Proverbs Chapter 3
1 Son, don’t forget what I’ve taught you;
take my commandments to heart;
2they’ll add peace and length to your life.
3 Don’t let kindness and truth slip away from you;
tie them around your neck;
write them on your heart.
4That way you’ll find blessing
and have a good reputation with God and people.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart;
don’t rely on your own perception.
6 Acknowledge him in everything you do,
and he’ll make straight paths for you to follow.
7 Don’t get the idea that you’re smart;
respect the LORD and turn your back on sin.
8It will heal your body and refresh your very bones.
Prov 3:1-8
9 Honor the LORD with your substance,
the firstfruits of your crops.
10 Your barns will be full;
your vats will overflow with new wine.
Prov 3:9-10
11 Son, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline
or give up when he corrects you;
12 he corrects the ones he cares about,
like a father that disciplines a son he delights in.
13 They are blessed who find wisdom,
that gain insight.
14 It’s more profitable than silver;
it brings greater gains than fine gold.
15 It’s more precious than jewels;
nothing you desire can compare with it.
16 Its left hand holds wealth and honor;
long life is in its right hand.
17 Its ways are pleasant;
its paths are peaceful.
18 It’s a life-giving tree for people that pick its fruit;
everybody that holds onto it is happy.
Prov 3:11-18
19 The LORD founded the earth with wisdom
and established the heavens with understanding;
20 he broke up the depths with his knowledge
and caused dew to settle from the sky.
Prov 3:19-20
21 Son, keep sound wisdom and discretion nearby;
don’t let them out of your sight.
22 They’ll refresh your soul
and adorn your neck.
23 You’ll walk along your road
surefooted without stumbling.
24 When you lie down, you won’t feel afraid;
when you go to bed, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Don’t be afraid of sudden panic
or the ruin that sinful people may bring,
26because you’ll have confidence with the LORD;
he’ll keep your foot out of the snare.
Prov 3:21-26
27 Don’t withhold good from people that need it
when you can give it.
28 Don’t tell them,
“Come back tomorrow, and you can have it.”
29 Don’t devise misfortune against the one
that’s living safely beside you.
30 Don’t be difficult with people
31Don’t envy the violent
or choose to do what they do.
32 The LORD detests crooked people,
but he’s close to godly ones.
33He puts a curse on the house of the sinful,
but blesses the homes of the righteous.
34 He scoffs at scoffers,
but is gracious to the humble.
35The wise receive honor;
the foolish get disgrace.
Prov 3:27-35