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3:1  My son, do not forget my teaching, but cherish my commandments in your heart,
3:2  for they will bring you length of days, more years of life, and an abundance of prosperity.
3:3  Do not let kindness and fidelity leave you; fasten them around your neck and inscribe them on the tablet of your heart.
3:4  Then you will gain favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
3:5  Trust wholeheartedly in the Lord rather than relying on your own intelligence.
3:6  In everything you do, acknowledge him, and he will see that your paths are straight.
3:7  Do not pride yourself on your own wisdom; fear the Lord and turn your back on evil.
3:8  This will provide healing for your flesh and restore strength to your body.
3:9  Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops.
3:10  Then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
3:11  My son, do not ignore the Lord’s discipline or refuse to accept his rebuke.
3:12  For the Lord disciplines those whom he loves, just as a father chastises a beloved son.
3:13  Blessed is the person who has found wisdom, the one who has gained understanding.
3:14  For she is far more valuable than silver, and her revenue is greater than that of gold.
3:15  She is more precious than pearls, and nothing that you desire can compare with her.
3:16  In her right hand is length of days; in her left hand, riches and honor.
3:17  Her ways are pleasant to follow, and all her paths lead to peace.
3:18  She is a tree of life to all who embrace her, and blessed are all who hold her fast.
3:19  By his wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations; by his understanding he established the heavens.
3:20  Through his knowledge the depths broke open and the clouds dropped down dew.
3:21  My son, without letting them slip out of your sight safeguard sound wisdom and prudence.
3:22  They will give life to your soul and provide adornment for your neck.
3:23  Then you will proceed on your way securely, and your feet will avoid stumbling.
3:24  When you lie down, you will not be afraid, and on your bed your sleep will be sweet.
3:25  Have no fear of sudden terror or of the destruction that overtakes the wicked.
3:26  For the Lord will be your assurance and will keep your feet from the trap.
3:27  Do not withhold kindness from anyone to whom it is due when it is in your power to grant it.
3:28  Do not say to your neighbor, “Go away and come back again; I will repay you tomorrow,” when you can give him what is owed right then.
3:29  Do not plot any evil against your neighbor who is living in peace beside you.
3:30  Do not quarrel with someone without cause when that person has done you no harm.
3:31  Do not envy a violent man or choose to emulate any of his ways.
3:32  For the perverse man is an abomination to the Lord whose friendship is bestowed only upon the upright.
3:33  The curse of the Lord falls on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the abode of the righteous.
3:34  He shows only disdain to those who are scornful, but he showers his kindness on the humble.
3:35  Glory is the crown given to the wise; fools inherit nothing but disgrace.