[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.