1 ¶ My son, do not forget my law; but keep my commandments in your heart:

2 For they will give you a long good life, and peace.

3 May kindness and truth never leave you: bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart:

4 Then you will find kindness and high esteem in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and do not lean to your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths.

7 ¶ Do not be wise in your own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

8 It will be health to your body, and nourishment to your bones.

9 Honor the LORD with your possessions, and with the first-fruits of all your increase:

10 Then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your presses will overflow with new wine.

11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD; or grow weary of his correction:

12 For whom the LORD loves he corrects; even as a father corrects a son he delights in.

13 ¶ Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.

14 For its value is greater than the value of silver, and what is gained by it is more precious than fine gold.

15 It is more valuable than rubies: and nothing you desire can be compared to it.

16 Long life is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor.

17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

18 She is a tree of life to those who embrace her: and brings happiness to all who hold on to her.

19 By wisdom the LORD laid the foundation of the earth; and by understanding he established the heavens.

20 By his knowledge the deep waters broke out, and the clouds dropped dew.

21 ¶ My son, do not lose sight of these things: use good sense and plan carefully:

22 They will mean life for your soul, and grace for your neck.

23 Then you will walk safely on your way, and your foot will not stumble.

24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid: yea, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.

25 Do not fear sudden danger, or the destruction of the wicked, when it comes.

26 Because your confidence is in the LORD, and he will keep your foot from getting caught.

27 ¶ Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.

28 When you have it with you, do not say to your neighbor, Leave, and come back later, I will give it to you tomorrow.

29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you.

30 Do not quarrel with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm.

31 Do not envy an unscrupulous man, or copy his ways.

32 For the perverse are an abomination to the LORD: but his secret is with the righteous.

33 The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked: but he blesses the home of the just.

34 Surely he scorns the scornful: but he gives grace to the lowly.

35 The wise will inherit glory: but fools will advance to shame.