A Father's Advice

1My son, forget not my law; but let your heart keep my commandments:

2For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to you.

3Let not mercy and truth forsake you: bind them about your neck; write them upon the table of your heart:

4So shall you find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

5Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.

6In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.

7Be not wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

8It shall be health to your body, and strength to your bones.

9Honor the LORD with your substance, and with the firstfruits of all your increase:

10So shall your barns be filled with plenty, and your presses shall burst out with new wine.

11My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

12For whom the LORD loves he corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delights.

13Happy is the man that finds wisdom, and the man that gets understanding.

14For the gain from it is better than the gain from silver, and the profit thereof than fine gold.

15She is more precious than rubies: and all the things you can desire are not to be compared unto her.

16Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor.

17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is everyone that retains her.

19The LORD by wisdom has founded the earth; by understanding has he established the heavens.

20By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

21My son, let not them depart from your eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

22So shall they be life unto your soul, and grace to your neck.

23Then shall you walk in your way safely, and your foot shall not stumble.

24When you lie down, you shall not be afraid: yea, you shall lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet.

25Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the ruin from the wicked, when it comes.

26For the LORD shall be your confidence, and shall keep your foot from being snared.

27Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.

28Say not unto your neighbor, Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give; when you have it with you.

29Devise not evil against your neighbor, seeing he dwells securely by you.

30Strive not with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.

31Envy you not the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

32For the perverse is abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

33The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but he blesses the habitation of the just.

34Surely he scorns the scornful: but he gives grace unto the lowly.

35The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the recompense of fools.