Proverbs 3
Trust the Lord
1My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands;23for they will bring you many days, a full life, and well-being.4
5Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Tie them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.6
7Then you will find favor and high regard with God and people.8
9Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;10
11in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.12
13Don’t be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.14
15This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones.16
17Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first produce of your entire harvest;18
19then your barns will be completely filled, and your vats will overflow with new wine.20
21Do not despise the Lord’s instruction, my son, and do not loathe his discipline;22
23for the Lord disciplines the one he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.24
Wisdom Brings Happiness
25Happy is a man who finds wisdom and who acquires understanding,2627for she is more profitable than silver, and her revenue is better than gold.28
29She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire can equal her.30
31Long life is in her right hand; in her left, riches and honor.32
33Her ways are pleasant, and all her paths, peaceful.34
35She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who hold on to her are happy.36
37The Lord founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding.38
39By his knowledge the watery depths broke open, and the clouds dripped with dew.40
41Maintain sound wisdom and discretion. My son, don’t lose sight of them.42
43They will be life for you and adornment for your neck.44
45Then you will go safely on your way; your foot will not stumble.46
47When you lie down, you will not be afraid; you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant.48
49Don’t fear sudden danger or the ruin of the wicked when it comes,50
51for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from a snare.52
Treat Others Fairly
53When it is in your power, don’t withhold good from the one to whom it belongs.5455Don’t say to your neighbor, “Go away! Come back later. I’ll give it tomorrow” — when it is there with you.56
57Don’t plan any harm against your neighbor, for he trusts you and lives near you.58
59Don’t accuse anyone without cause, when he has done you no harm.60
61Don’t envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;62
63for the devious are detestable to the Lord, but he is a friend to the upright.64
65The Lord’s curse is on the household of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous;66
67He mocks those who mock but gives grace to the humble.68
69The wise will inherit honor, but he holds up fools to dishonor.70