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1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments,
2 for they will add length of days, years of life, and peace to you.
3 Let kindness and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will find favor and a good reputation in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
8 This will bring healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops;
10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or resent his correction,
12 for the LORD corrects the one he loves, as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.
13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding,
14 for her profit is better than the profit of silver, and her yield is better than gold.
15 She is more precious than jewels;
nothing you desire can compare with 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;
those who hold her fast are blessed.
19 By wisdom the LORD founded the earth;
by understanding he established the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the depths were split open, and the clouds drip with dew.
21 My son, do not let these things out of your sight;
keep sound wisdom and discretion.
22 They will be life to your soul and an adornment for your neck.
23 Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not fear sudden terror or the devastation of the wicked when it comes,
26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go away and come back;
tomorrow I will give it to you,” when you have it with you.
29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor while he lives trustfully beside you.
30 Do not quarrel with anyone without cause, if he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways,
32 for the devious are an abomination to the LORD, but he shares his counsel with the upright.
33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 He scoffs at scoffers, but gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise will inherit honor, but fools are raised to disgrace.