Wisdom Brings Happiness

13 Happy is a man who finds wisdom(A)
and who acquires understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver,
and her revenue is better than gold.(B)
15 She is more precious than jewels;(C)
nothing you desire can equal her.(D)
16 Long life[a] is in her right hand;
in her left, riches and honor.(E)
17 Her ways are pleasant,(F)
and all her paths, peaceful.
18 She is a tree of life(G) to those who embrace her,
and those who hold on to her are happy.

19 The Lord founded the earth by wisdom(H)
and established the heavens by understanding.
20 By his knowledge the watery depths broke open,(I)
and the clouds dripped with dew.(J)

21 Maintain sound wisdom and discretion.
My son, don’t lose sight of them.(K)
22 They will be life for you[b](L)
and adornment[c] for your neck.
23 Then you will go safely on your way;
your foot will not stumble.(M)
24 When you lie[d] down, you will not be afraid;(N)
you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant.
25 Don’t fear sudden danger
or the ruin of the wicked when it comes,(O)
26 for the Lord will be your confidence[e]
and will keep your foot from a snare.(P)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 3:16 Lit Length of days
  2. 3:22 Or be your throat
  3. 3:22 Or grace
  4. 3:24 LXX reads sit
  5. 3:26 Or be at your side

13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
    the one who gains understanding.
14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
    and her wages are better than gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
    nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 She offers you long life in her right hand,
    and riches and honor in her left.
17 She will guide you down delightful paths;
    all her ways are satisfying.
18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
    happy are those who hold her tightly.

19 By wisdom the Lord founded the earth;
    by understanding he created the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,
    and the dew settles beneath the night sky.

21 My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.
    Hang on to them,
22 for they will refresh your soul.
    They are like jewels on a necklace.
23 They keep you safe on your way,
    and your feet will not stumble.
24 You can go to bed without fear;
    you will lie down and sleep soundly.
25 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
    or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
26 for the Lord is your security.
    He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

Read full chapter