The Rewards of Wisdom

My son, (A)do not forget my [a]teaching,
But have your heart (B)comply with my commandments;
For (C)length of days and years of life
And peace they will add to you.
Do not let (D)kindness and truth leave you;
(E)Bind them around your neck,
(F)Write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will (G)find favor and a (H)good [b]reputation
In the sight of God and man.
(I)Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And (J)do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways (K)acknowledge Him,
And He will (L)make your paths straight.
(M)Do not be wise in your own eyes;
(N)Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
It will be (O)healing to your [c]body
And (P)refreshment to your bones.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:1 Or law
  2. Proverbs 3:4 Lit understanding
  3. Proverbs 3:8 Lit navel

Wisdom Bestows Well-Being

My son,(A) do not forget my teaching,(B)
    but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years(C)
    and bring you peace and prosperity.(D)

Let love and faithfulness(E) never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.(F)
Then you will win favor and a good name
    in the sight of God and man.(G)

Trust in the Lord(H) with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths(I) straight.[a](J)

Do not be wise in your own eyes;(K)
    fear the Lord(L) and shun evil.(M)
This will bring health to your body(N)
    and nourishment to your bones.(O)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:6 Or will direct your paths

11 (A)My son, do not reject the [a]discipline of the Lord
Or loathe His rebuke,
12 For (B)whom the Lord loves He disciplines,
Just (C)as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:11 Or instruction

11 My son,(A) do not despise the Lord’s discipline,(B)
    and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,(C)
    as a father the son he delights in.[a](D)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:12 Hebrew; Septuagint loves, / and he chastens everyone he accepts as his child

21 My son, see that (A)they do not escape from your sight;
Comply with sound wisdom and discretion,
22 And they will be (B)life to your soul
And (C)adornment to your neck.
23 Then you will (D)walk in your way securely,
And your foot will not (E)stumble.
24 When you (F)lie down, you will not be afraid;
When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 (G)Do not be afraid of sudden danger,
Nor of (H)trouble from the wicked when it comes;
26 For the Lord will be [a]your confidence,
And will (I)keep your foot from being caught.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:26 Or at your side

21 My son,(A) do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,(B)
    preserve sound judgment and discretion;
22 they will be life for you,(C)
    an ornament to grace your neck.(D)
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,(E)
    and your foot will not stumble.(F)
24 When you lie down,(G) you will not be afraid;(H)
    when you lie down, your sleep(I) will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
    or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the Lord will be at your side(J)
    and will keep your foot(K) from being snared.(L)

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