Chapter 3

My son, don't forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands;
for they will bring you many days, a full life, and well-being.
Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Tie them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will find favor and high regard with God and people.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding;
in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.
Don't be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
This will be healing for your body and strengthening for your bones.
Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the first produce of your entire harvest;
then your barns will be completely filled, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
Do not despise the Lord's instruction, my son, and do not loathe his discipline;
for the Lord disciplines the one he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.

Wisdom Brings Happiness

Happy is a man who finds wisdom and who acquires understanding,
for she is more profitable than silver, and her revenue is better than gold.
She is more precious than jewels; nothing you desire can equal her.
Long life is in her right hand; in her left, riches and honor.
Her ways are pleasant, and all her paths, peaceful.
She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who hold on to her are happy.
The Lord founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding.
By his knowledge the watery depths broke open, and the clouds dripped with dew.
Maintain sound wisdom and discretion. My son, don't lose sight of them.
They will be life for you and adornment for your neck.
Then you will go safely on your way; your foot will not stumble.
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant.
Don't fear sudden danger or the ruin of the wicked when it comes,
for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from a snare.

Treat Others Fairly

When it is in your power, don't withhold good from the one to whom it belongs.
Don't say to your neighbor, "Go away! Come back later. I'll give it tomorrow"--when it is there with you.
Don't plan any harm against your neighbor, for he trusts you and lives near you.
Don't accuse anyone without cause, when he has done you no harm.
Don't envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;
for the devious are detestable to the Lord, but he is a friend to the upright.
The Lord's curse is on the household of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous;
He mocks those who mock but gives grace to the humble.
The wise will inherit honor, but he holds up fools to dishonor.