⁶ For the Lord grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding. ^7-8 He grants good sense to the godly—his saints. He is their shield, protecting them and guarding their pathway.

³ Never tire of loyalty and kindness. Hold these virtues tightly. Write them deep within your heart. ^4-5 If you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself.

^11-12 Young man, do not resent it when God chastens and corrects you, for his punishment is proof of his love. Just as a father punishes a son he delights in to make him better, so the Lord corrects you.

²¹ For God is closely watching you, and he weighs carefully everything you do.

^16-19 For there are six things the Lord hates—no, seven: haughtiness, lying, murdering, plotting evil, eagerness to do wrong, a false witness, sowing discord among brothers.