# Proverbs 3 (New King James Version)
Guidance for the Young

##### Chapter 3
###### 1 My son, do not forget my law,  
But let your heart keep my commands;  

###### 2 For length of days and long life  
And peace they will add to you.

###### 3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;  
Bind them around your neck,  
Write them on the tablet of your heart,  

###### 4 _And_ so find favor and high esteem  
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 shall direct your paths.

###### 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;  
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.  

###### 8 It will be health to your flesh,  
And strength to your bones.

###### 9 Honor the Lord with your possessions,  
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;  

###### 10 So your barns will be filled with plenty,  
And your vats will overflow with new wine.

###### 11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,  
Nor detest His correction;  

###### 12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects,  
Just as a father the son _in whom_ he delights.

###### 13 Happy _is_ the man _who_ finds wisdom,  
And the man _who_ gains understanding;  

###### 14 For her proceeds _are_ better than the profits of silver,  
And her gain than fine gold.  

###### 15 She _is_ more precious than rubies,  
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.  

###### 16 Length of days _is_ in her right hand,  
In her left hand riches and honor.  

###### 17 Her ways _are_ ways of pleasantness,  
And all her paths _are_ peace.  

###### 18 She _is_ a tree of life to those who take hold of her,  
And happy _are all_ who retain her.

###### 19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth;  
By understanding He established the heavens;  

###### 20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up,  
And clouds drop down the dew.

###### 21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes--  
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;  

###### 22 So they will be life to your soul  
And grace to your neck.  

###### 23 Then you will walk safely in your way,  
And your foot will not stumble.  

###### 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;  
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.  

###### 25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror,  
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;  

###### 26 For the Lord will be your confidence,  
And will keep your foot from being caught.

###### 27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,  
When it is in the power of your hand to do _so._  

###### 28 Do not say to your neighbor,  
"Go, and come back,  
And tomorrow I will give _it,_"  
When you have it with you.  

###### 29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor,  
For he dwells by you for safety's sake.  

###### 30 Do not strive with a man without cause,  
If he has done you no harm.

###### 31 Do not envy the oppressor,  
And choose none of his ways;  

###### 32 For the perverse _person is_ an abomination to the Lord,  
But His secret counsel _is_ with the upright.  

###### 33 The curse of the Lord _is_ on the house of the wicked,  
But He blesses the home of the just.  

###### 34 Surely He scorns the scornful,  
But gives grace to the humble.  

###### 35 The wise shall inherit glory,  
But shame shall be the legacy of fools.