The Rewards of Wisdom
1 My son, do not forget myteaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments;
2 For length of days and years of life [worth living]
And tranquilityandprosperity [the wholeness of life’s blessings] they will add to you.
3 Do not let mercyandkindness 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 inandrely confidently on the Lordwith all your heart
And do not rely on your own insightorunderstanding.
6 In all your ways knowandacknowledgeandrecognize Him,
And He will make your paths straightandsmooth [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 Lordwith 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 rejectortake 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 Lordloves He corrects,
Even as a fathercorrectsthe 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 understandingandinsight [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 pleasantnessandfavor,
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 Lordby 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 Lordwill be your confidence, firmandstrong,
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 Lordis on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the home of the justandrighteous.
34 Though He scoffs at the scoffersandscorns the scorners,
Yet He gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance].
35 The wise will inherit honorandglory,
But dishonorandshame is conferred on fools.