1My son, do not forget my instruction, and let your heart guard my commandments,
2for they will add to you length of days, years of life, and peace.
3Do not let covenant loyalty and faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck; write them upon the tablet of your heart,
4then you will find favor and good repute in the eyes of God and people.
5Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and do not lean upon your own understanding;
6be mindful of Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight.
7Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear Yahweh and turn away from evil.
8It will be healing for your navel, and a refreshing drink to your bones.
9Honor Yahweh from your wealth, and from the firstfruits of all your revenue,
10and your storehouses will be completely filled, and your wine vats will burst at the seams with new wine.
11My son, do not reject the discipline of Yahweh, and do not abhor his reproof.
12For the one whom Yahweh loves, he reproves, like a father to his cherished son.
13Blessed is the person who finds Wisdom, and the one who obtains discernment,
14for the gain from her is better than the gain from silver, and her revenue is better than gold.
15She is more precious than gems, and no delightful thing can compare with her.
16In her right hand is length of days, in her left hand are riches and glory.
17Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her pathways are peace.
18She is a tree of life to those taking hold of her, and blessed are those who are holding her fast.
19Yahweh founded the earth by Wisdom; he established the heavens by discernment,
20the depths of the ocean were split open by his knowledge, and the clouds drip dew.
21My son, do not let these depart from before your eyes: guard sound advice and discretion,
22so they will be life to your soul, and grace for your neck.
23Then you will walk on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.
24When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you fall asleep, your sleep will be sweet.
25Do not be afraid of sudden terror, and of the devastation of the wicked when it comes,
26for Yahweh will be your confidence, and he will keep your foot from being caught.
27Do not withhold a good thing from those to whom it is due, when it is in your hands to do it.
28Do not tell your neighbors, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” when it is with you.
29Do not devise evil against your neighbor, when he is living securely by you.
30Do not quarrel with someone for no reason if he has not committed evil.
31Do not envy a man of violence, and do not choose any of his ways.
32For devious people are an abomination to Yahweh, but his counsel is with the upright.
33Yahweh’s curse is upon the house of the wicked one, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous one.
34He mocks at the mockers, but he gives grace to the humble.
35The wise will inherit glory, but the foolish display shame.
REV Bible
