The Blessings of Trusting God

1My son, don’t forget my instruction,

and keep my commandments carefully in mind.a

2For they will add length to your days, years to your life,

and abundant peace to you.

3Do not let gracious love and truth leave you.

Bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart,

4and find favor and a good reputationb with God and men.

5Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and do not depend on your own understanding.

6In all your ways acknowledgec him,

and he will make your paths straight.

7Do not be wise in your own opinion.

Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

8This will bring healing to your body,

and refreshment to your bones.

9Honor the LORD with your wealth

and with the firstd of all your produce,

10so your barns will be filled with abundance,

and your vats will burst open with new wine.

11My son, do not reject the LORD’s discipline,

and do not despise his correction,

12because the LORD corrects the person he loves,

just as a father correctse the son he delights in.f

Wisdom More Valuable than Riches

13How joyful is the man who finds wisdom,

and the man who gains understanding,

14because her profit is better than the profit of silver,

and her yield than fine gold.

15She is more precious than rubies,

and nothing you desire compares with her.

16Long life is in her right hand,

and in her left are riches and honor.

17Her ways are pleasant ways,

and all her paths are peaceful.

18She is a tree of life for those who embrace her,

and whoever clutches her tightly will be joyful.

19By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations,

and by understanding he set the heavens in place.

20By his knowledge the depths broke open,

and the clouds drip with dew.

Benefits of Wisdom

21My son, do not let wisdomg leave your sight.

Carefully observe sound judgment and discernment,

22and they will be life to you

and a graceful ornamenth for your neck.

23Then you will travel safely on your way,

and your foot will not stumble.

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

when you lie down, your sleep will be pleasant.j

25Do not be afraid of sudden disaster,k

or the devastation that comes to the wicked.

26Indeed, the LORD will be your confidence,

and he will keep your foot from being caught.

Wisdom in Action

27Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,

when it is in your power to act.

28Do not say to your neighbor,

“Go, and come back.

I will pay youl tomorrow,”

when you have cashm with you.

29Do not plan to harm your neighbor,

when he is living peacefullyn beside you.

30Do not bring a lawsuit against a person for no reason,

when he has done you no harm.

31Do not envy a violent man,

and do not emulate his lifestyle.o

32Indeed, a perverse man is utterly disgustingp to the LORD,

but he takes the upright into his confidence.q

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

but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.

34Though Godr scoffs at scoffers,

he gives grace to the humble.

35The wise will inherit honor,

but he holds fools up for ridicule.