New Living Translation | NET Bible |
1My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. | 1My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, |
2If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. | 2for they will provide a long and full life, and they will add well-being to you. |
3Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. | 3Do not let truth and mercy leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. |
4Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation. | 4Then you will find favor and good understanding, in the sight of God and people. |
5Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. | 5Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. |
6Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. | 6Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight. |
7Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. | 7Do not be wise in your own estimation; fear the LORD and turn away from evil. |
8Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. | 8This will bring healing to your body, and refreshment to your inner self. |
9Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. | 9Honor the LORD from your wealth and from the first fruits of all your crops; |
10Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine. | 10then your barns will be filled completely, and your vats will overflow with new wine. |
11My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. | 11My child, do not despise discipline from the LORD, and do not loathe his rebuke. |
12For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. | 12For the LORD disciplines those he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights. |
13Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. | 13Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who obtains understanding. |
14For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. | 14For her benefit is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than gold. |
15Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. | 15She is more precious than rubies, and none of the things you desire can compare with her. |
16She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. | 16Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. |
17She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. | 17Her ways are very pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful. |
18Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. | 18She is like a tree of life to those who obtain her, and everyone who grasps hold of her will be blessed. |
19By wisdom the LORD founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens. | 19By wisdom the LORD laid the foundation of the earth; he established the heavens by understanding. |
20By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth, and the dew settles beneath the night sky. | 20By his knowledge the primordial sea was broken open, and the clouds drip down dew. |
21My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, | 21My child, do not let them escape from your sight; safeguard sound wisdom and discretion. |
22for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. | 22So they will give life to you, and grace to adorn your neck. |
23They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. | 23Then you will walk on your way with security, and you will not stumble. |
24You can go to bed without fear; you will lie down and sleep soundly. | 24When you lie down you will not be filled with fear; when you lie down your sleep will be pleasant. |
25You need not be afraid of sudden disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked, | 25You will not be afraid of sudden disaster, or when destruction overtakes the wicked; |
26for the LORD is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap. | 26for the LORD will be the source of your confidence, and he will guard your foot from being caught in a trap. |
27Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. | 27Do not withhold good from those who need it, when you have the ability to help. |
28If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.” | 28Do not say to your neighbor, "Go! Return tomorrow and I will give it," when you have it with you at the time. |
29Don’t plot harm against your neighbor, for those who live nearby trust you. | 29Do not plot evil against your neighbor when he dwells by you unsuspectingly. |
30Don’t pick a fight without reason, when no one has done you harm. | 30Do not accuse anyone without legitimate cause, if he has not treated you wrongly. |
31Don’t envy violent people or copy their ways. | 31Do not envy a violent man, and do not choose to imitate any of his ways; |
32Such wicked people are detestable to the LORD, but he offers his friendship to the godly. | 32for one who goes astray is an abomination to the LORD, but he reveals his intimate counsel to the upright. |
33The LORD curses the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright. | 33The LORD's curse is on the household of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. |
34The LORD mocks the mockers but is gracious to the humble. | 34Although he is scornful to arrogant scoffers, yet he shows favor to the humble. |
35The wise inherit honor, but fools are put to shame! | 35The wise inherit honor, but he holds fools up to public contempt. |
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