Blessed Is the One Who Finds Wisdom

13 (A)Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
    and the one who gets understanding,
14 (B)for the gain from her is better than gain from silver
    and her profit better than (C)gold.
15 She is more precious than (D)jewels,
    and (E)nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 (F)Long life is in her right hand;
    in her left hand are (G)riches and honor.
17 Her (H)ways are ways of pleasantness,
    and all her paths are peace.
18 She is (I)a tree of life to those who (J)lay hold of her;
    those who hold her fast are called blessed.

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Wisdom More Valuable than Riches

13 How joyful is the man who finds wisdom,
    and the man who gains understanding,
14 because her profit is better than the profit of silver,
    and her yield than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
    and nothing you desire compares with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand,
    and in her left are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
    and all her paths are peaceful.
18 She is a tree of life for those who embrace her,
    and whoever clutches her tightly will be joyful.

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21 My son, (A)do not lose sight of these—
    keep sound wisdom and discretion,
22 and they will be (B)life for your soul
    and (C)adornment for your neck.
23 (D)Then you will walk on your way securely,
    (E)and your foot will not stumble.
24 (F)If you lie down, you will not be afraid;
    when you lie down, (G)your sleep will be sweet.

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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]

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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