Wisdom Bestows Well-Being

My son,(A) do not forget my teaching,(B)
    but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years(C)
    and bring you peace and prosperity.(D)

Let love and faithfulness(E) never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.(F)
Then you will win favor and a good name
    in the sight of God and man.(G)

Trust in the Lord(H) with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths(I) straight.[a](J)

Do not be wise in your own eyes;(K)
    fear the Lord(L) and shun evil.(M)
This will bring health to your body(N)
    and nourishment to your bones.(O)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:6 Or will direct your paths

The Blessings of Trusting God

My son, don’t forget my instruction,
and keep my commandments carefully in mind.[a]
For they will add length to your days, years to your life,
    and abundant peace to you.
Do not let gracious love and truth leave you.
    Bind them around your neck,
        write them on the tablet of your heart,
and find favor and a good reputation[b] with God and men.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not depend on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge[c] him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

Do not be wise in your own opinion.
    Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
This will bring healing to your body,
    and refreshment to your bones.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:1 Lit. Let your heart keep my commandments
  2. Proverbs 3:4 Lit. good judgment or sense
  3. Proverbs 3:6 Or know

11 My son,(A) do not despise the Lord’s discipline,(B)
    and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,(C)
    as a father the son he delights in.[a](D)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:12 Hebrew; Septuagint loves, / and he chastens everyone he accepts as his child

11 My son, do not reject the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not despise his correction,
12 because the Lord corrects the person he loves,
    just as a father corrects[a] the son he delights in.[b]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:12 The Heb. lacks corrects
  2. Proverbs 3:12 So MT; LXX reads loves, and he punishes every son he accepts

21 My son,(A) do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,(B)
    preserve sound judgment and discretion;
22 they will be life for you,(C)
    an ornament to grace your neck.(D)
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,(E)
    and your foot will not stumble.(F)
24 When you lie down,(G) you will not be afraid;(H)
    when you lie down, your sleep(I) will be sweet.
25 Have no fear of sudden disaster
    or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the Lord will be at your side(J)
    and will keep your foot(K) from being snared.(L)

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Benefits of Wisdom

21 My son, do not let wisdom[a] leave your sight.
    Carefully observe sound judgment and discernment,
22 and they will be life to you
    and a graceful ornament[b] for your neck.
23 Then you will travel safely on your way,
    and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you sit[c] down, you will not be afraid;
    when you lie down, your sleep will be pleasant.[d]
25 Do not be afraid of sudden disaster,[e]
    or the devastation that comes to the wicked.
26 Indeed, the Lord will be your confidence,
    and he will keep your foot from being caught.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:21 The Heb. lacks wisdom
  2. Proverbs 3:22 Lit. grace
  3. Proverbs 3:24 So LXX; MT reads lie
  4. Proverbs 3:24 Or sweet
  5. Proverbs 3:25 Lit. terror