Proverbs 3 / 31
- 1My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
- 2for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
- 3Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
- 4Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
- 5Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
- 6in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
- 7Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
- 8This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
- 9Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
- 10then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
- 11My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke,
- 12because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
- 13Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding,
- 14for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
- 15She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
- 16Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
- 17Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.
- 18She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
- 19By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place;
- 20by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.
- 21My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;
- 22they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.
- 23Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble;
- 24when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
- 25Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
- 26for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.
- 27Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
- 28Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"- when you now have it with you.
- 29Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.
- 30Do not accuse a man for no reason- when he has done you no harm.
- 31Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways,
- 32for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.
- 33The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
- 34He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.
- 35The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.