NRSV Proverbs 3 Chapter
3:1
My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;
3:2
for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare they will give you.
3:3
Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
3:4
So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and of people.
3:5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.
3:6
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
3:7
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.
3:8
It will be a healing for your flesh and a refreshment for your body.
3:9
Honor the LORD with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce;
3:10
then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
3:11
My child, do not despise the LORD's discipline or be weary of his reproof,
3:12
for the LORD reproves the one he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.
3:13
Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding,
3:14
for her income is better than silver, and her revenue better than gold.
3:15
She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
3:16
Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
3:17
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
3:18
She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called happy.
3:19
The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens;
3:20
by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the dew.
3:21
My child, do not let these escape from your sight: keep sound wisdom and prudence,
3:22
and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.
3:23
Then you will walk on your way securely and your foot will not stumble.
3:24
If you sit down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
3:25
Do not be afraid of sudden panic, or of the storm that strikes the wicked;
3:26
for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.
3:27
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
3:28
Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it"-- when you have it with you.
3:29
Do not plan harm against your neighbor who lives trustingly beside you.
3:30
Do not quarrel with anyone without cause, when no harm has been done to you.
3:31
Do not envy the violent and do not choose any of their ways;
3:32
for the perverse are an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in his confidence.
3:33
The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the abode of the righteous.
3:34
Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he shows favor.
3:35
The wise will inherit honor, but stubborn fools, disgrace.