3:1 My child, don't forget what I teach you. Always remember what I tell you to do.
3:2 My teaching will give you a long and prosperous life.
3:3 Never let go of loyalty and faithfulness. Tie them around your neck; write them on your heart.
3:4 If you do this, both God and people will be pleased with you.
3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know.
3:6 Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.
3:7 Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong.
3:8 If you do, it will be like good medicine, healing your wounds and easing your pains.
3:9 Honor the Lord by making him an offering from the best of all that your land produces.
3:10 If you do, your barns will be filled with grain, and you will have too much wine to store it all.
3:11 My child, when the Lord corrects you, pay close attention and take it as a warning.
3:12 The Lord corrects those he loves, as parents correct a child of whom they are proud.
3:13 Happy is anyone who becomes wise—who comes to have understanding.
3:14 There is more profit in it than there is in silver; it is worth more to you than gold.
3:15 Wisdom is more valuable than jewels; nothing you could want can compare with it.
3:16 Wisdom offers you long life, as well as wealth and honor.
3:17 Wisdom can make your life pleasant and lead you safely through it.
3:18 Those who become wise are happy; wisdom will give them life.
3:19 The Lord created the earth by his wisdom; by his knowledge he set the sky in place.
3:20 His wisdom caused the rivers to flow and the clouds to give rain to the earth.
3:21 My child, hold on to your wisdom and insight. Never let them get away from you.
3:22 They will provide you with life—a pleasant and happy life.
3:23 You can go safely on your way and never even stumble.
3:24 You will not be afraid when you go to bed, and you will sleep soundly through the night.
3:25 You will not have to worry about sudden disasters, such as come on the wicked like a storm.
3:26 The Lord will keep you safe. He will not let you fall into a trap.
3:27 Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it.
3:28 Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now.
3:29 Don't plan anything that will hurt your neighbors; they live beside you, trusting you.
3:30 Don't argue with others for no reason when they have never done you any harm.
3:31 Don't be jealous of violent people or decide to act as they do,
3:32 because the Lord hates people who do evil, but he takes righteous people into his confidence.
3:33 The Lord puts a curse on the homes of the wicked, but blesses the homes of the righteous.
3:34 He has no use for conceited people, but shows favor to those who are humble.
3:35 Wise people will gain an honorable reputation, but stupid people will only add to their own disgrace.
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