Trust God

1My child, remember

my teachings and instructions

and obey them completely.

2They will help you live

a long and prosperous life.

3Let love and loyalty

always show like a necklace,

and write them in your mind.

4 God and people will like you

and hold you in high esteem.

5With all your heart

you must trust the Lord

and not your own judgment.

6Always let him lead you,

and he will clear the road

for you to follow.

7 Don't ever think that you

are wise enough,

but respect the Lord

and stay away from evil.

8This will make you healthy,

and you will feel strong.

9Honor the Lord by giving him

your money and the first part

of all your crops.

10Then you will have

more grain and grapes

than you will ever need.

11 My child, don't turn away

or become bitter

when the Lord corrects you.

12 The Lord corrects

everyone he loves,

just as parents correct

a child they dearly love.

The Value of Wisdom

13God blesses everyone

who has wisdom

and common sense.

14Wisdom is worth more

than silver;

it makes you much richer

than gold.

15Wisdom is more valuable

than precious jewels;

nothing you want

compares with her.

16In her right hand

Wisdom holds a long life,

and in her left hand

are wealth and honor.

17Wisdom makes life pleasant

and leads us safely along.

18Wisdom is a life-giving tree,

the source of happiness

for all who hold on to her.

19By his wisdom and knowledge

the Lord created

heaven and earth.

20By his understanding

he let the ocean break loose

and clouds release the rain.

21My child, use common sense

and sound judgment!

Always keep them in mind.

22They will help you to live

a long and beautiful life.

23You will walk safely

and never stumble;

24you will rest without a worry

and sleep soundly.

25So don't be afraid

of sudden disasters

or storms that strike

those who are evil.

26You can be sure that the Lord

will protect you from harm.

27 Do all you can for everyone

who deserves your help.

28Don't tell your neighbor

to come back tomorrow,

if you can help today.

29Don't try to be mean

to neighbors who trust you.

30Don't argue just to be arguing,

when you haven't been hurt.

31Don't be jealous

of cruel people

or follow their example.

32The Lord doesn't like

anyone who is dishonest,

but he lets good people

be his friends.

33He places a curse on the home

of everyone who is evil,

but he blesses the home

of every good person.

34 The Lord sneers at those

who sneer at him,

but he is kind to everyone

who is humble.

35You will be praised

if you are wise,

but you will be disgraced

if you are a stubborn fool.