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¹ My child, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments,
² for they will provide a long and full life,
and they will add well-being to you.
³ Do not let truth and mercy leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
⁴ Then you will find favor and good understanding,
in the sight of God and people.
⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own understanding.
⁶ Acknowledge him in all your ways,
and he will make your paths straight.
⁷ Do not be wise in your own estimation;
fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
⁸ This will bring healing to your body,
and refreshment to your inner self.
⁹ Honor the Lord from your wealth
and from the first fruits of all your crops;
¹⁰ then your barns will be filled completely,
and your vats will overflow with new wine.
¹¹ My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord,
and do not loathe his rebuke.
¹² For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.

¹³ Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
and the one who obtains understanding.
¹⁴ For her benefit is more profitable than silver,
and her gain is better than gold.
¹⁵ She is more precious than rubies,
and none of the things you desire can compare with her.
¹⁶ Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
¹⁷ Her ways are very pleasant,
and all her paths are peaceful.
¹⁸ She is like a tree of life to those who obtain her,
and everyone who grasps hold of her will be blessed.
¹⁹ By wisdom the Lord laid the foundation of the earth;
he established the heavens by understanding.
²⁰ By his knowledge the primordial sea was broken open,
and the clouds drip down dew.
²¹ My child, do not let them escape from your sight;
safeguard sound wisdom and discretion.
²² So they will give life to you,
and grace to adorn your neck.
²³ Then you will walk on your way with security,
and you will not stumble.
²⁴ When you lie down you will not be filled with fear;
when you lie down your sleep will be pleasant.
²⁵ You will not be afraid of sudden disaster,
or when destruction overtakes the wicked;
²⁶ for the Lord will be the source of your confidence,
and he will guard your foot from being caught in a trap.

²⁷ Do not withhold good from those who need it,
when you have the ability to help.
²⁸ Do not say to your neighbor, "Go! Return tomorrow
and I will give it," when you have it with you at the time.
²⁹ Do not plot evil against your neighbor
when he dwells by you unsuspectingly.
³⁰ Do not accuse anyone without legitimate cause,
if he has not treated you wrongly.
³¹ Do not envy a violent man,
and do not choose to imitate any of his ways;
³² for one who goes astray is an abomination to the Lord,
but he reveals his intimate counsel to the upright.
³³ The Lord's curse is on the household of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.
³⁴ Although he is scornful to arrogant scoffers,
yet he shows favor to the humble.
³⁵ The wise inherit honor,
but he holds fools up to public contempt.