1 My son, do not forget my teaching; let your heart keep my commands,
2 for they will add to you length of days, years of life and peace.
3 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them about your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will find favor and good repute in the eyes of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own sight; fear the LORD and depart from evil.
8 This will be health to your navel and moisture to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD from your wealth and from the firstfruits of all your produce;
10 then your barns will be filled to plenty, and your vats will burst with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline, and do not resent his correction;
12 for the LORD corrects the one he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, the man who obtains understanding;
14 for her gain is better than gain of silver, and her return better than gold.
15 She is more precious than pearls, and nothing you desire can equal her.
16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and those who hold her fast are called happy.
19 The LORD founded the earth by wisdom; he set the heavens in place by understanding.
20 By his knowledge the depths burst open, and the skies drop dew.
21 My son, do not let them slip from your eyes; guard sound wisdom and discretion,
22 and they will be life to your soul and adornment for your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not strike against anything.
24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid; you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant.
25 Do not fear sudden panic, or the storm that strikes the wicked when it comes;
26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will guard your foot from the snare.
27 Do not keep back good from those it belongs to when your hand is able to do it.
28 Do not tell your neighbor, "Go, and come again; tomorrow I will give," when you have it with you.
29 Do not devise harm against your neighbor while he lives beside you in trust.
30 Do not dispute with a man for no reason, if he has done you no evil.
31 Do not be jealous of a violent man, and choose none of his ways;
32 for the crooked are an abomination to the LORD, but his intimate counsel is with the upright.
33 The LORD's curse is in the house of the wicked, but the home of the righteous he blesses.
34 Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he shows favor.
35 The wise will inherit honor, but fools get shame as their portion.