Proverbs
3 My son, do not forget my teaching,*
And may your heart observe my commandments,
2 Because they will add many days
And years of life and peace to you.+
3 Do not let loyal love and faithfulness* leave you.+
Tie them around your neck;
Write them on the tablet of your heart;+
4 Then you will find favor and good insight
In the eyes of God and man.+
7 Do not become wise in your own eyes.+
Fear Jehovah and turn away from bad.
8 It will be a healing to your body*
And refreshment for your bones.
9 Honor Jehovah with your valuable things,+
With the firstfruits* of all your produce;*+
10 Then your storehouses will be completely filled,+
And your vats* will overflow with new wine.
11 My son, do not reject the discipline of Jehovah,+
And do not loathe his reproof,+
12 For those whom Jehovah loves he reproves,+
Just as a father does a son in whom he delights.+
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom+
And the man who acquires discernment;
14 To gain it is better than gaining silver,
And having it as profit is better than having gold.+
15 It is more precious than corals;*
Nothing you desire can compare to it.
16 Long life is in its right hand;
Riches and glory are in its left hand.
17 Its ways are pleasant,
And all its paths are peaceful.+
18 It is a tree of life to those who take hold of it,
And those who keep firm hold of it will be called happy.+
19 Jehovah founded the earth in wisdom.+
He solidly established the heavens in discernment.+
20 By his knowledge the watery deeps were split apart
And the cloudy skies dripped with dew.+
21 My son, do not lose sight of them.*
Safeguard practical wisdom and thinking ability;
22 They will give you* life
And be an adornment for your neck;
23 Then you will walk on your way in safety,
26 For Jehovah will prove to be your source of confidence;+
He will keep your foot from being caught.+
28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go away; come back later! I will give it to you tomorrow,”
If you can give it now.
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor+
When he lives in a sense of security with you.
31 Do not envy the violent man+
Nor choose any of his ways,
32 For Jehovah detests a devious person,+
But His close friendship is with the upright.+
33 The curse of Jehovah is on the house of the wicked one,+
But he blesses the home of the righteous.+
35 The wise will inherit honor,
But the stupid ones glorify dishonor.+