Proverbs 3:1-30 ▼

1 My son, do not forget my instruction, and let your heart keep my commands.

2 For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.

3 And do not let loving devotion and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 And you will find favor and good understanding in the eyes of God and man.

5 Put your trust unto YHWH with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes, fear YHWH and turn away from evil.

8 Healing it will be to your navel, and refreshment to your bones.

9 Honor YHWH from your wealth, and from the first of all your produce,

10 and your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.

11 My son, do not despise the discipline of YHWH, and do not be grieved by His reproof,

12 for whom YHWH loves, He reproves, even as a father the son he is pleased with.

13 Blessed is the man who has found wisdom, and the man who brings forth understanding,

14 for better is the profit from her than profits of silver, and her produce than fine gold.

15 Precious she is above rubies, and all your delights do not compare with her.

16 Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand are wealth and honor.

17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

18 A tree of life she is to those taking hold on her, and those grasping her are blessed.

19 YHWH by wisdom founded the earth; He established the heavens by understanding;

20 by His knowledge the depths have been broken up, and the clouds dripped dew.

21 My son, do not do let them depart from your eyes; keep watch over wisdom and discretion,

22 and they will be life for your soul, and grace for your neck.

23 Then you will walk your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.

24 If you lie down, you will not dread; and you have lain down, and your sleep shall be pleasant.

25 Do not be afraid from sudden dread, and from the desolation of the wicked when it comes.

26 For YHWH is at your flank, and He will guard your foot from capture.

27 Do not withhold good from its owners, with it being in the power of your hand to act.

28 You must not say to your neighbor, “Go and return, and tomorrow I will give”—and it is with you.

29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he is dwelling in trust with you.

30 Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has not dealt with you for evil.