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Using Wisdom

My son,
    do not forget my teachings,
        and keep my commands in mind,
because they will bring you
    long life, good years, and peace.

Do not let mercy and truth leave you.
    Fasten them around your neck.
    Write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will find favor and much success
    in the sight of Elohim and humanity.

Trust Yahweh with all your heart,
    and do not rely on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make your paths smooth.[a]
Do not consider yourself wise.
    Fear Yahweh, and turn away from evil.
Then your body will be healed,
    and your bones will have nourishment.

Honor Yahweh with your wealth
    and with the first and best part of all your income.[b]
10 Then your barns will be full,
    and your vats will overflow with fresh wine.

11 Do not reject the discipline of Yahweh, my son,
    and do not resent his warning,
12 because Yahweh warns the one he loves,
    even as a father warns a son with whom he is pleased.

13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom
    and the one who obtains understanding.
14 The profit gained from wisdom is greater than
    the profit gained from silver.
        Its yield is better than fine gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than jewels,
    and all your desires cannot equal it.
16 Long life is in wisdom’s right hand.
    In wisdom’s left hand are riches and honor.
17 Wisdom’s ways are pleasant ways,
    and all its paths lead to peace.
18 Wisdom is a tree of life
    for those who take firm hold of it.
        Those who cling to it are blessed.

19 By Wisdom Yahweh laid the foundation of the earth.
    By understanding he established the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the deep waters were divided,
    and the skies dropped dew.

21 My son,
    do not lose sight of these things.
    Use priceless wisdom and foresight.
22 Then they will mean life for you,
    and they will grace your neck.
23 Then you will go safely on your way,
    and you will not hurt your foot.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid.
    As you lie there, your sleep will be sweet.

25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror
    or of the destruction of wicked people when it comes.
26 Yahweh will be your confidence.
    He will keep your foot from getting caught.

27 Do not hold back anything good
    from those who are entitled to it
        when you have the power to do so.
28 When you have the good thing with you, do not tell your neighbor,
    “Go away!
        Come back tomorrow.
        I’ll give you something then.”

29 Do not plan to do something wrong to your neighbor
    while he is sitting there with you and suspecting nothing.
30 Do not quarrel with a person for no reason
    if he has not harmed you.
31 Do not envy a violent person.
    Do not choose any of his ways.
32 The devious person is disgusting to Yahweh.
    Yahweh’s intimate advice is with decent people.

33 Yahweh curses the house of wicked people,
    but he blesses the home of righteous people.
34 When he mocks the mockers,
    he is gracious to humble people.
35 Wise people will inherit honor,
    but fools will bear disgrace.

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:6 Or “straight.”
  2. Proverbs 3:9 Or “harvest.”

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