Exhortations to Seek Wisdom and Walk with the Lord

1My child, do not forget my teaching,

but let your heart keep my commandments,

2for they will provide a long and full life,

and they will add well-being to you.

3Do not let truth and mercy leave you;

bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart.

4Then you will find favor and good understanding,

in the sight of God and people.

5Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not rely on your own understanding.

6Acknowledge him in all your ways,

and he will make your paths straight.

7Do not be wise in your own estimation;

fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

8This will bring healing to your body,

and refreshment to your inner self.

9Honor the Lord from your wealth

and from the first fruits of all your crops;

10then your barns will be filled completely,

and your vats will overflow with new wine.

11My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord,

and do not loathe his rebuke.

12For the Lord disciplines those he loves,

just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.

Blessings of Obtaining Wisdom

13Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,

and the one who obtains understanding.

14For her benefit is more profitable than silver,

and her gain is better than gold.

15She is more precious than rubies,

and none of the things you desire can compare with her.

16Long life is in her right hand;

in her left hand are riches and honor.

17Her ways are very pleasant,

and all her paths are peaceful.

18She is like a tree of life to those who obtain her,

and everyone who grasps hold of her will be blessed.

19By wisdom the Lord laid the foundation of the earth;

he established the heavens by understanding.

20By his knowledge the primordial sea was broken open,

and the clouds drip down dew.

21My child, do not let them escape from your sight;

safeguard sound wisdom and discretion.

22So they will give life to you,

and grace to adorn your neck.

23Then you will walk on your way with security,

and you will not stumble.

24When you lie down you will not be filled with fear;

when you lie down your sleep will be pleasant.

25You will not be afraid of sudden disaster,

or when destruction overtakes the wicked;

26for the Lord will be the source of your confidence,

and he will guard your foot from being caught in a trap.

Wisdom Demonstrated in Relationships with People

27Do not withhold good from those who need it,

when you have the ability to help.

28Do not say to your neighbor, “Go! Return tomorrow

and I will give it,” when you have it with you at the time.

29Do not plot evil against your neighbor

when he dwells by you unsuspectingly.

30Do not accuse anyone without legitimate cause,

if he has not treated you wrongly.

31Do not envy a violent man,

and do not choose to imitate any of his ways;

32for one who goes astray is an abomination to the Lord,

but he reveals his intimate counsel to the upright.

33The Lord’s curse is on the household of the wicked,

but he blesses the home of the righteous.

34Although he is scornful to arrogant scoffers,

yet he shows favor to the humble.

35The wise inherit honor,

but he holds fools up to public contempt.