Proverbs 3:13-26
Holman Christian Standard Bible
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 compares with 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 your competence and discretion.
My son, don’t lose sight of them.(K)
22 They will be life for you[b][c](L)
and adornment[d] for your neck.
23 Then you will go safely on your way;
your foot will not stumble.(M)
24 When you lie[e] 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[f]
and will keep your foot from a snare.(P)
Footnotes
- Proverbs 3:16 Lit Length of days
- Proverbs 3:22 Or be your throat
- Proverbs 3:22 In Hb, nephesh can mean throat, soul, or life.
- Proverbs 3:22 Or grace
- Proverbs 3:24 LXX reads sit
- Proverbs 3:26 Or be at your side
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