1My son, do not forget* my teaching,

take to heart my commands;

2For many days, and years of life,a

and peace, will they bring you.

3Do not let love and fidelity forsake you;

bind them around your neck;

write them on the tablet of your heart.

4Then will you win favor and esteem

before God and human beings.

5Trust in the Lord with all your heart,

on your own intelligence do not rely;

6In all your ways be mindful of him,

and he will make straight your paths.

7Do not be wise in your own eyes,b

fear the Lord and turn away from evil;

8This will mean health for your flesh

and vigor for your bones.

9Honor the Lord with your wealth,

with first fruits of all your produce;c

10Then will your barns be filled with plenty,

with new wine your vats will overflow.

11The discipline of the Lord, my son, do not spurn;d

do not disdain his reproof;

12* For whom the Lord loves he reproves,

as a father, the son he favors.e

13Happy the one who finds wisdom,

the one who gains understanding!f

14Her profit is better than profit in silver,

and better than gold is her revenue;

15She is more precious than corals,

and no treasure of yours can compare with her.g

16Long life is in her right hand,

in her left are riches and honor;

17Her ways are pleasant ways,

and all her paths are peace;

18She is a tree of life* to those who grasp her,

and those who hold her fast are happy.h

19The Lord by wisdom founded the earth,

established the heavens by understanding;

20By his knowledge the depths* are split,

and the clouds drop down dew.

21My son, do not let these slip from your sight:

hold to deliberation and planning;

22So will they be life to your soul,*

and an adornment for your neck.

23Then you may go your way securely;

your foot will never stumble;

24When you lie down, you will not be afraid,

when you rest, your sleep will be sweet.

25Do not be afraid of sudden terror,

of the ruin of the wicked when it comes;

26For the Lord will be your confidence,

and will keep your foot from the snare.

27Do not withhold any goods from the owner

when it is in your power to act.

28Say not to your neighbor, “Go, come back tomorrow,

and I will give it to you,” when all the while you have it.

29Do not plot evil against your neighbors,

when they live at peace with you.

30Do not contend with someone without cause,

with one who has done you no harm.

31Do not envy the violent

and choose none of their ways:i

32To the Lord the devious are an abomination,

but the upright are close to him.

33The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,

but the dwelling of the just he blesses;

34Those who scoff, he scoffs at,j

but the lowly he favors.

35The wise will possess glory,

but fools will bear shame.