1My son, don't forget my instruction. Let your heart guard my commands,
2because they will help you live a long time and provide you with well-being.
3Don't let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Bind them on your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.
4Then you will find favor and approval in the eyes of God and humanity.
5Trust in the LORD with all your heart; don't rely on your own intelligence.
6Know him in all your paths, and he will keep your ways straight.
7Don't consider yourself wise. Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.
8Then your body will be healthy and your bones strengthened.
9Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first of all your crops.
10Then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will burst with wine.
11Don't reject the instruction of the LORD, my son; don't despise his correction.
12The LORD loves those he corrects, just like a father who treats his son with favor.
13Happy are those who find wisdom and those who gain understanding.
14Her profit is better than silver, and her gain better than gold.
15Her value exceeds pearls; all you desire can't compare with her.
16In her right hand is a long life; in her left are wealth and honor.
17Her ways are pleasant; all her paths are peaceful.
18She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who hold her tight are happy.
19The LORD laid the foundations of the earth with wisdom, establishing the heavens with understanding.
20With his knowledge, the watery depths burst open, and the skies drop dew.
21My son, don't let them slip from your eyes; hold on to sound judgment and discretion.
22They will be life for your whole being, and an ornament for your neck.
23Then you will walk safely on your path, and your foot won't stumble.
24If you lie down, you won't be terrified. When you lie down, your sleep will be pleasant.
25Don't fear sudden terror or the ruin that comes to the wicked.
26The LORD will be your confidence; he will guard your feet from being snared.
27Don't withhold good from someone who deserves it, when it is in your power to do so.
28Don't say to your neighbor, "Go and come back; I'll give it to you tomorrow," when you have it.
29Don't plan to harm your neighbor who trusts and lives near you.
30Don't accuse anyone without reason, when they haven't harmed you.
31Don't envy violent people or choose any of their ways.
32Devious people are detestable to the LORD, but the virtuous are his close friends.
33The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34He mocks mockers, but he shows favor to the humble.
35The wise gain respect, but fools receive shame.