1My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart.
2Because they will add many days to your life, and years of living, and peace.
3Don't let kindness and truth leave you. Tie them around your neck. Write them in your heart.
4Then you will find favor and a good reputation with God and people.
5Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don't rely on your own understanding.
6In everything you do, acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
7Don't think you are wise yourself. Respect Yahweh and turn away from evil.
8This will bring health to your body and strength to your bones.
9Honor Yahweh with your wealth and with the first of all your crops.
10Then your barns will be full of grain, and your wine vats will overflow with new wine.
11My son, don't reject Yahweh's correction or get tired of his discipline,
12because Yahweh corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a son he delights in.
13Happy is the person who finds wisdom and the person who gains understanding.
14Getting wisdom is better than making money, and its profit is better than fine gold.
15Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare to her.
16Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
17Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths lead to peace.
18She is like a tree of life to those who hold on to her; everyone who keeps her is happy.
19Yahweh used wisdom to create the earth; he used understanding to set up the heavens.
20His knowledge broke open the deep springs, and the clouds dropped dew.
21My child, don't ever lose sight of these things. Hold on to good sense and careful thought.
22They will bring life to you and be like a gracious necklace for you.
23Then you will walk safely on your path, and your foot will not stumble.
24When you lie down, you won't be afraid. You will lie down, and your sleep will be peaceful.
25Don't be afraid of sudden trouble or of the disaster that overtakes the wicked when it comes.
26Because Yahweh will be your confidence; he will keep your foot from being caught.
27Don't refuse to do good for those who deserve it, when you have the power to do so.
28Don't tell your neighbor, "Go away and come back; I'll give it to you tomorrow," when you have it with you now.
29Don't plan evil against your neighbor who lives peacefully beside you.
30Don't argue with someone without a reason if they haven't harmed you.
31Don't envy violent people or choose any of their ways.
32Because Yahweh detests crooked people, but he is a friend to the honest.
33Yahweh's curse is on the home of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
34He certainly mocks those who mock, but he shows favor to the humble.
35The wise will receive honor, but fools will be promoted to shame.