Proverbs 3

1 My son, do not forget my commands and keep my teachings in your heart,⋮

2 for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.⋮

3 Do not let covenant faithfulness and trustworthiness ever leave you, tie them together about your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.⋮

4 Then you will find favor and a good reputation in the sight of God and man.⋮

5 Trust in Yahweh with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding;⋮

6 in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.⋮

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

8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment for your body.⋮

9 Honor Yahweh with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce,⋮

10 and your storehouses will be filled up and your vats will be bursting, full of new wine.⋮

11 My son, do not despise Yahweh's instruction and do not hate his rebuke,⋮

12 for Yahweh disciplines those he loves, as a father deals with a son who pleases him.⋮

13 The one who finds wisdom is blessed; he also gets understanding.⋮

14 What you gain from wisdom is better than what silver will give in return and its profit is better than gold.⋮

15 Wisdom is more precious than jewels and nothing you desire can compare to her.⋮

16 She has length of days in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.⋮

17 Her ways are ways of kindness and all her paths are peace.⋮

18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of it, those who hold on to it are happy.⋮

19 By wisdom Yahweh founded the earth, by understanding he established the heavens.⋮

20 By his knowledge the depths broke open and the clouds dropped their dew.⋮

21 My son, keep sound judgment and discernment, and do not lose sight of them.⋮

22 They will be life to your soul and an adornment of favor to wear around your neck.⋮

23 Then you will walk on your way in safety and your foot will not stumble;⋮

24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.⋮

25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror or devastation caused by the wicked, when it comes,⋮

26 for Yahweh will be on your side and will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.⋮

27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.⋮

28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give it,” when you have the money with you.⋮

29 Do not make a plan to harm your neighbor— the one who lives close and trusts you.⋮

30 Do not argue with a person without a reason, when he has done nothing to harm you.⋮

31 Do not envy a violent person or choose any of his ways.⋮

32 For the devious person is detestable to Yahweh, but he brings the upright person into his confidence.⋮

33 The curse of Yahweh is on the house of the wicked person, but he blesses the home of righteous people.⋮

34 He mocks mockers, but he gives his favor to humble people.⋮

35 Wise people inherit honor, but fools will be lifted up in their shame.⋮