3:1 My child, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, 3:2 for they will provide a long and full life, and they will add well-being to you. 3:3 Do not let truth and mercy leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 3:4 Then you will find favor and good understanding, in the sight of God and people. 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. 3:6 Acknowledge him in all your ways, and he will make your paths straight. 3:7 Do not be wise in your own estimation; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 3:8 This will bring healing to your body, and refreshment to your inner self.
3:9 Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first fruits of all your crops; 3:10 then your barns will be filled completely, and your vats will overflow with new wine. 3:11 My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord, and do not loathe his rebuke. 3:12 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, just as a father disciplines the son in whom he delights.
3:13 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who obtains understanding. 3:14 For her benefit is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than gold. 3:15 She is more precious than rubies, and none of the things you desire can compare with her. 3:16 Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. 3:17 Her ways are very pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful. 3:18 She is like a tree of life to those who obtain her, and everyone who grasps hold of her will be blessed. 3:19 The Lord by wisdom laid the foundation of the earth; he established the heavens by understanding.3:20 By his knowledge the primordial sea was broken open, and the clouds drip down dew. 3:21 My child, do not let them escape from your sight; safeguard sound wisdom and discretion. 3:22 So they will give life to you, and grace to adorn your neck. 3:23 Then you will walk on your way with security, and you will not stumble. 3:24 When you lie down you will not be filled with fear, and when you lie down your sleep will be pleasant. 3:25 You will not be afraid of sudden disaster, or when destruction comes on the wicked; 3:26 for the Lord will be the source of your confidence, and he will guard your foot from being ensnared.
3:27 Do not withhold good from those who need it, when you have the ability to do it. 3:28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go! Return tomorrow and I will give it” — when you have it with you at the time. 3:29 Do not plot evil against your neighbor when he dwells by you unsuspectingly. 3:30 Do not accuse anyone without legitimate cause, if he has not treated you wrongly. 3:31 Do not envy a violent man, and do not choose any of his ways; 3:32 for one who goes astray is an abomination to the Lord, but he reveals his intimate counsel to the upright. 3:33 The Lord’s curse is on the household of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. 3:34 Although he is scornful to arrogant scoffers, yet he shows favor to the humble. 3:35 The wise inherit honor, but he holds fools up to public contempt.