A Father's Commandments, a Son's Life
3 1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, 2 for they will add length of days and years of life and peace to you. 3 Do not let covenant love and faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. a a v3 Steadfast love is the Father's loyal, covenant faithfulness — never-failing and wholly given. 4 So you will find favor and a good reputation with our Father and with people.
5 Trust in our Father with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear our Father, and turn away from evil. 8 It will bring healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.
9 Honor our Father with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce, b b v9 Firstfruits were the first and best portion of the harvest, offered to our Father before any of it was used. 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the discipline of our Father or be weary of his correction, 12 for our Father disciplines the one his heart loves, just as a father disciplines the son he delights in.
13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gains understanding, 14 for the gain from her is better than gain from silver, and her profit better than gold. 15 She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 17 Her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.
19 Our Father by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; 20 by his knowledge the depths burst open, and the clouds drop down the dew.
21 My son, do not lose sight of these; keep sound wisdom and discretion, 22 and they will be life for your soul and an adornment for your neck. 23 Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. 24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, or of the ruin of the wicked when it comes, 26 for our Father will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.
27 Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to do it. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it" — when you have it with you. 29 Do not plot evil against your neighbor, who lives trustingly beside you. 30 Do not quarrel with anyone for no reason, when he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy a violent man, and do not choose any of his ways, 32 for the devious person is detestable to our Father, but he takes the upright into his confidence. 33 The curse of our Father is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. 34 Toward the mockers he is scornful, but to the humble he gives grace. 35 The wise will inherit honor, but fools get only disgrace.