Proverbs 3:1-35 AMP

[1] My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments; [2] 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. [3] 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. [4] So find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man. [5] Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart And do not rely on your own insight or understanding. [6] 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]. [7] Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil. [8] 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. [9] Honor the LORD with your wealth And with the first fruits of all your crops (income); [10] Then your barns will be abundantly filled And your vats will overflow with new wine. [11] 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, [12] For those whom the LORD loves He corrects, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. [13] 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], [14] For wisdom’s profit is better than the profit of silver, And her gain is better than fine gold. [15] She is more precious than rubies; And nothing you can wish for compares with her [in value]. [16] Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor. [17] Her ways are highways of pleasantness and favor, And all her paths are peace. [18] 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. [19] The LORD by His wisdom has founded the earth; By His understanding He has established the heavens. [20] By His knowledge the deeps were broken up And the clouds drip with dew. [21] My son, let them not escape from your sight, But keep sound wisdom and discretion, [22] And they will be life to your soul (your inner self) And a gracious adornment to your neck (your outer self). [23] Then you will walk on your way [of life] securely And your foot will not stumble. [24] When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. [25] Do not be afraid of sudden fear Nor of the storm of the wicked when it comes [since you will be blameless]; [26] For the LORD will be your confidence, firm and strong, And will keep your foot from being caught [in a trap]. [27] Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due [its rightful recipients], 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 devise evil against your neighbor, Who lives securely beside you. [30] Do not quarrel with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm. [31] Do not envy a man of violence And do not choose any of his ways. [32] For the devious are repulsive to the LORD; But His private counsel is with the upright [those with spiritual integrity and moral courage]. [33] The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just and righteous. [34] Though He scoffs at the scoffers and scorns the scorners, Yet He gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance]. [35] The wise will inherit honor and glory, But dishonor and shame is conferred on fools.