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.+

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.+

 5 Trust in Jehovah+ with all your heart,

And do not rely* on your own understanding.+

 6 In all your ways take notice of him,+

And he will make your paths straight.+

 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.+

20 By his knowledge the watery deeps were split apart

And the cloudy skies dripped with dew.+

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,

And your foot will never stumble.*+

24 When you lie down, you will have no fear;+

You will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant.+

25 You will not fear any sudden terror+

Nor the storm that is coming on the wicked.+

26 For Jehovah will prove to be your source of confidence;+

He will keep your foot from being caught.+

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom you should give it*+

If it is within your power* to help.+

29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor+

When he lives in a sense of security with you.

30 Do not quarrel with a man for no reason+

If he has done nothing bad to 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.+

34 For he mocks those who ridicule,+

But he shows favor to the meek.+

35 The wise will inherit honor,

But the stupid ones glorify dishonor.+