1 My child, remembermy teachings and instructionsand obey them completely.
2 They will help you livea long and prosperous life.
3 Let love and loyaltyalways show like a necklace,and write them in your mind.
4 God and people will like youand consider you a success.
5 With all your heartyou must trust the Lordand not your own judgment.
6 Always let him lead you,and he will clear the roadfor you to follow.
7 Don't ever think that youare wise enough,but respect the Lordand stay away from evil.
8 This will make you healthy,and you will feel strong.
9 Honour the Lord by giving himyour money and the first partof all your crops.
10 Then you will havemore grain and grapesthan you will ever need.
11 My child, don't turn awayor become bitterwhen the Lord corrects you.
12 The Lord correctseveryone he loves,just as parents correcttheir favourite child.
13 God blesses everyonewho has wisdomand common sense.
14 Wisdom is worth morethan silver;it makes you much richerthan gold.
15 Wisdom is more valuablethan precious jewels;nothing you wantcompares with her.
16 In her right handWisdom holds a long life,and in her left handare wealth and honour.
17 Wisdom makes life pleasantand leads us safely along.
18 Wisdom is a life-giving tree,the source of happinessfor all who hold on to her.
19 By his wisdom and knowledgethe Lord createdheaven and earth.
20 By his understandinghe let the ocean break looseand clouds release the rain.
21 My child, use common senseand sound judgment!Always keep them in mind.
22 They will help you to livea long and beautiful life.
23 You will walk safelyand never stumble;
24 you will rest without a worryand sleep soundly.
25 So don't be afraidof sudden disastersor storms that strikethose who are evil.
26 You can be sure that the Lordwill protect you from harm.
27 Do all you can for everyonewho deserves your help.
28 Don't tell your neighbourto come back tomorrow,if you can help today.
29 Don't try to be meanto neighbours who trust you.
30 Don't argue just to be arguing,when you haven't been hurt.
31 Don't be jealousof cruel peopleor follow their example.
32 The Lord doesn't likeanyone who is dishonest,but he lets good peoplebe his friends.
33 He places a curse on the homeof everyone who is evil,but he blesses the homeof every good person.
34 The Lord sneers at thosewho sneer at him,but he is kind to everyonewho is humble.
35 You will be praisedif you are wise,but you will be disgracedif you are a stubborn fool.