1My son, forget not my law, but see that thine heart keep my commandments.
2For they shall prolong the days and years of thy life, and bring thee peace.
3Let mercy and faithfulness never go from thee: bind them about thy neck, and write them in the tables of thine heart.
4So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and men.
5Put thy trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6In all thy ways have respect unto him, and he shall order thy goings.
7Be not wise in thine own conceit, but fear the LORD, and depart from evil:
8so shall thy navel be whole, and thy bones strong.
9Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstlings of all thine increase:
10So shall thy barns be filled with plenteousness, and thy presses shall flow over with sweet wine.
11My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD, neither faint when thou are rebuked of him.
12For whom the LORD loveth, him he chasteneth: and yet delighteth in him even as a father in his own son.
13Well is him that findeth wisdom, and obtaineth understanding,
14for the getting of it is better than any merchandise of silver, and the profit of it is better than gold.
15Wisdom is more worth than precious stones, and all the things that thou canst desire, are not to be compared unto her.
16Upon her right hand is long life, and upon her left hand is riches and honour.
17Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peaceable.
18She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, and blessed are they that keep her fast.
19With wisdom hath the LORD laid the foundation of the earth, and thorow understanding hath he stablished the heavens.
20Thorow his wisdom the depths break up, and the clouds drop down of the dew.
21My son, let not these things depart from thine eyes, but keep my law and my counsel:
22So shall it be life unto thy soul, and grace unto thy mouth.
23Then shalt thou walk safely in thy way, and thy foot shall not stumble.
24If thou sleepest thou shalt not be afraid, but shall take thy rest and sleep sweetly.
25Thou needest not to be afraid of any sudden fear, neither for the violent rushing of the ungodly, when it cometh.
26For the LORD shall be beside thee, and keep thy foot that thou be not taken.
27Refuse not to do good unto him that should have it, so long as thine hand is able to do it.
28Say not unto thy neighbour: Go thy way and come again, tomorrow will I give thee:
29where as thou hast now to give him. Intend no hurt unto thy neighbour, seeing he hopeth to dwell in rest by thee.
30Strive not lightly with any man, where as he hath done thee no harm.
31Follow not a wicked man, and choose none of his ways:
32for the LORD abhoreth the froward, but his secret is among the righteous.
33The curse of the LORD is in the house of the ungodly, but he blesseth the dwellings of the righteous.
34As for the scornful, he shall laugh them to scorn, but he shall give grace unto the lowly.
35The wise shall have honour in possession, but shame is the promotion that fools shall have.