章 |
3:1 |
My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
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3:2 |
for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.
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3:3 |
Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
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3:4 |
Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
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3:5 |
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
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3:6 |
in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
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3:7 |
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
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3:8 |
This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
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3:9 |
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
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3:10 |
then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
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3:11 |
My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke,
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3:12 |
because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
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3:13 |
Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding,
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3:14 |
for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
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3:15 |
She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
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3:16 |
Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
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3:17 |
Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.
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3:18 |
She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.
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3:19 |
By wisdom the LORD laid the earth's foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place;
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3:20 |
by his knowledge the deeps were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.
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3:21 |
My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight;
|
3:22 |
they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.
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3:23 |
Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble;
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3:24 |
when you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
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3:25 |
Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
|
3:26 |
for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.
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3:27 |
Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.
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3:28 |
Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"-- when you now have it with you.
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3:29 |
Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.
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3:30 |
Do not accuse a man for no reason-- when he has done you no harm.
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3:31 |
Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways,
|
3:32 |
for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence.
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3:33 |
The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
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3:34 |
He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.
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3:35 |
The wise inherit honor, but fools he holds up to shame.
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