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Wisdom and Piety

My child, do not forget my instruction,
    and may your heart guard my commands.
For length of days, years of life,
    and peace they[a] shall add to you.
May loyal love[b] and truth not forsake you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them upon your heart.
And you shall find favor and good sense[c]
    in the eyes of God and humankind.
Trust Yahweh[d] with all your heart;
    do not lean toward your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will straighten your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
    fear Yahweh and retreat from evil.
There shall be healing for your flesh,[e]
    and refreshment for your body.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:2 That is, “my commands” (3:1)
  2. Proverbs 3:3 Or “kindness, mercy”
  3. Proverbs 3:4 Or “understanding, prudence”
  4. Proverbs 3:5 Literally “trust toward Yahweh”
  5. Proverbs 3:8 Literally “navel”

My son, don’t forget my teaching;
    but let your heart keep my commandments:
for they will add to you length of days,
    years of life, and peace.
Don’t let kindness and truth forsake you.
    Bind them around your neck.
    Write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor,
    and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
Trust in Yahweh with all your heart,
    and don’t lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make your paths straight.
Don’t be wise in your own eyes.
    Fear Yahweh, and depart from evil.
It will be health to your body,
    and nourishment to your bones.

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Happy Is the One Who Finds Wisdom

11 Do not despise the discipline of Yahweh, my child.
    Do not be weary of his reproof
12 because whomever Yahweh will love, he will rebuke,
    as a father delights in his son.

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11 My son, don’t despise Yahweh’s discipline,
    neither be weary of his correction;
12 for whom Yahweh loves, he corrects,
    even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights.

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21 My child, may they[a] not escape from your sight;[b]
    may you keep sound wisdom and prudence.
22 They shall be life for your soul[c]
    and adornment[d] for your neck.
23 Then you will walk in the confidence of your ways,
    and your foot will not stumble.
24 If you sit down, you will not panic,[e]
    and if you lie down, then your sleep shall be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden panic,[f]
    or the storm of wickedness that will come.
26 Yahweh will be your confidence[g]
    and guard your foot from capture.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:21 Grammatically, “they” most likely refers to clouds (3:20). In context, “they” may refer to wisdom and understanding (3:13).
  2. Proverbs 3:21 Literally “eyes”
  3. Proverbs 3:22 Or “inner self”
  4. Proverbs 3:22 Or “favor”
  5. Proverbs 3:24 Or “fear, dread”
  6. Proverbs 3:25 Or “fear, dread”
  7. Proverbs 3:26 Literally “in your confidence”

21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes.
    Keep sound wisdom and discretion:
22 so they will be life to your soul,
    and grace for your neck.
23 Then you shall walk in your way securely.
    Your foot won’t stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid.
    Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.
25 Don’t be afraid of sudden fear,
    neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes;
26 for Yahweh will be your confidence,
    and will keep your foot from being taken.

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