Proverbs 3

Trusting in the Lord

1My child,*3:1 Hebrew My son; also in 3:11, 21. never forget the things I have taught you.

Store my commands in your heart.

2If you do this, you will live many years,

and your life will be satisfying.

3Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!

Tie them around your neck as a reminder.

Write them deep within your heart.

4Then you will find favor with both God and people,

and you will earn a good reputation.

5Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

do not depend on your own understanding.

6Seek his will in all you do,

and he will show you which path to take.

7Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.

Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

8Then you will have healing for your body

and strength for your bones.

9Honor the Lord with your wealth

and with the best part of everything you produce.

10Then he will fill your barns with grain,

and your vats will overflow with good wine.

11My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,

and don’t be upset when he corrects you.

12For the Lord corrects those he loves,

just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.*3:12 Greek version reads loves, / and he punishes those he accepts as his children. Compare Heb 12:6.

13Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,

the one who gains understanding.

14For wisdom is more profitable than silver,

and her wages are better than gold.

15Wisdom is more precious than rubies;

nothing you desire can compare with her.

16She offers you long life in her right hand,

and riches and honor in her left.

17She will guide you down delightful paths;

all her ways are satisfying.

18Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;

happy are those who hold her tightly.

19By wisdom the Lord founded the earth;

by understanding he created the heavens.

20By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,

and the dew settles beneath the night sky.

21My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.

Hang on to them,

22for they will refresh your soul.

They are like jewels on a necklace.

23They keep you safe on your way,

and your feet will not stumble.

24You can go to bed without fear;

you will lie down and sleep soundly.

25You need not be afraid of sudden disaster

or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,

26for the Lord is your security.

He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

27Do not withhold good from those who deserve it

when it’s in your power to help them.

28If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say,

“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”

29Don’t plot harm against your neighbor,

for those who live nearby trust you.

30Don’t pick a fight without reason,

when no one has done you harm.

31Don’t envy violent people

or copy their ways.

32Such wicked people are detestable to the Lord,

but he offers his friendship to the godly.

33The Lord curses the house of the wicked,

but he blesses the home of the upright.

34The Lord mocks the mockers

but is gracious to the humble.*3:34 Greek version reads The Lord opposes the proud / but gives grace to the humble. Compare Jas 4:6; 1 Pet 5:5.

35The wise inherit honor,

but fools are put to shame!