Proverbs 3
1 My son, do not forget my teaching; let your heart keep my commands.
2 For they will add long days, years of life, and peace to you.
3 May steadfast love and faithfulness never leave you; tie them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will find favor and a good name in the eyes of God and people.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not rely on your own understanding.
6 Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
8 This will bring health to your body and refreshment to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest.
10 Then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My son, do not reject the LORD’s discipline; do not resent his rebuke.
12 For the LORD corrects the one he loves, as a father corrects a son who is dear to him.
13 Happy is the person who finds wisdom, the person who gains understanding.
14 For her profit is better than the profit of silver, and her yield is better than gold.
15 She is more precious than pearls, and nothing you desire compares with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who hold fast to her; happy is the one who holds her tightly.
19 The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding.
20 By his knowledge the depths burst open, and the clouds drip with dew.
21 My son, do not let these things slip from your sight; keep sound judgment and discretion.
22 They will be life to you and grace for your neck.
23 Then you will walk safely on your way, and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant.
25 Do not fear sudden terror or the ruin of the wicked when it comes.
26 For the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the trap.
27 Do not withhold good from someone who is entitled to it, when it is in your power to do it.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go and come back later; I’ll give it to you tomorrow,” when you already have it with you.
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives securely beside you.
30 Do not quarrel with anyone without cause, if they have done you no harm.
31 Do not envy a violent man; choose none of his ways.
32 For the wayward person is detestable to the LORD, but he shares his counsel with the upright.
33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 He mocks those who mock, but gives favor to the humble.
35 The wise inherit honor, but fools bring shame upon themselves.
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