1My son, do not forget my [a]teaching,

But let your heart keep my commandments;

2For length of days and years of life [worth living]

And tranquility and prosperity [the wholeness of life’s blessings] they will add to you.

3Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you];

Bind them [securely] around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart.

4So find favor and high esteem

In the sight of God and man.

5Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart

And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

6[b]In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him,

And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

7Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the LORD [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil.

8It will be health to your body [your marrow, your nerves, your sinews, your muscles--all your inner parts]

And refreshment (physical well-being) to your bones.

9Honor the LORD with your wealth

And with the first fruits of all your crops (income);

10Then your barns will be abundantly filled

And your vats will overflow with new wine.

11My son, do not reject or take lightly the discipline of the LORD [learn from your mistakes and the testing that comes from His correction through discipline];

Nor despise His rebuke,

12For those whom the LORD loves He corrects,

Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

13Happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is the man who finds [skillful and godly] wisdom,

And the man who gains understanding and insight [learning from God’s word and life’s experiences],

14For wisdom’s profit is better than the profit of silver,

And her gain is better than fine gold.

15She is more precious than rubies;

And nothing you can wish for compares with her [in value].

16Long life is in her right hand;

In her left hand are riches and honor.

17Her ways are highways of pleasantness and favor,

And all her paths are peace.

18She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,

And happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is everyone who holds her tightly.

19The LORD by His wisdom has founded the earth;

By His understanding He has established the heavens.

20By His knowledge the deeps were broken up

And the clouds drip with dew.

21My son, let them not escape from your sight,

But keep sound wisdom and discretion,

22And they will be life to your soul (your inner self)

And a gracious adornment to your neck (your outer self).

23Then you will walk on your way [of life] securely

And your foot will not stumble.

24When you lie down, you will not be afraid;

When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

25Do not be afraid of sudden fear

Nor of the storm of the wicked when it comes [since you will be blameless];

26For the LORD will be your confidence, firm and strong,

And will keep your foot from being caught [in a trap].

27[c]Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due [its rightful recipients],

When it is in your power to do it.

28Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back,

And tomorrow I will give it,”

When you have it with you.

29Do not devise evil against your neighbor,

Who lives securely beside you.

30Do not quarrel with a man without cause,

If he has done you no harm.

31Do not envy a man of violence

And do not choose any of his ways.

32For the devious are repulsive to the LORD;

But His private counsel is with the upright [those with spiritual integrity and moral courage].

33The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,

But He blesses the home of the just and righteous.

34Though He scoffs at the scoffers and scorns the scorners,

Yet He gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance].

35The wise will inherit honor and glory,

But dishonor and shame is conferred on fools.