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v1
My child, do not forget my instruction, and may your heart guard my commands.
v2
For length of days, years of life, and peace they ^[That is, “my commands” (3:1)] shall add to you.
v3
May loyal love ^[Or “kindness, mercy”] and truth not forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them upon your heart.
v4
And you shall find favor and good sense ^[Or “understanding, prudence”] in the eyes of God and humankind.
v5
Trust Yahweh ^[Literally “trust toward Yahweh”] with all your heart; do not lean toward your own understanding.
v6
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will straighten your paths.
v7
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear Yahweh and retreat from evil.
v8
There shall be healing for your flesh, ^[Literally “navel”] and refreshment for your body.
v9
Honor Yahweh from your substance, ^[Or “wealth, property”] and from the firstfruits of all that will come to you,
v10
and your barns shall be full of plenty, and your vats shall burst with new wine.
v11
Do not despise the discipline of Yahweh, my child. Do not be weary of his reproof
v12
because whomever Yahweh will love, he will rebuke, as a father delights in his son.
v13
Happy is the one ^[Literally “a man”] who finds wisdom, and one who obtains understanding.
v14
For her ^[Or “its”; both “wisdom” and “understanding” are feminine nouns and can be read as either “she” or “it”] income is better than the income of silver, and her revenue than that of gold.
v15
She is more precious than rubies, and all your desires shall not compare with her.
v16
Length of days is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
v17
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
v18
She is a tree of life for those who seize her; those who take hold of her are considered happy.
v19
Yahweh in wisdom founded the earth; he established the heavens in understanding.
v20
With his knowledge, depths broke open, and clouds dropped dew.
v21
My child, may they ^[Grammatically, “they” most likely refers to clouds (3:20). In context, “they” may refer to wisdom and understanding (3:13).] not escape from your sight; ^[Literally “eyes”] may you keep sound wisdom and prudence.
v22
They shall be life for your soul ^[Or “inner self”] and adornment ^[Or “favor”] for your neck.
v23
Then you will walk in the confidence of your ways, and your foot will not stumble.
v24
If you sit down, you will not panic, ^[Or “fear, dread”] and if you lie down, then your sleep shall be sweet.
v25
Do not be afraid of sudden panic, ^[Or “fear, dread”] or the storm of wickedness that will come.
v26
Yahweh will be your confidence ^[Literally “in your confidence”] and guard your foot from capture.
v27
Do not withhold good from its owner ^[Or “lord”] when it is in the power of your hand to do.
v28
Do not say to your neighbor, “Go and return and tomorrow I will give it,” when it is with you. ^[Literally “and there is with you”]
v29
Do not plot harm against your neighbor who dwells in confidence beside you.
v30
Do not quarrel with anyone without cause, when he did not do you harm.
v31
Do not envy a man of violence, and do not choose any of his ways,
v32
for he who is perverse is an abomination of Yahweh, but those who are upright are his confidence.
v33
The curse of Yahweh is on the house of the wicked, and the abode of the righteous ones he blesses.
v34
With those who scorn, he is scornful, but to those who are humble, he gives favor.
v35
They will inherit the honor of the wise, but stubborn fools, disgrace.