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The Rewards of Wisdom

My son, do not forget my teaching,
    but let your heart keep my commandments;
for length of days and long life
    and peace will they add to you.

Do not let mercy 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 the Lord with all your heart,
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge Him,
    and He will direct your paths.

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord and depart from evil.
It will be health to your body,
    and strength to your bones.

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Guidance for the Young

My son, do not forget my law,
(A)But let your heart keep my commands;
For length of days and long life
And (B)peace they will add to you.

Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
(C)Bind them around your neck,
(D)Write them on the tablet of your heart,
(E)And so find favor and [a]high esteem
In the sight of God and man.

(F)Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
(G)And lean not on your own understanding;
(H)In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall [b]direct your paths.

Do not be wise in your own (I)eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
It will be health to your [c]flesh,
And (J)strength[d] to your bones.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:4 Lit. good understanding
  2. Proverbs 3:6 Or make smooth or straight
  3. Proverbs 3:8 Body, lit. navel
  4. Proverbs 3:8 Lit. drink

11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
    nor be weary of His correction;
12 for whom the Lord loves He corrects,
    even as a father the son in whom he delights.

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11 (A)My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction;
12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
(B)Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

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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 to your neck.
23 Then you will walk safely in your way,
    and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
    yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
    nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
26 for the Lord will be your confidence,
    and will keep your foot from being caught.

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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 to your neck.
23 (A)Then you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
25 (B)Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
26 For the Lord will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.

Read full chapter