Proverbs 3:1-18

1My child, do not forget what I teach you. Always think carefully about my commands.

2If you obey them, you will live a long life. You will have peace in your mind. and you will enjoy your life.

3Keep hold of faithful love. That will be like a beautiful necklace that you always wear. Think about what it means to love other people.

4If you do that, you will make God happy. People will also be pleased and they will respect you.

5Trust in the Lord completely. Do not think that you understand things well enough for yourself.

6Whatever you are doing, remember that the Lord is with you. Then he will show you the right way to go.

7Do not think that you are already wise enough. Obey the Lord and refuse to do evil things.

8If you do that, it will make you healthy and strong.

9Show that you respect the Lord in the way that you use your money. Offer the first part of the harvest from your farm to him.

10If you do that, you will store more food than you need for yourself. You will have more wine than you can drink.

11My child, if the Lord warns you that you have done something wrong, accept it. Do not be upset if he warns you.

12He is doing it because he loves you. When a father loves his son very much, he warns him when he does something wrong.

13Anyone who finds wisdom is in a happy place! So is the person who has learned to understand things.

14Wisdom helps people better than silver or gold will ever help them.

15Wisdom is more valuable than the most expensive jewels. Nothing that you might want for yourself is as good as wisdom.

16Wisdom is ready to give you a long life. She will also give you riches and honour.

17Wisdom will be your guide through a happy life. She will lead you in ways that keep you safe.

18Wisdom is like a tree with fruits that give life to the people who pick them. The Lord blesses everyone who keeps hold of wisdom.