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