[1] My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my
commandments; [2] for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare
will they give you. [3] Let not loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind
them about 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 man. [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] Be
not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. [8] It
will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. [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 son, do not despise the LORD's discipline or be
weary of his reproof, [12] for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a
father the son in whom he delights. [13] Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
and the man who gets understanding, [14] for the gain from it is better
than gain from silver and its profit 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 forth,
and the clouds drop down the dew. [21] My son, keep sound wisdom and
discretion; let them not escape from your sight, [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 ruin of the wicked, when it comes; [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 evil against your neighbor who dwells trustingly beside you. [30] Do
not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. [31] Do
not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways; [32] for the
perverse man is 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 fools get disgrace.
