3:1
My child, do not forget my teaching, let your heart keep my principles,
3:2
since they will increase your length of days, your years of life and your well-being.
3:3
Let faithful love and constancy never leave you: tie them round your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
3:4
Thus you will find favour and success in the sight of God and of people.
3:5
Trust wholeheartedly in Yahweh, put no faith in your own perception;
3:6
acknowledge him in every course you take, and he will see that your paths are smooth.
3:7
Do not congratulate yourself on your own wisdom, fear Yahweh and turn your back on evil:
3:8
health-giving, this, to your body, relief to your bones.
3:9
Honour Yahweh with what goods you have and with the first-fruits of all your produce;
3:10
then your barns will be filled with corn, your vats overflowing with new wine.
3:11
My child, do not scorn correction from Yahweh, do not resent his reproof;
3:12
for Yahweh reproves those he loves, as a father the child whom he loves.
3:13
Blessed are those who have discovered wisdom, those who have acquired understanding!
3:14
Gaining her is more rewarding than silver, her yield is more valuable than gold.
3:15
She is beyond the price of pearls, nothing you could covet is her equal.
3:16
In her right hand is length of days; in her left hand, riches and honour.
3:17
Her ways are filled with delight, her paths all lead to contentment.
3:18
She is a tree of life for those who hold her fast, those who cling to her live happy lives.
3:19
In wisdom, Yahweh laid the earth's foundations, in understanding he spread out the heavens.
3:20
Through his knowledge the depths were cleft open, and the clouds distil the dew.
3:21
My child, hold to sound advice and prudence, never let them out of sight;
3:22
they will give life to your soul and beauty to your neck.
3:23
You will go on your way in safety, your feet will not stumble.
3:24
When you go to bed, you will not be afraid; once in bed, your sleep will be sweet.
3:25
Have no fear either of sudden terror or of attack mounted by wicked men,
3:26
since Yahweh will be your guarantor, he will keep your steps from the snare.
3:27
Refuse no kindness to those who have a right to it, if it is in your power to perform it.
3:28
Do not say to your neighbour, 'Go away! Come another time! I will give it you tomorrow,' if you can do it now.
3:29
Do not plot harm against your neighbour who is living unsuspecting beside you.
3:30
Do not pick a groundless quarrel with anyone who has done you no harm.
3:31
Do not envy the man of violence, never model your conduct on his;
3:32
for the wilful wrong-doer is abhorrent to Yahweh, who confides only in the honest.
3:33
Yahweh's curse lies on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the upright.
3:34
He mocks those who mock, but accords his favour to the humble.
3:35
Glory is the portion of the wise, all that fools inherit is contempt.
Previous
Next