Proverbs 3
1 My son, forget not my law, and let thy heart keep my commandments.
My son, don't forget my instructions. Always keep my commands in mind.
2 For they shall add to thee length of days, and years of life and peace.
Then you will live a long time, and have a full life.
3 Let not mercy and truth leave thee, put them about thy neck, and write them in the tables of thy heart:
Hold on to kindness and truth. Tie them around your neck; write them in your mind.
4 And thou shalt And grace and good understanding before God and men.
That way you'll gain a good reputation and be appreciated by both God and people.
5 Have confidence in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not upon thy own prudence.
Put your trust totally in the Lord—don't rely on what you think you know!
6 In all thy ways think on him, and he will direct thy steps.
Remember him in everything you do, and he'll show you the right way.
7 I Be not wise in thy own conceit: fear God, and depart from evil:
Don't think you're wise—respect God and avoid evil.
8 For it shall be health to thy navel, and moistening to thy bones.
Then you will have healed and be made strong.
9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and give him of the first of all thy fruits:
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all the crops you grow.
10 And thy barns shall be filled with abundance, and thy presses shall run over with wine.
Then your barns will be filled with produce, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My son, reject not the correction of the Lord: and do not faint when thou art chastised by him:
My son, don't reject the Lord's discipline or resent it when he corrects you,
12 For whom the Lord loveth, he chastiseth: and as a father in the son he pleaseth himself.
for the Lord corrects those he loves, as a father corrects a son who pleases him.
13 Blessed is the man that findeth wisdom and is rich in prudence:
Happy are those who find wisdom and gain understanding,
14 The purchasing thereof is better than the merchandise of silver, and her fruit than the chiefest and purest gold:
for wisdom is worth more than silver, and pays better than gold.
15 She is more precious than all riches: and all the things that are desired, are not to be compared with her.
She is more valuable than rubies—everything you could ever want just doesn't compare!
16 Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and glory.
She offers long life in one hand, and riches and honor in the other.
17 Her ways are beautiful ways, and all her paths are peaceable.
She brings true happiness, and leads to peaceful prosperity.
18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold on her: and he that shall retain her is blessed.
Wisdom is a tree of life to everyone who embraces her, blessing those who accept her.
19 The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth, hath established the heavens by prudence.
It was through wisdom that the Lord created the earth, and through understanding he set the heavens in place.
20 By his wisdom the depths have broken out, and the clouds grow thick with dew.
It was through his knowledge the waters of the deep were broken open, and the clouds sent down the dew.
21 My son, let not these things depart from thy eyes: keep the law and counsel:
My son, hold on to good judgment and wise decisions—don't let them out of your sight,
22 And there shall be life to thy soul, and grace to thy mouth.
for they will be life to you, and an ornament for your neck.
23 Then shalt thou walk confidently in thy way, and thy foot shall not stumble:
You will be able to walk confidently on your way, and you won't trip up.
24 If thou sleep, thou shalt not fear: thou shalt rest, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
When you rest, you won't be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Be not afraid of sudden fear, nor of the power of the wicked falling upon thee.
You won't be afraid of a sudden panic, or of disasters that hit the wicked,
26 For the Lord will be at thy side, and will keep thy foot that thou be not taken.
for the Lord will be the one you can trust in, and he will prevent you being caught in a trap.
27 Do not withhold him from doing good, who is able: if thou art able, do good thyself also.
Don't hold back good from those who deserve it when it's something you have the power to do.
28 Say not to thy friend: Go, and come again: and tomorrow I will give to thee: when thou canst give at present.
Don't tell your neighbor, “Go away. Come back tomorrow and then I'll give it to you,” when you've already got it.
29 Practise not evil against thy friend, when he hath confidence in thee.
Don't plan to harm your neighbor who lives nearby and trusts you.
30 Strive not against a man without cause, when he hath done thee no evil.
Don't quarrel with anybody for no reason, when they haven't done anything to hurt you.
31 Envy not the unjust man, and do not follow his ways:
Don't be jealous of violent people—don't choose to follow their example!
32 For every mocker is an abomination to the Lord, and his communication is with the simple.
For the Lord hates deceitful people, but he is a friend to those who do what is good.
33 Want is from the Lord in the house of the wicked: but the habitations of the just shall be blessed.
The houses of the wicked are cursed by the Lord, but he blesses the homes of those who live right.
34 He shall scorn the scorners, and to the meek he will give grace.
He mocks those who mock, but he is kind to the humble.
35 The wise shall possess glory: the promotion of fools is disgrace.
The wise will receive honor, but fools are held up in disgrace.
