[3:1] My child, don't forget what I teach you. Always remember what I tell you to do.
[3:2] My teaching will give you a long and prosperous life.
[3:3] Never let go of loyalty and faithfulness. Tie them around your neck; write them on your heart.
[3:4] If you do this, both God and people will be pleased with you.
[3:5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know.
[3:6] Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.
[3:7] Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong.
[3:8] If you do, it will be like good medicine, healing your wounds and easing your pains.
[3:9] Honor the Lord by making him an offering from the best of all that your land produces.
[3:10] If you do, your barns will be filled with grain, and you will have too much wine to store it all.
[3:11] My child, when the Lord corrects you, pay close attention and take it as a warning.
[3:12] The Lord corrects those he loves, as parents correct a child of whom they are proud.
[3:13] Happy is anyone who becomes wise—who comes to have understanding.
[3:14] There is more profit in it than there is in silver; it is worth more to you than gold.
[3:15] Wisdom is more valuable than jewels; nothing you could want can compare with it.
[3:16] Wisdom offers you long life, as well as wealth and honor.
[3:17] Wisdom can make your life pleasant and lead you safely through it.
[3:18] Those who become wise are happy; wisdom will give them life.
[3:19] The Lord created the earth by his wisdom; by his knowledge he set the sky in place.
[3:20] His wisdom caused the rivers to flow and the clouds to give rain to the earth.
[3:21] My child, hold on to your wisdom and insight. Never let them get away from you.
[3:22] They will provide you with life—a pleasant and happy life.
[3:23] You can go safely on your way and never even stumble.
[3:24] You will not be afraid when you go to bed, and you will sleep soundly through the night.
[3:25] You will not have to worry about sudden disasters, such as come on the wicked like a storm.
[3:26] The Lord will keep you safe. He will not let you fall into a trap.
[3:27] Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it.
[3:28] Never tell your neighbors to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now.
[3:29] Don't plan anything that will hurt your neighbors; they live beside you, trusting you.
[3:30] Don't argue with others for no reason when they have never done you any harm.
[3:31] Don't be jealous of violent people or decide to act as they do,
[3:32] because the Lord hates people who do evil, but he takes righteous people into his confidence.
[3:33] The Lord puts a curse on the homes of the wicked, but blesses the homes of the righteous.
[3:34] He has no use for conceited people, but shows favor to those who are humble.
[3:35] Wise people will gain an honorable reputation, but stupid people will only add to their own disgrace.