Proverbs 3

1My son, do not forget my teaching. Let your heart keep my commands,

2because they will add many years to your life, and bring you peace.

3Do not let mercy and truth leave you. Tie them around your neck; write them on your heart.

4Then you will find favor and a good name in the sight of God and people.

5Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not depend on your own understanding.

6In all your ways, honor the LORD, and the LORD will make your paths straight.

7Do not think you are wise in your own eyes. Respect the LORD, and turn away from evil.

8This will bring health to your body and refreshment to your bones.

9Honor the LORD with your wealth, and with the first and best part of everything you produce,

10then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your wine barrels will overflow with new wine.

11My son, do not reject the LORD's discipline, and do not be tired of the LORD's correction,

12because the LORD corrects the one the LORD loves, just as a father corrects the son he delights in.

13Happy is the person who finds wisdom, the person who gains understanding.

14Wisdom is worth more than silver and brings a better profit than fine gold.

15Wisdom is more precious than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with her.

16Long life is in her right hand; riches and honor are in her left hand.

17Her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful.

18She is a tree of life to those who hold on to her, and happy is everyone who keeps her close.

19By wisdom the LORD laid the foundations of the earth; by understanding the LORD set the heavens in place.

20By the LORD's knowledge the deep waters were divided, and the clouds drop down dew.

21My son, do not let sound wisdom and good judgment out of your sight; hold on to them,

22and they will be life for your soul and a graceful ornament around your neck.

23Then you will walk on your way safely, and your foot will not stumble.

24When you lie down, you will not be afraid; you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.

25Do not be afraid of sudden terror, or of the trouble that comes on wicked people, when it comes,

26because the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

27Do not hold back good from people who deserve it, when it is in your power to help them.

28Do not say to your neighbor, Go away and come back, I will give it to you tomorrow, when you already have it with you.

29Do not make plans to hurt your neighbor, because your neighbor lives near you and trusts you.

30Do not start an argument for no reason with someone who has done you no harm.

31Do not envy a violent person, and do not choose to live like they do,

32because the LORD hates a dishonest person, but the LORD is close with honest people.

33The LORD's curse is on the house of wicked people, but the LORD blesses the home of honest people.

34The LORD mocks those who mock others, but the LORD gives favor to humble people.

35Wise people will inherit honor, but fools will be promoted to shame.