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Advice to the Young

¹ My child, don't forget what I teach you. Always remember what I tell you to do. ² My teaching will give you a long and prosperous life. ³ Never let go of loyalty and faithfulness. Tie them around your neck; write them on your heart. ^4 (a)If you do this, both God and people will be pleased with you.

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. ⁶ Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. ^7 (b)Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong. ⁸ If you do, it will be like good medicine, healing your wounds and easing your pains. ⁹ Honor the Lord by making him an offering from the best of all that your land produces. ¹⁰ If you do, your barns will be filled with grain, and you will have too much wine to store it all.

^11 (c)My child, when the Lord corrects you, pay close attention and take it as a warning. ^12 (d)The Lord corrects those he loves, as parents correct a child of whom they are proud. ¹³ Happy is anyone who becomes wise—who comes to have understanding. ¹⁴ There is more profit in it than there is in silver; it is worth more to you than gold. ¹⁵ Wisdom is more valuable than jewels; nothing you could want can compare with it. ¹⁶ Wisdom offers you long life, as well as wealth and honor. ¹⁷ Wisdom can make your life pleasant and lead you safely through it. ¹⁸ Those who become wise are happy; wisdom will give them life.

²¹ My child, hold on to your wisdom and insight. Never let them get away from you. ²² They will provide you with life—a pleasant and happy life. ²³ You can go safely on your way and never even stumble. ²⁴ You will not be afraid when you go to bed, and you will sleep soundly through the night. ²⁵ You will not have to worry about sudden disasters, such as come on the wicked like a storm. ²⁶ The Lord will keep you safe. He will not let you fall into a trap.

^27 (e)Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. ²⁸ Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now. ²⁹ Don't plan anything that will hurt your neighbors; they live beside you, trusting you. ³⁰ Don't argue with others for no reason when they have never done you any harm. ³¹ Don't be jealous of violent people or decide to act as they do, ³² because the Lord hates people who do evil, but he takes righteous people into his confidence. ³³ The Lord puts a curse on the homes of the wicked, but blesses the homes of the righteous. ^34 (f)He has no use for conceited people, but shows favor to those who are humble. ³⁵ Wise people will gain an honorable reputation, but stupid people will only add to their own disgrace.