CHAPTER 3
1My son, do not forget my teaching,
and let your heart keep my commands.
2For length of days and years of life
and peace they will add for you.
3Kindness and truth will not forsake you.
write them on your heart’s tablet,
4and find favor and good regard
in the eyes of God and man.
5Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your discernment.
6Through all your ways know Him,
and He will make your paths straight.
7Do not be wise in your own eyes,
fear the LORD and swerve from evil.
8Let it be healing for your flesh
and a balm to your bones.
9Honor the LORD more than your wealth
and than the first fruits of your crop,
10and your barns will be filled with abundance,
your vats will burst with new wine.
11The LORD’s reproof, my son, do not spurn,
and do not despise His rebuke.
12For whom the LORD loves He rebukes,
and like a father his son, regards him kindly.
13Happy the man who has found wisdom,
and the man who acquires discernment.
14For her worth is better than silver’s worth,
and her yield better than fine gold.
15More precious is she than rubies,
and all your cherished things could not equal her.
16Length of days are in her right hand,
in her left hand wealth and honor.
17Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
18A tree of life is she to those who grasp her,
and those who hold her are deemed happy.
19The LORD through wisdom founded earth,
set heavens firm through discernment.
20Through His knowledge the deeps burst open,
and the skies dripped dew.
21My son, let these things not slip away from your eyes,
keep prudence and cunning,
22and they will be life to your neck
and grace to your throat.
23Then you shall walk secure on your way,
and your foot shall not be bruised.
24If you lie down, you shall not be afraid.
You shall lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet.
25You shall not fear any sudden fright,
nor the plight of the wicked when it comes.
26For the LORD will be your trust,
and will guard your foot from the snare.
27Don’t hold back bounty from him who earned it
when it’s within your hand’s power to perform.
28Don’t say to your friend, “Go and come back,
and tomorrow I’ll give,” when you have it.
29Don’t plot harm against your fellow,
when he dwells secure alongside you.
30Don’t quarrel with a man for no reason
if he has done you no harm.
31Don’t envy a man of violence
and don’t choose any of his ways.
32For a crooked man is the LORD’s loathing,
and the upright are His intimates.
33The LORD’s blight is on the house of the wicked,
and the abode of the righteous He blesses.
34As for the scoffers, He scoffs at them,
but to the humble He grants favor.
35The wise inherit honor,