[3:1] My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
[2] for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
[3] Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. [4] Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
[5] Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
[7] Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. [8] This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
[9] Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; [10] then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

[11] My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, [12] because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
[13] Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, [14] for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
[15] She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
[16] Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
[17] Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.
[18] She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
[19] By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; [20] by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.

[21] My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; [22] they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. [23] Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble; [24] when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. [25] Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, [26] for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. [27] Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. [28] Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"-- when you now have it with you. [29] Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. [30] Do not accuse a man for no reason-- when he has done you no harm. [31] Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, [32] for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence. [33] The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. [34] He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. [35] The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.