¹ My son, do not forget my teaching,
    but cherish my commandments in your heart,
² for they will bring you length of days,
    more years of life,^[b] and an abundance of prosperity.
³ Do not let kindness and fidelity leave you;
    fasten them around your neck
    and inscribe them on the tablet of your heart.
⁴ Then you will gain favor and a good name
    in the sight of God and man.
⁵ Trust wholeheartedly in the Lord
    rather than relying on your own intelligence.
⁶ In everything you do, acknowledge him,
    and he will see that your paths are straight.
⁷ Do not pride yourself on your own wisdom;
    fear the Lord and turn your back on evil.
⁸ This will provide healing for your flesh
    and restore strength to your body.
⁹ Honor the Lord with your wealth
    and with the firstfruits of all your crops.^[c]
10 Then your barns will be filled with plenty,^[d]
    and your vats will overflow with new wine.
^{11     [e]}My son, do not ignore the Lord’s discipline
    or refuse to accept his rebuke.
¹² For the Lord disciplines those whom he loves,
    just as a father chastises a beloved son.
¹³ Blessed^[f] is the person who has found wisdom,
    the one who has gained understanding.
¹⁴ For she is far more valuable than silver,
    and her revenue is greater than that of gold.
¹⁵ She is more precious than pearls,^[g]
    and nothing that you desire can compare with her.
¹⁶ In her right hand is length of days;
    in her left hand, riches and honor.
¹⁷ Her ways are pleasant to follow,
    and all her paths lead to peace.
¹⁸ She is a tree of life to all who embrace her,
    and blessed are all who hold her fast.

¹⁹ By his wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations;
    by his understanding he established the heavens.
²⁰ Through his knowledge the depths broke open
    and the clouds dropped down dew.

²¹ My son, without letting them slip out of your sight
    safeguard sound wisdom and prudence.
²² They will give life to your soul
    and provide adornment for your neck.
²³ Then you will proceed on your way securely,
    and your feet will avoid stumbling.
²⁴ When you lie down, you will not be afraid,^[j]
    and on your bed your sleep will be sweet.
²⁵ Have no fear of sudden terror
    or of the destruction^[k] that overtakes the wicked.
²⁶ For the Lord will be your assurance
    and will keep your feet from the trap.
²⁷ Do not withhold kindness from anyone to whom it is due
    when it is in your power to grant it.
²⁸ Do not say to your neighbor,
    “Go away and come back again; I will repay you tomorrow,”
    when you can give him what is owed right then.
²⁹ Do not plot any evil against your neighbor
    who is living in peace beside you.
³⁰ Do not quarrel with someone without cause
    when that person has done you no harm.
³¹ Do not envy a violent man
    or choose to emulate any of his ways.
³² For the perverse man is an abomination to the Lord
    whose friendship is bestowed only upon the upright.
³³ The curse of the Lord falls on the house of the wicked,^[l]
    but he blesses the abode of the righteous.
³⁴ He shows only disdain to those who are scornful,
    but he showers his kindness on the humble.
³⁵ Glory is the crown given to the wise;
    fools inherit nothing but disgrace.