Proverbs 3:1-35 ICB

[1] My child, do not forget my teaching. Keep my commands in mind. [2] Then you will live a long time. And your life will be successful. [3] Don't ever stop being kind and truthful. Let kindness and truth show in all you do. Write them down in your mind as if on a tablet. [4] Then you will be respected and pleasing to both God and men. [5] Trust the Lord with all your heart. Don't depend on your own understanding. [6] Remember the Lord in everything you do. And he will give you success. [7] Don't depend on your own wisdom. Respect the Lord and refuse to do wrong. [8] Then your body will be healthy. And your bones will be strong. [9] Honor the Lord by giving him part of your wealth. Give him the firstfruits from all your crops. [10] Then your barns will be full. And your wine barrels will overflow with new wine. [11] My child, do not reject the Lord's discipline. And don't become angry when he corrects you. [12] The Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects the child that he likes. [13] Happy is the person who finds wisdom. And happy is the person who gets understanding. [14] Wisdom is worth more than silver. It brings more profit than gold. [15] Wisdom is more precious than rubies. Nothing you want is equal to it. [16] With her right hand wisdom offers you a long life. With her left hand she gives you riches and honor. [17] Wisdom will make your life pleasant. It will bring you peace. [18] As a tree makes fruit, wisdom gives life to those who use it. Everyone who uses wisdom will be happy. [19] Using his wisdom, the Lord made the earth. Using his understanding, he set the sky in place. [20] Using his knowledge, he made rivers flow from underground springs. And he made the clouds drop rain on the earth. [21] My child, hold on to wisdom and reason. Don't let them out of your sight! [22] They will give you life. Like a necklace, they will beautify your life. [23] Then you will go on your way in safety. And you will not get hurt. [24] You won't need to be afraid when you lie down. When you lie down, your sleep will be peaceful. [25] You won't need to be afraid of trouble coming suddenly. You won't need to fear the ruin that comes to the wicked. [26] The Lord will keep you safe. He will keep you from being trapped. [27] Whenever you are able, do good to people who need help. [28] If you have what your neighbor asks for, don't say to him, "Come back later. I will give it to you tomorrow." [29] Don't make plans to hurt your neighbor. He lives nearby and trusts you. [30] Don't accuse a man for no good reason. Don't accuse him if he has not harmed you. [31] Don't be jealous of men who use violence. And don't choose to be like them. [32] The Lord hates those who do wrong. But he is a friend to those who are honest. [33] The Lord will put a curse on the evil person's house. But he will bless the home of people who do what is right. [34] The Lord laughs at those who laugh at him. But he is kind to those who are not proud. [35] Wise people will receive honor. But foolish people will be disgraced.