3 My son, don’t forget my instruction.
    Let your heart guard my commands,
²     because they will help you live a long time
    and provide you with well-being.
³ Don’t let loyalty and faithfulness leave you.
    Bind them on your neck;
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
⁴ Then you will find favor and approval
    in the eyes of God and humanity.
⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    don’t rely on your own intelligence.
⁶ Know him in all your paths,
    and he will keep your ways straight.
⁷ Don’t consider yourself wise.
    Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
⁸ Then your body^[a] will be healthy
    and your bones strengthened.

¹¹ Don’t reject the instruction of the Lord, my son;
    don’t despise his correction.
¹² The Lord loves those he corrects,
    just like a father who treats his son with favor.

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.