Chapter 3
Blessed Is the Person Who Has Found Wisdom
1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but cherish my commandments in your heart,
2 for they will bring you length of days,
more years of life, and an abundance of prosperity.
3 Do not let kindness and fidelity leave you;
fasten them around your neck
and inscribe them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will gain favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust wholeheartedly in the Lord
rather than relying on your own intelligence.
6 In everything you do, acknowledge him,
and he will see that your paths are straight.
7 Do not pride yourself on your own wisdom;
fear the Lord and turn your back on evil.
8 This will provide healing for your flesh
and restore strength to your body.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your crops.
10 Then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My son, do not ignore the Lord’s discipline
or refuse to accept his rebuke.
12 For the Lord disciplines those whom he loves,
just as a father chastises a beloved son.
13 Blessed is the person who has found wisdom,
the one who has gained understanding.
14 For she is far more valuable than silver,
and her revenue is greater than that of gold.
15 She is more precious than pearls,
and nothing that you desire can compare with her.
16 In her right hand is length of days;
in her left hand, riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant to follow,
and all her paths lead to peace.
18 She is a tree of life to all who embrace her,
and blessed are all who hold her fast.
By His Wisdom the Lord Laid the Earth’s Foundations
19 By his wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations;
by his understanding he established the heavens.
20 Through his knowledge the depths broke open
and the clouds dropped down dew.
You Will Proceed on Your Way Securely
21 My son, without letting them slip out of your sight
safeguard sound wisdom and prudence.
22 They will give life to your soul
and provide adornment for your neck.
23 Then you will proceed on your way securely,
and your feet will avoid stumbling.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid,
and on your bed your sleep will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden terror
or of the destruction that overtakes the wicked.
26 For the Lord will be your assurance
and will keep your feet from the trap.
27 Do not withhold kindness from anyone to whom it is due
when it is in your power to grant it.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
“Go away and come back again; I will repay you tomorrow,”
when you can give him what is owed right then.
29 Do not plot any evil against your neighbor
who is living in peace beside you.
30 Do not quarrel with someone without cause
when that person has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy a violent man
or choose to emulate any of his ways.
32 For the perverse man is an abomination to the Lord
whose friendship is bestowed only upon the upright.
33 The curse of the Lord falls on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the abode of the righteous.
34 He shows only disdain to those who are scornful,
but he showers his kindness on the humble.
35 Glory is the crown given to the wise;
fools inherit nothing but disgrace.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 3:1
- Proverbs 3:2
- Proverbs 3:9
- Proverbs 3:10
- Proverbs 3:11
- Proverbs 3:13
- Proverbs 3:15
- Proverbs 3:19
- Proverbs 3:21
- Proverbs 3:24
- Proverbs 3:25
- Proverbs 3:33
