Proverbs of Solomon 3

 Proverbs of Solomon 3

1 My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commandments.

2 For they will increase your days, and years of life and peace will add to you.

3 Do not let lovingkindness and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 Then you will find favor and good understanding 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 direct your paths.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil.

8 This will be healing for your navel and marrow to your bones.

9 Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 

10 Then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will burst out with new wine.

11 My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline, nor be weary of his rebuke.

12 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.

13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.

14 For her merchandise is better than the merchandise of silver, and her gain than fine gold.

15 She is more precious than rubies; all your desires cannot compare with her.

16 In her right hand is length of days; in her left are riches and honor.

17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her, and blessed are all who hold her fast. 

19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he prepared the heavens.

20 By his knowledge the depths were split apart, and the clouds drop down the dew.

21 My son, do not let these things depart from your eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion;

22 For they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck.

23 Then you will walk confidently in your way, 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, nor the destruction of the wicked when it comes.

26 For the Lord will be your hope, and he will keep your feet from being caught.

27 Do not withhold good from its owners, when it is in your power to do it. 

28 Do not say to your neighbor, 'Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it to you,' when you have it with you.

29 Do not plot evil against your neighbor, for he lives safely with you.

30 Do not contend with a man without reason, if he has done you no harm.

31 Do not envy a violent man, nor choose any of his ways.

32 For the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but his secret is with the upright.

33 The Lord's curse is in the house of the wicked, but he will bless the dwelling of the righteous.

34 He will surely mock the scoffers, but he will give grace to the humble.

35 The wise will inherit honor, but fools will bring shame upon themselves.