27 | Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. |
| 28 | Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it” — when you have it with you. |
| 29 | Do not plan harm against your neighbor who lives trustingly beside you. |
| 30 | Do not quarrel with anyone without cause, when no harm has been done to you. |
| 31 | Do not envy the violent and do not choose any of their ways; |
| 32 | for the perverse are an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in his confidence. |
| 33 | The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the abode of the righteous. |
| 34 | Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he shows favor. |
| 35 | The wise will inherit honor, but stubborn fools, disgrace. |