The Blessing of Wisdom

3 My son, don’t forget my teaching. Remember what I tell you to do. ² What I teach will give you a good, long life, and all will go well for you.

³ Don’t ever let love and loyalty leave you. Tie them around your neck, and write them on your heart. ⁴ Then God will be pleased and think well of you and so will everyone else.

⁵ Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. ⁶ With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way. ⁷ Don’t trust in your own wisdom, but fear and respect the Lordand stay away from evil. ⁸ If you do this, it will be like a refreshing drink and medicine for your body.

⁹ Honor the Lord with your wealth and the first part of your harvest. ¹⁰ Then your barns will be full of grain, and your barrels will be overflowing with wine.

¹¹ My son, don’t reject the Lord’S discipline, and don’t be angry when he corrects you. ¹² The Lord corrects the one he loves, just as a father corrects a child he cares about.

¹³ Those who find wisdom are fortunate; they will be blessed when they gain understanding. ¹⁴ Profit that comes from wisdom is better than silver and even the finest gold. ¹⁵ Wisdom is worth more than fine jewels. Nothing you desire has more value.

¹⁶ With her right hand, Wisdom offers long life—with the other hand, riches and honor. ¹⁷ Wisdom will lead you to a life of joy and peace. ¹⁸ Wisdom is like a life-giving tree to those who hold on to her; she is a blessing to those who keep her close.

¹⁹ With wisdom and understanding, the Lord created the earth and sky. ²⁰ With his knowledge, he made the oceans and the clouds that produce rain.

²¹ My son, don’t ever let wisdom out of your sight. Hold on to wisdom and careful planning. ²² They will bring you a long life filled with honor.