1 M y son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands;

2 F or length of days and long life And peace they will add to you.

3 L et not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart,

4 A nd so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.

5 T rust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;

6 I n all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

7 D o not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.

8 I t will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.

9 H onor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase;

10 S o your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.

11 M y son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction;

12 F or whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

13 H appy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;

14 F or her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold.

15 S he is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.

16 L ength of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor.

17 H er ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.

18 S he is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.

19 T he Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens;

20 B y His knowledge the depths were broken up, And clouds drop down the dew.

21 M y son, let them not depart from your eyes— Keep sound wisdom and discretion;

22 S o they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck.

23 T hen you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble.

24 W hen you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.

25 D o not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;

26 F or the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught.

27 D o not withhold good from those to whom it is due, When it is in the power of your hand to do so.

28 D o not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it, ” When you have it with you.

29 D o not devise evil against your neighbor, For he dwells by you for safety’s sake.

30 D o not strive with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm.

31 D o not envy the oppressor, And choose none of his ways;

32 F or the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, But His secret counsel is with the upright.

33 T he curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just.

34 S urely He scorns the scornful, But gives grace to the humble.

35 T he wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools.