Proverbs

My son, do not forget my law; but let your heart keep my commandments:

For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to you.

Do not let mercy and truth forsake you: bind them about your neck; write them upon the table of your heart:

So you shall find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

[1] Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

Do not be wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

It shall be health to your navel, and marrow to your bones.

Honour the LORD with your substance, and with the firstfruits of all your increase:

So shall your barns be filled with plenty, and your presses shall burst out with new wine.

My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD; nor be weary of His correction:

For whom the LORD loves He corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delights.

Happy is the person who finds wisdom, and the person who gains understanding.

For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain of it than fine gold.

She is more precious than rubies: and all the things you can desire are not to be compared to her.

Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.

Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her: and happy is every person who retains her.

The LORD by wisdom has founded the earth; by understanding He has established the heavens.

By His knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.

My son, let not them depart from your eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:

So shall they be life to your soul, and grace to your neck.

Then you shall walk in your way safely, and your foot shall not stumble.

When you lie down, you shall not be afraid: yes, you shall lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet.

Do not be afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked when it comes.

For the LORD shall be your confidence, and shall keep your foot from being taken.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.

Do not say to your neighbour, "Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give;" when you have it with you.

Do not devise evil against your neighbour, seeing he dwells securely by you.

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

Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways.

For the perverse person is an abomination to the LORD: but His secret is with the righteous.

The curse of the LORD is in the house of the wicked: but He blesses the habitation of the just.

Surely He scorns the scorners: but He gives grace to the lowly.

The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.