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Third Address to a Son:
Wisdom Leads to the Lord’s Blessing

My son, do not forget my teaching.
Let your heart keep my commands,
because they will add long days and many years to your life,
and peace and prosperity[a] will come to you.
Do not allow mercy and truth to leave you.
Fasten them around your neck.
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will find favor and approval[b]
    in the eyes of God and man.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Do not consider yourself wise.
Fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
Then your body[c] will be healed,
and your bones will be refreshed.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:2 The Hebrew word shalom here contains both meanings.
  2. Proverbs 3:4 Literally good understanding
  3. Proverbs 3:8 Literally navel

11 Do not reject the Lord’s discipline, my son,
and do not despise his warning,
12 because the Lord warns[a] the one he loves
    as a father warns a son with whom he is pleased.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:12 Or disciplines

21 My son, do not take your eyes off these things.
Guard sound judgment and insight.
22 They will be life for your soul
and grace to adorn your neck.
23 Then you will walk safely on your way,
and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid.
When you lie down, your sleep will be pleasant.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
nor of the destruction of the wicked when it comes,
26 because the Lord will be your confidence.
He will keep your foot from being caught.

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