Proverbs 3
Exhortations to Seek Wisdom and Walk with the Lord1
3:1 My child,2 do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep3 my commandments,
3:2 for they will provide4 a long and full life,5
and they will add well-being6 to you.
3:3 Do not let truth and mercy7 leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.8
3:4 Then you will find9 favor and good understanding,10
in the sight of God and people.11
3:5 Trust12 in the
and do not rely14 on your own understanding.15
3:6 Acknowledge16 him in all your ways,17
and he will make your paths straight.18
3:7 Do not be wise in your own estimation;19
fear the
3:8 This will bring21 healing to your body,22
and refreshment23 to your inner self.24
3:9 Honor25 the
and from the first fruits of all your crops;26
3:10 then your barns will be filled completely,27
and your vats28 will overflow29 with new wine.
3:11 My child, do not despise discipline from the
and do not loathe31 his rebuke.
3:12 For the
just as a father33 disciplines34 the son in whom he delights.
Blessings of Obtaining Wisdom
3:13 Blessed35 is the one36 who finds37 wisdom,
and the one who obtains38 understanding.
3:14 For her39 benefit40 is more profitable41 than silver,
and her42 gain43 is better44 than gold.
3:15 She is more precious than rubies,
and none of the things45 you desire46 can compare47 with her.48
3:16 Long life49 is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
3:17 Her ways are very pleasant,50
and all her paths are peaceful.
3:18 She is like51 a tree of life52 to those who obtain her,53
and everyone who grasps hold of her will be blessed.54
3:19 By wisdom the
he established the heavens by understanding.56
3:20 By his knowledge the primordial sea57 was broken open,58
and the clouds drip down dew.59
3:21 My child, do not let them60 escape from your sight;
safeguard sound wisdom and discretion.61
3:22 So62 they will give63 life to you,64
and grace to adorn65 your neck.66
3:23 Then you will walk on your way67 with security,
3:24 When70 you lie down you will not be filled with fear;71
when72 you lie down your sleep will be pleasant.73
3:25 You will not be afraid74 of sudden75 disaster,76
or when destruction overtakes77 the wicked;78
3:26 for the
and he will guard your foot81 from being caught in a trap.82
Wisdom Demonstrated in Relationships with People
3:27 Do not withhold good from those who need it,83
when84 you85 have the ability86 to help.87
3:28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go! Return tomorrow
and I will give it,” when88 you have it with you at the time.89
3:29 Do not plot90 evil against your neighbor
when91 he dwells by you unsuspectingly.
3:30 Do not accuse92 anyone93 without legitimate cause,94
if he has not treated you wrongly.
3:31 Do not envy a violent man,95
and do not choose to imitate96 any of his ways;
3:32 for one who goes astray97 is an abomination98 to the
but he reveals99 his intimate counsel100 to the upright.
3:33 The
but he blesses104 the home105 of the righteous.106
3:34 Although107 he is scornful to arrogant scoffers,108
yet109 he shows favor to the humble.110