13 (A)Blessed is a person who finds wisdom,
And one who obtains understanding.
14 For [a]her (B)profit is better than the profit of silver,
And her produce better than gold.
15 She is (C)more precious than [b]jewels,
And nothing you desire compares with her.
16 [c](D)Long life is in her right hand;
In her left hand are (E)riches and honor.
17 Her (F)ways are pleasant ways,
And all her paths are (G)peace.
18 She is a (H)tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are those who hold on to her.
19 The Lord founded the earth (I)by wisdom,
He (J)established the heavens by understanding.
20 By His knowledge the (K)ocean depths were burst open,
And the (L)clouds drip with dew.
21 My son, see that (M)they do not escape from your sight;
Comply with sound wisdom and discretion,
22 And they will be (N)life to your soul
And (O)adornment to your neck.
23 Then you will (P)walk in your way securely,
And your foot will not (Q)stumble.
24 When you (R)lie down, you will not be afraid;
When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 (S)Do not be afraid of sudden danger,
Nor of (T)trouble from the wicked when it comes;
26 For the Lord will be [d]your confidence,
And will (U)keep your foot from being caught.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:14 I.e., the profit from Wisdom (personified)
  2. Proverbs 3:15 Lit corals
  3. Proverbs 3:16 Lit Length of days
  4. Proverbs 3:26 Or at your side

Value of wisdom

13 Happy are those who find wisdom
    and those who gain understanding.
14 Her profit is better than silver,
    and her gain better than gold.
15 Her value exceeds pearls;
    all you desire can’t compare with her.
16 In her right hand is a long life;
    in her left are wealth and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant;
    all her paths are peaceful.
18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
    those who hold her tight are happy.
19 The Lord laid the foundations of the earth with wisdom,
    establishing the heavens with understanding.
20 With his knowledge, the watery depths burst open,
    and the skies drop dew.

Integrity of wisdom

21 My son, don’t let them slip from your eyes;
    hold on to sound judgment and discretion.
22 They will be life for your whole being,
    and an ornament for your neck.
23 Then you will walk safely on your path,
    and your foot won’t stumble.
24 If you lie down, you won’t be terrified.
    When you lie down, your sleep will be pleasant.
25 Don’t fear sudden terror
    or the ruin that comes to the wicked.
26 The Lord will be your confidence;
    he will guard your feet from being snared.

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