Proverbs 3

²Keeping God's words will add good days, long life, and peace to you.

³Always be kind and truthful. Wear kindness and honesty like a necklace — carry them everywhere.

⁴When you are kind and true, both God and other people will love and respect you.

⁵Trust God with your whole heart. Do not think you always know best — let God lead you.

⁶In everything you do, think about God and ask Him. He will show you the right way.

⁷Don't think you know everything on your own. Respect God and turn away from what is wrong.

⁸Living God's way is like the best food for your body — it makes you healthy and strong inside.

⁹Honour God with the good things you have. Give Him the first and best of what you receive.

¹⁰When you give to God generously, He will fill your life with more than enough.

¹¹My child, do not hate it when God corrects you. Do not give up when He teaches you.

¹²God teaches us and corrects us because He loves us — just like a good father who cares about his child.

¹³The person who finds wisdom is so happy! Getting understanding is wonderful.

¹⁴Wisdom is worth more than silver or gold. Getting wisdom is better than getting rich.

¹⁵Wisdom is more precious than rubies — nothing you could ever want can compare to it.

¹⁶Wisdom gives you a long, good life in one hand, and blessings and honour in the other.

¹⁷Wisdom's ways are lovely and pleasant. Every path wisdom leads to is full of peace.

¹⁸Wisdom is like a tree of life — hold onto her and be happy! Everyone who keeps wisdom is truly blessed.

¹⁹God used wisdom to make the whole earth! He used understanding to put all the heavens in their place.

²⁰God's knowledge fills the oceans deep and brings the gentle dew down from the clouds.

²¹My child, do not let wisdom and good thinking leave your sight. Keep them close.

²²Wisdom will be life to your soul and like a beautiful ornament worn around your neck.

²³When you have wisdom, you will walk safely. Your feet will not trip or stumble.

²⁴When you go to bed, you will not be afraid. You will lie down and sleep sweetly.

²⁵Do not be suddenly frightened, and do not be scared when bad things happen to those who do wrong.

²⁶God is your confidence — He will keep your foot from being caught or trapped.

²⁷When you have the chance to do something good for someone, do it! Don't hold back.

²⁸Don't tell your neighbour 'Come back tomorrow' when you have what they need right now.

²⁹Don't plan anything wrong against your neighbour who lives near you and trusts you.

³⁰Don't pick a fight with someone for no reason — especially if they have not hurt you.

³¹Don't wish you were like someone who is mean and powerful. Don't copy their ways.

³²God dislikes people who are twisted and dishonest. But He shares His secrets with those who do right.

³³God's blessing is on the home of those who do right, but not on those who keep doing wrong.

³⁴God turns away from proud people who mock others, but He gives grace and kindness to those who are humble.

³⁵Those who are wise will receive glory and honour, but foolish people will only find shame.