Shared Word Translation
Proverbs 3
A Father’s Counsel
My child, do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep my commandments;
for length of days and years of life
and abundant well-being they will add to you.
Do not let kindness and faithfulness forsake you;
bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
So you will find favor and good repute
in the sight of God and of humankind.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD, and turn from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.
Honor the LORD with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will burst with new wine.
My child, do not despise the LORD’s discipline,
and do not loathe his reproof,
for the LORD reproves the one he loves,
as a father the child in whom he delights.
In Praise of Wisdom
Happy is the one who finds wisdom,
and the one who gains understanding,
for her gain is better than the gain of silver,
and her profit better than gold.
She is more precious than jewels,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
and all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;
those who hold her fast are called blessed.
The LORD by wisdom founded the earth;
by understanding he established the heavens.
By his knowledge the deeps broke open,
and the clouds drop down dew.
Keep Wisdom Near
My child, do not let them slip from your sight;
keep sound wisdom and discretion,
and they will be life for your soul
and adornment for your neck.
Then you will walk on your way in safety,
and your foot will not stumble.
If you sit down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Do not be afraid of sudden terror,
or of the ruin that strikes the wicked when it comes,
for the LORD will be your confidence,
and will keep your foot from being caught.
On Neighbors
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to do it.
Do not say to your neighbor,
“Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give it,”
when you have it with you.
Do not plan harm against your neighbor
who lives trustingly beside you.
Do not contend with anyone without cause,
when no harm has been done to you.
Do not envy the violent
and do not choose any of their ways,
for the perverse are an abomination to the LORD,
but the upright are in his confidence.
The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
Toward the scornful he is scornful,
but to the humble he gives favor.
The wise will inherit honor,
but fools display dishonor.