Proverbs 3
1My son, do not forget my commands 1 and keep my teachings in your heart, 1
2for length of days and years of life 1 and peace they will add to you. 1
3Do not let covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness ever leave you, 1 tie them together about your neck, 1 write them on the tablet of your heart. 1
4Then you will find favor and a good reputation 1 in the sight of God and man. 1
5Trust in Yahweh with all your heart 1 and do not lean on your own understanding; 1
6in all your ways acknowledge him 1 and he will make your paths straight. 1
7Do not be wise in your own eyes; 1 fear Yahweh and turn away from evil. 1
8It will be healing to your flesh 1 and refreshment for your body. 1
9Honor Yahweh with your wealth 1 and with the firstfruits of all your produce, 1
10and your storehouses will be filled up 1 and your vats will be bursting, full of new wine. 1
11My son, do not despise Yahweh's instruction 1 and do not hate his rebuke, 1
12for Yahweh disciplines those he loves, 1 as a father deals with a son who pleases him. 1
13The one who finds wisdom is blessed; 1 he also gets understanding. 1
14What you gain from wisdom is better than what silver will give in return 1 and its profit is better than gold. 1
15Wisdom is more precious than jewels 1 and nothing you desire can compare to her. 1
16She has length of days in her right hand; 1 in her left hand are riches and honor. 1
17Her ways are ways of kindness 1 and all her paths are peace. 1
18She is a tree of life to those who take hold of it, 1 those who hold on to it are happy. 1
19By wisdom Yahweh founded the earth, 1 by understanding he established the heavens. 1
20By his knowledge the depths broke open 1 and the clouds dropped their dew. 1
21My son, keep sound judgment and discernment, 1 and do not lose sight of them. 1
22They will be life to your soul 1 and an adornment of favor to wear around your neck. 1
23Then you will walk on your way in safety 1 and your foot will not stumble; 1
24when you lie down, you will not be afraid; 1 when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 1
25Do not be afraid of sudden terror 1 or devastation caused by the wicked, when it comes, 1
26for Yahweh will be on your side 1 and will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. 1
27Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, 1 when it is in your power to act. 1
28Do not say to your neighbor, 1 “Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give it,” 1 when you have the money with you. 1
29Do not make a plan to harm your neighbor— 1 the one who lives close and trusts you. 1
30Do not argue with a person without a reason, 1 when he has done nothing to harm you. 1
31Do not envy a violent person 1 or choose any of his ways. 1
32For the devious person is detestable to Yahweh, 1 but he brings the upright person into his confidence. 1
33The curse of Yahweh is on the house of the wicked person, 1 but he blesses the home of righteous people. 1
34He mocks mockers, 1 but he gives his favor to humble people. 1
35Wise people inherit honor, 1 but fools will be lifted up in their shame.