Old Testament · Proverbs

Proverbs 3

Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart

1My son, do not forget my Torah, and let your heart keep my commandments^a;
2For length of days, and years of life^b, and peace they will add to you.
3Let lovingkindness and truth not forsake you; bind them on your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart;
4And find grace and good understanding in the eyes of God and man^c.
5Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
6In all your ways know him, and he will make straight your paths.
7Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil;
8It will be healing to your navel, and refreshment to your bones.
9Honor the LORD with your wealth, and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
10And your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will burst with new wine.
11The discipline of the LORD, my son, do not reject, and do not loathe his reproof;
12For whom the LORD loves he reproves, even as a father the son in whom he delights.

The Blessings of Wisdom

13Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who obtains understanding.
14For her profit is better than the profit of silver, and her revenue than fine gold.
15She is more precious than rubies, and all your delights cannot compare with her.
16Length of days is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
17Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her, and those who hold her fast are blessed.
19The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens.
20By his knowledge the deeps were broken up, and the skies drop down dew.
21My son, let them not depart from your eyes; keep sound wisdom and discretion;
22And they will be life to your soul^d, and grace to your neck.
23Then you will walk your way securely, and your foot will not stumble.
24When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yea, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.
25Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of the destruction of the wicked when it comes;
26For the LORD will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught.
27Do not withhold good from its owners, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.
28Do not say to your neighbor, "Go and come back, and tomorrow I will give," when it is with you.
29Do not devise evil against your neighbor, while he dwells securely beside you.
30Do not contend with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.
31Do not envy the man^e of violence, and do not choose any of his ways.
32For the devious is an abomination to the LORD, but his counsel is with the upright.
33The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked, but the dwelling of the righteous he blesses.
34If it concerns the scoffers, he scoffs at them, but to the humble he gives grace.
35The wise will inherit honor, but fools carry away shame.