Proverbs 3:27-4:9

New International Version

²⁷Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
    when it is in your power to act.
²⁸Do not say to your neighbor,
    “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—
    when you already have it with you.^(A)
²⁹Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
    who lives trustfully near you.^(B)
³⁰Do not accuse anyone for no reason—
    when they have done you no harm.

³¹Do not envy^(C) the violent
or choose any of their ways.

³²For the Lord detests the perverse^(D)
    but takes the upright into his confidence.^(E)
³³The Lord’s curse^(F) is on the house of the wicked,^(G)
    but he blesses the home of the righteous.^(H)
³⁴He mocks^(I) proud mockers^(J)
    but shows favor to the humble^(K) and oppressed.
³⁵The wise inherit honor,
    but fools get only shame.

Get Wisdom at Any Cost

4 Listen, my sons,^(L) to a father’s instruction;^(M)
    pay attention and gain understanding.^(N)
²I give you sound learning,
    so do not forsake my teaching.
³For I too was a son to my father,
    still tender, and cherished by my mother.
⁴Then he taught me, and he said to me,
    “Take hold^(O) of my words with all your heart;
    keep my commands, and you will live.^(P)
⁵Get wisdom,^(Q) get understanding;
    do not forget my words or turn away from them.
⁶Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;^(R)
    love her, and she will watch over you.^(S)
⁷The beginning of wisdom is this: Get^[a] wisdom.
    Though it cost all^(T) you have,^[b] get understanding.^(U)
⁸Cherish her, and she will exalt you;
    embrace her, and she will honor you.^(V)
⁹She will give you a garland to grace your head
    and present you with a glorious crown.^(W)”