1My son, do not forget my instruction, and let your heart keep my commandments,
2for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.
3Let loyal love and faithfulness not forsake you; bind them on your throat, write them on the tablet of your heart.
4So you will find favor and good insight in the eyes of God and of humankind.
5Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6In all your ways know him, and he himself will make your paths straight.
7Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear Yahweh and turn away from evil.
8It will be healing to your navel and refreshment to your bones.
9Honor Yahweh with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce,
10then your storehouses will be filled with plenty, and your vats will burst with new wine.
11My son, do not despise the discipline of Yahweh, and do not loathe his rebuke,
12for the one whom Yahweh loves he reproves, even as a father the son in whom he delights.
13Blessed is the person who finds wisdom, and the person who obtains understanding,
14for her gain is better than the gain of silver, and her yield than gold.
15She is more precious than corals, and all your delights cannot compare with her.
16Length of days is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and those who grasp her are called blessed.
19Yahweh by wisdom founded the earth; he established the heavens by understanding.
20By his knowledge the deeps burst open, and the skies drip down dew.
21My son, do not let them slip from your eyes; guard sound wisdom and discretion,
22and they will be life to your soul and an ornament for your throat.
23Then you will walk your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.
24When you lie down, you will not be afraid; you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
25Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of the ruin of the wicked when it comes,
26for Yahweh will be your confidence, and he will keep your foot from being caught.
27Do not withhold good from those to whom it is owed, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.
28Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go and come back, and tomorrow I will give,’ when you have it with you.
29Do not plot evil against your neighbor when he dwells trustingly beside you.
30Do not quarrel with a person without cause, when he has done you no harm.
31Do not envy a man of violence, and do not choose any of his ways.
32For the devious one is an abomination to Yahweh, but his intimate counsel is with the upright.
33The curse of Yahweh is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
34If it concerns the scoffers, he scoffs at them, but to the humble he gives grace.
35The wise will inherit honor, but fools carry off disgrace.
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