Proverbs 3:1-35 NIrV

[1] My son, do not forget my teaching. Keep my commands in your heart. [2] They will help you live for many years. They will bring you peace and success. [3] Don’t let love and truth ever leave you. Tie them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. [4] Then you will find favor and a good name in the eyes of God and people. [5] Trust in the LORD with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. [6] In all your ways obey him. Then he will make your paths smooth and straight. [7] Don’t be wise in your own eyes. Have respect for the LORD and avoid evil. [8] That will bring health to your body. It will make your bones strong. [9] Honor the LORD with your wealth. Give him the first share of all your crops. [10] Then your storerooms will be so full they can’t hold everything. Your huge jars will spill over with fresh wine. [11] My son, do not hate the LORD’s training. Do not object when he corrects you. [12] The LORD trains those he loves. He is like a father who trains the son he is pleased with. [13] Blessed is the one who finds wisdom. Blessed is the one who gains understanding. [14] Wisdom pays better than silver does. She earns more than gold does. [15] She is worth more than rubies. Nothing you want 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 ways. All her paths lead to peace. [18] She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her. Those who hold her close will be blessed. [19] By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations. Through understanding he set the heavens in place. [20] By his knowledge the seas were separated, and the clouds dropped their dew. [21] My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight. Hold on to good sense and the understanding of what is right. [22] They will be life for you. They will be like a gracious necklace around your neck. [23] Then you will go on your way in safety. You will not trip and fall. [24] When you lie down, you won’t be afraid. When you lie down, you will sleep soundly. [25] Don’t be terrified by sudden trouble. Don’t be afraid when sinners are destroyed. [26] The LORD will be at your side. He will keep your feet from being caught in a trap. [27] Don’t hold back good from those who are worthy of it. Don’t hold it back when you can help. [28] Suppose you already have something to give. Don’t say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow. I’ll give it to you then.” [29] Don’t plan to harm your neighbor. He lives near you and trusts you. [30] Don’t bring charges against anyone for no reason. They have not harmed you. [31] Don’t be jealous of a person who hurts others. Don’t choose any of their ways. [32] The LORD really hates sinful people. But he makes honest people his closest friends. [33] The LORD puts a curse on the houses of sinners. But he blesses the homes of those who do what is right. [34] He makes fun of proud people who make fun of others. But he gives grace to those who are humble and treated badly. [35] Wise people receive honor. But foolish people get only shame.