Admonition to Trust and Honour God

1My child, do not forget my teaching,

but let your heart keep my commandments;

2for length of days and years of life

and abundant welfare they will give you.

3Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you;

bind them round your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart.

4So you will find favour and good repute

in the sight of God and of people.

5Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and do not rely on your own insight.

6In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

7Do not be wise in your own eyes;

fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

8It will be a healing for your flesh

and a refreshment for your body.

9Honour the LORD with your substance

and with the first fruits of all your produce;

10then your barns will be filled with plenty,

and your vats will be bursting with wine.

11My child, do not despise the LORD's discipline

or be weary of his reproof,

12for the LORD reproves the one he loves,

as a father the son in whom he delights.

The True Wealth

13Happy are those who find wisdom,

and those who get understanding,

14for her income is better than silver,

and her revenue better than gold.

15She is more precious than jewels,

and nothing you desire can compare with her.

16Long life is in her right hand;

in her left hand are riches and honour.

17Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

and all her paths are peace.

18She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;

those who hold her fast are called happy.

God's Wisdom in Creation

19The LORD by wisdom founded the earth;

by understanding he established the heavens;

20by his knowledge the deeps broke open,

and the clouds drop down the dew.

The True Security

21My child, do not let these escape from your sight:

keep sound wisdom and prudence,

22and they will be life for your soul

and adornment for your neck.

23Then you will walk on your way securely

and your foot will not stumble.

24If you sit down,3.24 Gk: Heb lie down you will not be afraid;

when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

25Do not be afraid of sudden panic,

or of the storm that strikes the wicked;

26for the LORD will be your confidence

and will keep your foot from being caught.

27Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,3.27 Heb from its owners

when it is in your power to do it.

28Do not say to your neighbour, ‘Go, and come again;

tomorrow I will give it’—when you have it with you.

29Do not plan harm against your neighbour

who lives trustingly beside you.

30Do not quarrel with anyone without cause,

when no harm has been done to you.

31Do not envy the violent

and do not choose any of their ways;

32for the perverse are an abomination to the LORD,

but the upright are in his confidence.

33The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked,

but he blesses the abode of the righteous.

34Towards the scorners he is scornful,

but to the humble he shows favour.

35The wise will inherit honour,

but stubborn fools, disgrace.