Proverbs 3:1-26 ▼

1 My son! Do not forget my law, || And let your heart keep my commands,

2 For [the] length of [your] days and years, || Life and peace they add to you.

3 Do not let kindness and truth forsake you, || Bind them on your neck, || Write them on the tablet of your heart,

4 And find grace and good understanding || In the eyes of God and man.

5 Trust to YHWH with all your heart, || And do not lean to your own understanding.

6 In all your ways know Him, || And He makes your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes, || Fear YHWH, and turn aside from evil.

8 It is healing to your navel, || And moistening to your bones.

9 Honor YHWH from your substance, || And from the beginning of all your increase;

10 And your barns are filled [with] plenty, || And your presses break forth [with] new wine.

11 Discipline of YHWH, my son, do not despise, || And do not be distressed with His reproof,

12 For whom YHWH loves He reproves, || Even as a father the son He is pleased with.

13 O the blessedness of a man [who] has found wisdom, || And of a man [who] brings forth understanding.

14 For better [is] her merchandise || Than the merchandise of silver, || And than gold—her increase.

15 She [is] precious above rubies, || And all your pleasures are not comparable to her.

16 Length of days [is] in her right hand, || In her left [are] wealth and honor.

17 Her ways [are] ways of pleasantness, || And all her paths [are] peace.

18 She [is] a tree of life to those laying hold on her, || And whoever is retaining her [is] blessed.

19 YHWH founded the earth by wisdom, || He prepared the heavens by understanding.

20 By His knowledge depths have been broken, || And clouds drop dew.

21 My son! Do not let them turn from your eyes, || Keep wisdom and thoughtfulness,

22 And they are life to your soul, and grace to your neck.

23 Then you go your way confidently, || And your foot does not stumble.

24 If you lie down, you are not afraid, || Indeed, you have lain down, || And your sleep has been sweet.

25 Do not be afraid of sudden fear, || And of the desolation of the wicked when it comes.

26 For YHWH is at your side, || And He has kept your foot from capture.