1 My son, do not forget my teaching. Keep my commands in your heart.
2 They will help you live for many years. They will bring you success.
3 Don't let love and truth ever leave you. Tie them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will find favor and a good name in the eyes of God and people.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways remember him. Then he will make your paths smooth and straight.
7 Don't be wise in your own eyes. Have respect for the Lord and avoid evil.
8 That will bring health to your body. It will make your bones strong.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth. Give him the first share of all your crops.
10 Then your storerooms will be so full they can't hold everything. Your huge jars will spill over with fresh wine.
11 My son, do not hate the Lord's training. Do not object when he corrects you.
12 The Lord trains those he loves. He is like a father who trains the son he is pleased with.
13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom. Blessed is the one who gains understanding.
14 Wisdom pays better than silver does. She earns more than gold does.
15 She is worth more than rubies. Nothing you want can compare with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand. In her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways. All her paths lead to peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who hold her close. Those who hold on to her will be blessed.
19 By wisdom the Lord laid the earth's foundations. Through understanding he set the heavens in place.
20 By his knowledge the seas were separated, and the clouds dropped their dew.
21 My son, hold on to good sense and the understanding of what is right. Don't let them out of your sight.
22 They will be life for you. They will be like a gracious necklace around your neck.
23 Then you will go on your way in safety. You will not trip and fall.
24 When you lie down, you won't be afraid. When you lie down, you will sleep soundly.
25 Don't be terrified by sudden trouble. Don't be afraid when sinners are destroyed.
26 The Lord is the one you will trust in. He will keep your feet from being caught in a trap.
27 Don't hold back good from those who are worthy of it. Don't hold it back when you can help.
28 Suppose you have something to give. Don't say to your neighbor, "Come back later. I'll give it to you tomorrow."
29 Don't plan to harm your neighbor. He lives near you and trusts you.
30 Don't bring charges against a man without any reason. He has not harmed you.
31 Don't be jealous of a man who hurts others. Don't choose any of his ways.
32 The Lord really hates sinful people. But he makes honest people his closest friends.
33 The Lord puts a curse on the houses of sinners. But he blesses the homes of those who do what is right.
34 He laughs at proud people who make fun of others. But he gives grace to those who are not proud.