Proverbs 3:1-25

My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; For length of days and years of life [worth living] And tranquility and prosperity [the wholeness of life’s blessings] they will add to you. Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; Bind them [securely] around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. [Col 3:9-12] So find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. [Luke 2:52] Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil. [Prov 8:13] It will be health to your body [your marrow, your nerves, your sinews, your muscles—all your inner parts] And refreshment (physical well-being) to your bones. Honor the LORD with your wealth And with the first fruits of all your crops (income); [Deut 26:2; Mal 3:10; Luke 14:13, 14] Then your barns will be abundantly filled And your vats will overflow with new wine. [Deut 28:8] My son, do not reject or take lightly the discipline of the LORD [learn from your mistakes and the testing that comes from His correction through discipline]; Nor despise His rebuke, [Ps 94:12; Heb 12:5, 6; Rev 3:19] For those whom the LORD loves He corrects, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. ¶Happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is the man who finds [skillful and godly] wisdom, And the man who gains understanding and insight [learning from God’s word and life’s experiences], For wisdom’s profit is better than the profit of silver, And her gain is better than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies; And nothing you can wish for compares with her [in value]. [Job 28:12-18] Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor. [Prov 8:12-21; 1 Tim 4:8] Her ways are highways of pleasantness and favor, And all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is everyone who holds her tightly. The LORD by His wisdom has founded the earth; By His understanding He has established the heavens. [Col 1:16] By His knowledge the deeps were broken up And the clouds drip with dew. My son, let them not escape from your sight, But keep sound wisdom and discretion, And they will be life to your soul (your inner self) And a gracious adornment to your neck (your outer self). Then you will walk on your way [of life] securely And your foot will not stumble. [Ps 91:11, 12; Prov 10:9] When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden fear Nor of the storm of the wicked when it comes [since you will be blameless]