3:1 My child, 2 do not forget my teaching,
but let your heart keep 3 my commandments,
3:2 for they will provide 4 a long and full life, 5
and they will add well-being 6 to you.
3:3 Do not let truth and mercy 7 leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart. 8
3:4 Then you will find 9 favor and good understanding, 10
in the sight of God and people. 11
3:5 Trust 12 in the Lord with all your heart, 13
and do not rely 14 on your own understanding. 15
3:6 Acknowledge 16 him in all your ways, 17
and he will make your paths straight. 18
3:7 Do not be wise in your own estimation; 19
fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 20
3:8 This will bring 21 healing to your body, 22
and refreshment 23 to your inner self. 24
3:9 Honor 25 the Lord from your wealth
and from the first fruits of all your crops; 26
3:10 then your barns will be filled completely, 27
and your vats 28 will overflow 29 with new wine.
3:11 My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord, 30
and do not loathe 31 his rebuke.
3:12 For the Lord disciplines 32 those he loves,
just as a father 33 disciplines 34 the son in whom he delights.
3:13 Blessed 35 is the one 36 who finds 37 wisdom,
and the one who obtains 38 understanding.
3:14 For her 39 benefit 40 is more profitable 41 than silver,
and her 42 gain 43 is better 44 than gold.
3:15 She is more precious than rubies,
and none of the things 45 you desire 46 can compare 47 with her. 48
3:16 Long life 49 is in her right hand;
in her left hand are riches and honor.
3:17 Her ways are very pleasant, 50
and all her paths are peaceful.
3:18 She is like 51 a tree of life 52 to those who obtain her, 53
and everyone who grasps hold of her will be blessed. 54
3:19 By wisdom the Lord laid the foundation of the earth; 55
he established the heavens by understanding. 56
3:20 By his knowledge the primordial sea 57 was broken open, 58
and the clouds drip down dew. 59
3:21 My child, do not let them 60 escape from your sight;
safeguard sound wisdom and discretion. 61
3:22 So 62 they will give 63 life to you, 64
and grace to adorn 65 your neck. 66
3:23 Then you will walk on your way 67 with security,
and you 68 will not stumble. 69
3:24 When 70 you lie down you will not be filled with fear; 71
when 72 you lie down your sleep will be pleasant. 73
3:25 You will not be afraid 74 of sudden 75 disaster, 76
or when destruction overtakes 77 the wicked; 78
3:26 for the Lord will be 79 the source of your confidence, 80
and he will guard your foot 81 from being caught in a trap. 82
3:27 Do not withhold good from those who need it, 83
when 84 you 85 have the ability 86 to help. 87