Add parallel Print Page Options

13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
    the man who gets understanding.
14 For her good profit is better than getting silver,
    and her return is better than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies.
    None of the things you can desire are to be compared to her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand.
    In her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness.
    All her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her.
    Happy is everyone who retains her.

Read full chapter

13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
    the one who gains understanding.
14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
    and her wages are better than gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
    nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 She offers you long life in her right hand,
    and riches and honor in her left.
17 She will guide you down delightful paths;
    all her ways are satisfying.
18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
    happy are those who hold her tightly.

Read full chapter

32 “Now therefore, my sons, listen to me,
    for blessed are those who keep my ways.
33 Hear instruction, and be wise.
    Don’t refuse it.
34 Blessed is the man who hears me,
    watching daily at my gates,
    waiting at my door posts.

Read full chapter

32 “And so, my children,[a] listen to me,
    for all who follow my ways are joyful.
33 Listen to my instruction and be wise.
    Don’t ignore it.
34 Joyful are those who listen to me,
    watching for me daily at my gates,
    waiting for me outside my home!

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 8:32 Hebrew my sons.

14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth.
    The work of a man’s hands shall be rewarded to him.

Read full chapter

14 Wise words bring many benefits,
    and hard work brings rewards.

Read full chapter

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil,
    but joy comes to the promoters of peace.

Read full chapter

20 Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;
    joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

Read full chapter

21 He who despises his neighbor sins,
    but he who has pity on the poor is blessed.

Read full chapter

21 It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor;
    blessed are those who help the poor.

Read full chapter

13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face,
    but an aching heart breaks the spirit.

Read full chapter

13 A glad heart makes a happy face;
    a broken heart crushes the spirit.

Read full chapter

15 All the days of the afflicted are wretched,
    but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.

Read full chapter

15 For the despondent, every day brings trouble;
    for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

Read full chapter

30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart.
    Good news gives health to the bones.

Read full chapter

30 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart;
    good news makes for good health.

Read full chapter

20 He who heeds the Word finds prosperity.
    Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed.

Read full chapter

20 Those who listen to instruction will prosper;
    those who trust the Lord will be joyful.

Read full chapter

15 My son, if your heart is wise,
    then my heart will be glad, even mine.
16 Yes, my heart will rejoice
    when your lips speak what is right.

Read full chapter

15 My child,[a] if your heart is wise,
    my own heart will rejoice!
16 Everything in me will celebrate
    when you speak what is right.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 23:15 Hebrew My son; also in 23:19.