3:1 My child,1 do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep2 my commandments,
3:2 for they will provide3 a long and full life,4
and they will add well-being5 to you.
3:3 Do not let truth and mercy6 leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.7
3:4 Then you will find8 favor and good understanding,9
in the sight of God and people.10
3:5 Trust11 in the Lord with all your heart,12
and do not rely13 on your own understanding.14
3:6 Acknowledge15 him in all your ways,16
and he will make your paths straight.17
3:7 Do not be wise in your own estimation;18
fear the Lord and turn away from evil.19
3:8 This will bring20 healing to your body,21
and refreshment22 to your inner self.23
3:9 Honor24 the Lord from your wealth
and from the first fruits of all your crops;25
3:10 then your barns will be filled completely,26
and your vats27 will overflow28 with new wine.
3:11 My child,29 do not despise discipline from the Lord,30
and do not loathe31 his rebuke.
3:12 For the Lord disciplines32 those he loves,
just as a father33 disciplines34 the son in whom he delights.
Blessings of Obtaining Wisdom
3:13 Blessed35 is the one36 who finds37 wisdom,
and the one38 who obtains39 understanding.
3:14 For her40 benefit41 is more profitable42 than silver,
and her43 gain44 is better45 than gold.
3:15 She is more precious than rubies,
and none of the things46 you desire47 can compare48 with her.49
3:16 Long life50 is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
3:17 Her ways are very pleasant,51
and all her paths are peaceful.
3:18 She is like52 a tree of life53 to those who obtain her,54
and everyone who grasps hold of her will be blessed.55
3:19 The Lord by wisdom laid the foundation of the earth;56
he established the heavens by understanding.57
3:20 By his knowledge the primordial sea58 was broken open,59
and the clouds drip down dew.60
3:21 My child,61 do not let them62 escape from your sight;
safeguard sound wisdom and discretion.63
3:22 So64 they will give65 life to you,66
and grace to adorn67 your neck.68
3:23 Then you will walk on your way69 with security,
3:24 When72 you lie down you will not be filled with fear,73
and when74 you lie down your sleep will be pleasant.75
3:25 You will not be afraid76 of sudden77 disaster,78
or when destruction comes79 on the wicked;80
3:26 for the Lord will be81 the source of your confidence,82
and he will guard your foot83 from being ensnared.84
Wisdom Demonstrated in Relationships with People
3:27 Do not withhold good from those who need it,85
when86 you87 have the ability88 to do it.89
3:28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go! Return tomorrow
and I will give it”—when90 you have it with you at the time.91
3:29 Do not plot92 evil against your neighbor
when93 he dwells by you unsuspectingly.
3:30 Do not accuse94 anyone95 without legitimate cause,96
if he has not treated you wrongly.
3:31 Do not envy a violent man,97
and do not choose any of his ways;
3:32 for one who goes astray98 is an abomination99 to the Lord,
but he reveals100 his intimate counsel101 to the upright.
3:33 The Lord’s curse102 is on the household103 of the wicked,104
but he blesses105 the home106 of the righteous.107
3:34 Although108 he is scornful to arrogant scoffers,109
yet110 he shows favor to the humble.111
3:35 The wise inherit honor,
but he holds fools up112 to public contempt.113
Admonition to Follow Righteousness and Avoid Wickedness114