3:1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,

3:2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.

3:3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

3:4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

3:6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.

3:8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

3:9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;

3:10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

3:11 My son, do not despise the LORD'S discipline and do not resent his rebuke,

3:12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

3:13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding,

3:14 for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.

3:15 She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

3:16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

3:17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.

3:18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.

3:19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place;

3:20 by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.

3:21 My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;

3:22 they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.

3:23 Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble;

3:24 when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

3:25 Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

3:26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.

3:27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.

3:28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"--when you now have it with you.

3:29 Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.

3:30 Do not accuse a man for no reason--when he has done you no harm.

3:31 Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways,

3:32 for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.

3:33 The LORD'S curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.

3:34 He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.

3:35 The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.