Proverbs 3

₁My child, remember

my teachings and instructions

and obey them completely.

₂They will help you live

a long and prosperous life.

₃Let love and loyalty

always show like a necklace,

and write them in your mind.

₄God and people will like you

and consider you a success.

₅With all your heart

you must trust the LORD

and not your own judgment.

₆Always let him lead you,

and he will clear the road

for you to follow.

₇Don't ever think that you

are wise enough,

but respect the LORD

and stay away from evil.

₈This will make you healthy,

and you will feel strong.

₉Honour the LORD by giving him

your money and the first part

of all your crops.

₁₀Then you will have

more grain and grapes

than you will ever need.

₁₁My child, don't turn away

or become bitter

when the LORD corrects you.

₁₂The LORD corrects

everyone he loves,

just as parents correct

their favourite child.

₁₃God blesses everyone

who has wisdom

and common sense.

₁₄Wisdom is worth more

than silver;

it makes you much richer

than gold.

₁₅Wisdom is more valuable

than precious jewels;

nothing you want

compares with her.

₁₆In her right hand

Wisdom holds a long life,

and in her left hand

are wealth and honour.

₁₇Wisdom makes life pleasant

and leads us safely along.

₁₈Wisdom is a life-giving tree,

the source of happiness

for all who hold on to her.

₁₉By his wisdom and knowledge

the LORD created

heaven and earth.

₂₀By his understanding

he let the ocean break loose

and clouds release the rain.

₂₁My child, use common sense

and sound judgment!

Always keep them in mind.

₂₂They will help you to live

a long and beautiful life.

₂₃You will walk safely

and never stumble;

₂₄you will rest without a worry

and sleep soundly.

₂₅So don't be afraid

of sudden disasters

or storms that strike

those who are evil.

₂₆You can be sure that the LORD

will protect you from harm.

₂₇Do all you can for everyone

who deserves your help.

₂₈Don't tell your neighbour

to come back tomorrow,

if you can help today.

₂₉Don't try to be mean

to neighbours who trust you.

₃₀Don't argue just to be arguing,

when you haven't been hurt.

₃₁Don't be jealous

of cruel people

or follow their example.

₃₂The LORD doesn't like

anyone who is dishonest,

but he lets good people

be his friends.

₃₃He places a curse on the home

of everyone who is evil,

but he blesses the home

of every good person.

₃₄The LORD sneers at those

who sneer at him,

but he is kind to everyone

who is humble.

₃₅You will be praised

if you are wise,

but you will be disgraced

if you are a stubborn fool.