Trust the Lord
1My son, don’t forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commands;
2for they will bring you
many days, a full life, and well-being.
3Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you.
Tie them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4Then you will find favor and high regard
with God and people.
5Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding;
6in all your ways know him,
and he will make your paths straight.
7Don’t be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
8This will be healing for your body
and strengthening for your bones.
9Honor the Lord with your possessions
and with the first produce of your entire harvest;
10then your barns will be completely filled,
and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11Do not despise the Lord’s instruction, my son,
and do not loathe his discipline;
12for the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.
Wisdom Brings Happiness
13Happy is a man who finds wisdom
and who acquires understanding,
14for she is more profitable than silver,
and her revenue is better than gold.
15She is more precious than jewels;
nothing you desire can equal her.
16Long life is in her right hand;
in her left, riches and honor.
17Her ways are pleasant,
and all her paths, peaceful.
18She is a tree of life to those who embrace her,
and those who hold on to her are happy.
19The Lord founded the earth by wisdom
and established the heavens by understanding.
20By his knowledge the watery depths broke open,
and the clouds dripped with dew.
21Maintain sound wisdom and discretion.
My son, don’t lose sight of them.
22They will be life for you
and adornment for your neck.
23Then you will go safely on your way;
your foot will not stumble.
24When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant.
25Don’t fear sudden danger
or the ruin of the wicked when it comes,
26for the Lord will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from a snare.
Treat Others Fairly
27When it is in your power,
don’t withhold good from the one to whom it belongs.
28Don’t say to your neighbor, “Go away! Come back later.
I’ll give it tomorrow” — when it is there with you.
29Don’t plan any harm against your neighbor,
for he trusts you and lives near you.
30Don’t accuse anyone without cause,
when he has done you no harm.
31Don’t envy a violent man
or choose any of his ways;
32for the devious are detestable to the Lord,
but he is a friend to the upright.
33The Lord’s curse is on the household of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous;
34He mocks those who mock
but gives grace to the humble.
35The wise will inherit honor,
but he holds up fools to dishonor.