Trust the Lord

My son, don’t forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commands;(A)
for they will bring you
many days, a full life,[a](B) and well-being.(C)
Never let loyalty and faithfulness leave you.
Tie them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.(D)
Then you will find favor and high regard
with God and people.(E)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,(F)
and do not rely on your own understanding;(G)
in all your ways know him,
and he will make your paths straight.(H)
Don’t be wise in your own eyes;(I)
fear the Lord and turn away from evil.(J)
This will be healing for your body[b](K)
and strengthening for your bones.(L)

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Footnotes

  1. 3:2 Lit days, years of life
  2. 3:8 Lit navel

Trusting in the Lord

My child,[a] never forget the things I have taught you.
    Store my commands in your heart.
If you do this, you will live many years,
    and your life will be satisfying.
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
    Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
    Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
    and you will earn a good reputation.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom.
    Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body
    and strength for your bones.

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Footnotes

  1. 3:1 Hebrew My son; also in 3:11, 21.

11 Do not despise the Lord’s instruction, my son,
and do not loathe his discipline;(A)
12 for the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.(B)

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11 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
    and don’t be upset when he corrects you.
12 For the Lord corrects those he loves,
    just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.[a]

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Footnotes

  1. 3:12 Greek version reads loves, / and he punishes those he accepts as his children. Compare Heb 12:6.

21 Maintain sound wisdom and discretion.
My son, don’t lose sight of them.(A)
22 They will be life for you[a](B)
and adornment[b] for your neck.
23 Then you will go safely on your way;
your foot will not stumble.(C)
24 When you lie[c] down, you will not be afraid;(D)
you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant.
25 Don’t fear sudden danger
or the ruin of the wicked when it comes,(E)
26 for the Lord will be your confidence[d]
and will keep your foot from a snare.(F)

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Footnotes

  1. 3:22 Or be your throat
  2. 3:22 Or grace
  3. 3:24 LXX reads sit
  4. 3:26 Or be at your side

21 My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.
    Hang on to them,
22 for they will refresh your soul.
    They are like jewels on a necklace.
23 They keep you safe on your way,
    and your feet will not stumble.
24 You can go to bed without fear;
    you will lie down and sleep soundly.
25 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
    or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
26 for the Lord is your security.
    He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

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