Proverbs 3

The Voice

3 My son, always remember what I have taught you;
    keep my instructions dear to your heart.
² If you do, they will be your guide to
    a long, healthy, prosperous life.

³ Stay focused; do not lose sight of mercy and truth;
    engrave them on a pendant, and hang it around your neck;
    meditate on them so they are written upon your heart.
⁴ In this way, you will win the favor of God and others,
    and they will think well of you.

⁵ Place your trust in the Eternal; rely on Him completely;
    never depend upon your own ideas and inventions.
⁶ Give Him the credit for everything you accomplish,
    and He will smooth out and straighten the road that lies ahead.
⁷ And don’t think you can decide on your own what is right and what is wrong.
    Respect the Eternal; turn and run from evil.
⁸ If you depend on Him, your body and mind will be free from the strain of a sinful life,
    will experience healing and health,
    and will be strengthened at their core.

⁹ Pay tribute to the Eternal in all of your affairs.
    Honor Him with the best of what you make.
¹⁰ That way you will prosper to the fullest
    and have plenty of food to eat and wine to drink.

¹¹ My son, do not ignore the Eternal’s instruction
    or lose heart when He steps in to correct you;
¹² Because the Eternal proves His love by caring enough to discipline you,
    just as a father does his child, his pride and joy.^[a]

¹³ How fortunate are those who discover Lady Wisdom
    and those who understand her ways!
¹⁴ For her worth is greater than the most expensive prize you could win.
    Her profit is greater than the finest thing you could buy.
¹⁵ No gem is more precious than she is—
    your most extravagant desire doesn’t come close to her.
¹⁶ She holds the secret of a long life in one hand
    and riches and fame in her other hand.
¹⁷ Her ways are pleasant;
    all of her pathways are peaceful.
¹⁸ She is like a tree that produces a satisfied life for anyone who can wrap their arms around her;
    happiness waits for any who hold her tightly.

¹⁹ It was by wisdom that the Eternal fashioned the earth
    and by understanding that He designed the heavens.
²⁰ Through His knowledge, the deep was divided into seas and sky,
    and the clouds understood when to let down the morning dew.

²¹ My son, never lose sight of God’s wisdom and knowledge:
    make decisions out of true wisdom, guard your good sense,
²² And they will be life to your soul
    and fine jewelry around your neck.
²³ Then each one of your steps will land securely on your life’s journey,
    and you will not trip or fall.
²⁴ Your mind will be clear, free from fear;
    when you lie down to rest, you will be refreshed by sweet sleep.
²⁵ Stay calm; there is no need to be afraid of a sudden disaster
    or to worry when calamity strikes the wicked,
²⁶ For the Eternal is always there to protect you.
    He will safeguard your each and every step.

²⁷ Do not withhold what is good from those who deserve it;
    if it is within your power to give it, do it.
²⁸ Do not send your neighbor away, saying, “Get back with me tomorrow.
    I can give it to you then,”
    when what he needs is already in your hand.
²⁹ Make no plans that could result in injury to your neighbor;
    after all, he should be more secure because he lives near you.
³⁰ Avoid fighting with anyone without good reason,
    especially when no one has hurt you;
    you have nothing to fight about.
³¹ Do not envy someone who profits at the expense of others
    or copy any of his tyrannical ways,
³² For crooked people are detestable to the Eternal,
    but those with integrity receive His counsel.
³³ His curse lingers over the wicked and their families,
    but He forever favors residence of those who do what is right.
³⁴ God treats the arrogant as they treat others,
    mocking the mockers, scorning the scornful,
    but He pours out His grace on the humble.^[b]
35 In the end, the wise will receive honor,
    but fools will face humiliation.