Proverbs 3

1 My son, don’t forget my instruction, and keep my commandments carefully in mind. ^{a3:1 Lit. Let your heart keep my commandments}ISV — Proverbs 3:1

2 For they will add length to your days, years to your life, and abundant peace to you.ISV — Proverbs 3:2

3 Do not let gracious love and truth leave you. Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart,ISV — Proverbs 3:3

4 and find favor and a good reputation ^{b3:4 Lit. good judgment or sense} with God and men.ISV — Proverbs 3:4

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not depend on your own understanding.ISV — Proverbs 3:5

6 In all your ways acknowledge ^{c3:6 Or know} him, and he will make your paths straight.ISV — Proverbs 3:6

7 Do not be wise in your own opinion. Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.ISV — Proverbs 3:7

8 This will bring healing to your body, and refreshment to your bones.ISV — Proverbs 3:8

9 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first ^{d3:9 Or best} of all your produce,ISV — Proverbs 3:9

10 so your barns will be filled with abundance, and your vats will burst open with new wine.ISV — Proverbs 3:10

11 My son, do not reject the LORD’s discipline, and do not despise his correction,ISV — Proverbs 3:11

12 because the LORD corrects the person he loves, just as a father corrects ^{e3:12 The Heb. lacks corrects} the son he delights in. ^{f3:12 So MT; LXX reads loves, and he punishes every son he accepts}ISV — Proverbs 3:12

13 How joyful is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding,ISV — Proverbs 3:13

14 because her profit is better than the profit of silver, and her yield than fine gold.ISV — Proverbs 3:14

15 She is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her.ISV — Proverbs 3:15

16 Long life is in her right hand, and in her left are riches and honor.ISV — Proverbs 3:16

17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peaceful.ISV — Proverbs 3:17

18 She is a tree of life for those who embrace her, and whoever clutches her tightly will be joyful.ISV — Proverbs 3:18

19 By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, and by understanding he set the heavens in place.ISV — Proverbs 3:19

20 By his knowledge the depths broke open, and the clouds drip with dew.ISV — Proverbs 3:20

21 My son, do not let wisdom ^{g3:21 The Heb. lacks wisdom} leave your sight. Carefully observe sound judgment and discernment,ISV — Proverbs 3:21

22 and they will be life to you and a graceful ornament ^{h3:22 Lit. grace} for your neck.ISV — Proverbs 3:22

23 Then you will travel safely on your way, and your foot will not stumble.ISV — Proverbs 3:23

24 When you sit ^{i3:24 So LXX; MT reads lie} down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be pleasant. ^{j3:24 Or sweet}ISV — Proverbs 3:24

25 Do not be afraid of sudden disaster, ^{k3:25 Lit. terror} or the devastation that comes to the wicked.ISV — Proverbs 3:25

26 Indeed, the LORD will be your confidence, and he will keep your foot from being caught.ISV — Proverbs 3:26

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.ISV — Proverbs 3:27

28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back. I will pay you ^{l3:28 Lit. it} tomorrow,” when you have cash ^{m3:28 The Heb. lacks cash} with you.ISV — Proverbs 3:28

29 Do not plan to harm your neighbor, when he is living peacefully ^{n3:29 Or securely} beside you.ISV — Proverbs 3:29

30 Do not bring a lawsuit against a person for no reason, when he has done you no harm.ISV — Proverbs 3:30

31 Do not envy a violent man, and do not emulate his lifestyle. ^{o3:31 Lit. ways}ISV — Proverbs 3:31

32 Indeed, a perverse man is utterly disgusting ^{p3:32 Lit. an abomination} to the LORD, but he takes the upright into his confidence. ^{q3:32 Lit. but his secret counsel is with the upright}ISV — Proverbs 3:32

33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.ISV — Proverbs 3:33

34 Though God ^{r3:34 Lit. he} scoffs at scoffers, he gives grace to the humble.ISV — Proverbs 3:34

35 The wise will inherit honor, but he holds fools up for ridicule.ISV — Proverbs 3:35