Proverbs 3:1-18

1My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments;

2For length of days and years of life [worth living] And tranquility and prosperity [the wholeness of life’s blessings] they will add to you.

3Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; Bind them [securely] around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.

4So find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.

5Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

6In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

7Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil.

8It will be health to your body [your marrow, your nerves, your sinews, your muscles—all your inner parts] And refreshment (physical well-being) to your bones.

9Honor the Lord with your wealth And with the first fruits of all your crops (income);

10Then your barns will be abundantly filled And your vats will overflow with new wine.

11My son, do not reject or take lightly the discipline of the Lord [learn from your mistakes and the testing that comes from His correction through discipline]; Nor despise His rebuke,

12For those whom the Lord loves He corrects, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

13Happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is the man who finds [skillful and godly] wisdom, And the man who gains understanding and insight [learning from God’s word and life’s experiences],

14For wisdom’s profit is better than the profit of silver, And her gain is better than fine gold.

15She is more precious than rubies; And nothing you can wish for compares with her [in value].

16Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor.

17Her ways are highways of pleasantness and favor, And all her paths are peace.

18She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is everyone who holds her tightly.