1My son, don't forget my instructions. Always keep my commands in mind.

2Then you will live a long time, and have a full ⁴life.

3Hold on to kindness and truth. Tie them around your neck; write them in your mind. ⁵

4That way you'll gain a good reputation and be appreciated by both God and people.

5Put your trust totally in the Lord—don't rely on what you think you know!

6Remember him in everything you do, and he'll show you the right way.

7Don't think you're wise—respect God and avoid evil.

8Then you will be healed and made strong. ⁶

9Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all the crops you grow.

10Then your barns will be filled with produce, and your vats will overflow with new wine. ⁷

11My son, don't reject the Lord's discipline or resent it when he corrects you,

12for the Lord corrects those he loves, as a father corrects a son who pleases him. ⁸

13Happy are those who find wisdom and gain understanding,

14for wisdom is worth more than silver, and pays better than gold.

15She is more valuable than rubies—everything you could ever want just doesn't compare!

16She offers long life in one hand, and riches and honor in the other.

17She brings true happiness, and leads to peaceful prosperity.

18Wisdom is a tree of life to everyone who embraces her, blessing those who accept her.

19It was through wisdom that the Lord created the earth, and through understanding he set the heavens in place.

20It was through his knowledge the waters of the deep were broken open, and the clouds sent down the dew. ⁹

21My son, hold on to good judgment and wise decisions—don't let them out of your sight,

22for they will be life to you, and an ornament for your neck.

23You will be able to walk confidently on your way, and you won't trip up.

24When you rest, you won't be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

25You won't be afraid of a sudden panic, or of disasters that hit the wicked,

26for the Lord will be the one you can trust in, and he will prevent you being caught in a trap.

27Don't hold back good from those who deserve it when it's something you have the power to do.

28Don't tell your neighbor, “Go away. Come back tomorrow and then I'll give it to you,” when you've already got it.

29Don't plan to harm your neighbor who lives nearby and trusts you.

30Don't quarrel with anybody for no reason, when they haven't done anything to hurt you.

31Don't be jealous of violent people—don't choose to follow their example!

32For the Lord hates deceitful people, but he is a friend to those who do what is good.

33The houses of the wicked are cursed by the Lord, but he blesses the homes of those who live right.

34He mocks those who mock, but he is kind to the humble.

35The wise will receive honor, but fools are held up in disgrace.