Proverbs 3
3
Using Wisdom
1My son,
do not forget my teachings,
and keep my commands in mind,
2because they will bring you
long life, good years, and peace.
3Do not let mercy and truth leave you.
Fasten them around your neck.
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4Then you will find favor and much success
in the sight of God and humanity.
5Trust the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding.
6In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths smooth.#3:6 Or “straight.”
7Do not consider yourself wise.
Fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
8 ⌞Then⌟ your body will be healed,
and your bones will have nourishment.
9Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the first and best part of all your income.#3:9 Or “harvest.”
10Then your barns will be full,
and your vats will overflow with fresh wine.
11Do not reject the discipline of the Lord, my son,
and do not resent his warning,
12because the Lord warns the one he loves,
even as a father warns a son with whom he is pleased.
13Blessed is the one who finds wisdom
and the one who obtains understanding.
14The profit ⌞gained⌟ from ⌞wisdom⌟ is greater than
the profit ⌞gained⌟ from silver.
Its yield is better than fine gold.
15 ⌞Wisdom⌟ is more precious than jewels,
and all your desires cannot equal it.
16Long life is in ⌞wisdom’s⌟ right hand.
In ⌞wisdom’s⌟ left hand are riches and honor.
17 ⌞Wisdom’s⌟ ways are pleasant ways,
and all its paths lead to peace.
18 ⌞Wisdom⌟ is a tree of life
for those who take firm hold of it.
Those who cling to it are blessed.
19By Wisdom the Lord laid the foundation of the earth.
By understanding he established the heavens.
20By his knowledge the deep waters were divided,
and the skies dropped dew.
21My son,
do not lose sight of these things.
Use priceless wisdom and foresight.
22Then they will mean life for you,
and they will grace your neck.
23Then you will go safely on your way,
and you will not hurt your foot.
24When you lie down, you will not be afraid.
As you lie there, your sleep will be sweet.
25Do not be afraid of sudden terror
or of the destruction of wicked people when it comes.
26The Lord will be your confidence.
He will keep your foot from getting caught.
27Do not hold back anything good
from those who are entitled to it
when you have the power to do so.
28When you have the good thing with you, do not tell your neighbor,
“Go away!
Come back tomorrow.
I’ll give you something then.”
29Do not plan to do something wrong to your neighbor
while he is sitting there with you and suspecting nothing.
30Do not quarrel with a person for no reason
if he has not harmed you.
31Do not envy a violent person.
Do not choose any of his ways.
32The devious person is disgusting to the Lord.
The Lord’s intimate advice is with decent people.
33The Lord curses the house of wicked people,
but he blesses the home of righteous people.
34When he mocks the mockers,
he is gracious to humble people.
35Wise people will inherit honor,
but fools will bear disgrace.
Currently Selected:
Proverbs 3: GW
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in
GOD'S WORD® Translation ©1995, 2003, 2013, 2014, 2019, 2020 by God's Word to the Nations Mission Society. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 3
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!
Currently Selected:
:
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in
Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright 1996, 2004, 2007, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation.
For more information about the NLT: