Read the Bible

¹ My child, remember
my teachings and instructions
    and obey them completely.
² They will help you live
    a long and prosperous life.
³ Let love and loyalty
always show like a necklace,
    and write them in your mind.
⁴ God and people will like you
    and consider you a success.

⁵ With all your heart
you must trust the Lord
    and not your own judgment.
⁶ Always let him lead you,
    and he will clear the road
    for you to follow.
⁷ Don't ever think that you
    are wise enough,
    but respect the Lord
    and stay away from evil.
⁸ This will make you healthy,
    and you will feel strong.
⁹ Honor the Lord by giving him
your money
    and the first part
    of all your crops.
¹⁰ Then you will have
more grain and grapes
    than you will ever need.

¹¹ My child, don't turn away
or become bitter
    when the Lord corrects you.
¹² The Lord corrects
    everyone he loves,
    just as parents correct
    their favorite child.

¹³ God blesses everyone
who has wisdom
    and common sense.
¹⁴ Wisdom is worth more
    than silver;
    it makes you much richer
    than gold.
¹⁵ Wisdom is more valuable
    than precious jewels;
    nothing you want
    compares with her.

¹⁶ In her right hand
    Wisdom holds a long life,
    and in her left hand
    are wealth and honor.
¹⁷ Wisdom makes life pleasant
    and leads us safely along.
¹⁸ Wisdom is a life-giving tree,
    the source of happiness
    for all who hold on to her.

¹⁹ By his wisdom and knowledge
    the Lord created
    heaven and earth.
²⁰ By his understanding
he let the ocean break loose
    and clouds release the rain.
²¹ My child, use common sense
and sound judgment!
    Always keep them in mind.
²² They will help you to live
    a long and beautiful life.
²³ You will walk safely
    and never stumble;
²⁴     you will rest without a worry
    and sleep soundly.
²⁵ So don't be afraid
    of sudden disasters
    or storms that strike
    those who are evil.
²⁶ You can be sure
    that the Lord
    will protect you from harm.

²⁷ Do all you can for everyone
    who deserves your help.
²⁸ Don't tell your neighbor
to come back tomorrow,
    if you can help today.
²⁹ Don't try to be mean
    to neighbors who trust you.
³⁰ Don't argue just to be arguing,
    when you haven't been hurt.
³¹ Don't be jealous
of cruel people
    or follow their example.

³² The Lord doesn't like
    anyone who is dishonest,
    but he lets good people
    be his friends.
³³ He places a curse on the home
    of everyone who is evil,
    but he blesses the home
    of every good person.
³⁴ The Lord sneers at those
    who sneer at him,
    but he is kind to everyone
    who is humble.
³⁵ You will be praised
    if you are wise,
    but you will be disgraced
    if you are a stubborn fool.