Proverbs 3:5-4:10

5Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

6in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Or will direct your paths

7Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.

8This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

9Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;

10then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

11My son, do not despise the LORD ’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke,

12because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. Hebrew; Septuagint loves, / and he chastens everyone he accepts as his child

13Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding,

14for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.

15She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

16Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

17Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.

18She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.

19By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place;

20by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.

21My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion;

22they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.

23Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.

24When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

25Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

26for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.

27Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.

28Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you.

29Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.

30Do not accuse anyone for no reason— when they have done you no harm.

31Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.

32For the LORD detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence.

33The LORD ’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.

34He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. 35The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame.

Get Wisdom at Any Cost 1Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.

2I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching.

3For I too was a son to my father, still tender, and cherished by my mother.

4Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live.

5Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.

6Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.

7The beginning of wisdom is this: Get Or Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, Or wisdom. / Whatever else you get get understanding.

8Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.

9She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.”

10Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many.