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.
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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
Advice to Young People
1Don't forget what I teach you, my child. Always remember what I tell you to do. 2My teaching will give you a long and prosperous life. 3Never let go of loyalty and faithfulness. Tie them round your neck; write them on your heart. 4#Lk 2.52If you do this, both God and people will be pleased with you.
5Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. 6Remember the LORD in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. 7#Rom 12.16Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the LORD and refuse to do wrong. 8If you do, it will be like good medicine, healing your wounds and easing your pains. 9Honour the LORD by making him an offering from the best of all that your land produces. 10If you do, your barns will be filled with grain, and you will have too much wine to be able to store it all.
11 #
Job 5.17
#
Heb 12.5–6
When the LORD corrects you, my child, pay close attention and take it as a warning. 12#Rev 3.19The LORD corrects those he loves, as parents correct a child of whom they are proud. 13Happy is anyone who becomes wise — who gains understanding. 14There is more profit in it than there is in silver; it is worth more to you than gold. 15Wisdom is more valuable than jewels; nothing you could want can compare with it. 16Wisdom offers you long life, as well as wealth and honour. 17Wisdom can make your life pleasant and lead you safely through it. 18Those who become wise are happy; wisdom will give them life.
19The LORD created the earth by his wisdom;
by his knowledge he set the sky in place.
20His wisdom caused the rivers to flow
and the clouds to give rain to the earth.
21Hold on to your wisdom and insight, my child. Never let them get away from you. 22They will provide you with life — a pleasant and happy life. 23You can go safely on your way and never even stumble. 24You will not be afraid when you go to bed, and you will sleep soundly through the night. 25You will not have to worry about sudden disasters, such as come on the wicked like a storm. 26The LORD will keep you safe. He will not let you fall into a trap.
27Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. 28Never tell your neighbours to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now. 29Don't plan anything that will hurt your neighbours; they live beside you, trusting you. 30Don't argue with others for no reason when they have never done you any harm. 31Don't be jealous of violent people or decide to act as they do, 32because the LORD hates people who do evil, but he takes righteous people into his confidence. 33The LORD puts a curse on the homes of the wicked, but blesses the homes of the righteous. 34#Jas 4.6; 1 Pet 5.5He has no use for conceited people, but shows favour to those who are humble. 35Wise people will gain an honourable reputation, but stupid people will only add to their own disgrace.
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Good News Bible with Deuterocanonicals/Apocrypha. Scripture taken from the Good News Bible (r) (Today's English Version Second Edition, UK/British Edition). Copyright © 1992 British & Foreign Bible Society. Used by permission.