Study

Admonition to Trust and Honor God

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My child, do not forget my teaching,

but let your heart keep my commandments;

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for length of days and years of life

and abundant welfare they will give you.

 

3

Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you;

bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart.

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So you will find favor and good repute

in the sight of God and of people.

 

5

Trust in the L ord with all your heart,

and do not rely on your own insight.

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In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make straight your paths.

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Do not be wise in your own eyes;

fear the L ord, and turn away from evil.

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It will be a healing for your flesh

and a refreshment for your body.

 

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Honor the L ord with your substance

and with the first fruits of all your produce;

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then your barns will be filled with plenty,

and your vats will be bursting with wine.

 

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My child, do not despise the L ord’s discipline

or be weary of his reproof,

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for the L ord reproves the one he loves,

as a father the son in whom he delights.

 

The True Wealth

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Happy are those who find wisdom,

and those who get understanding,

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for her income is better than silver,

and her revenue better than gold.

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She is more precious than jewels,

and nothing you desire can compare with her.

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Long life is in her right hand;

in her left hand are riches and honor.

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Her ways are ways of pleasantness,

and all her paths are peace.

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She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;

those who hold her fast are called happy.

 

God’s Wisdom in Creation

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The L ord by wisdom founded the earth;

by understanding he established the heavens;

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by his knowledge the deeps broke open,

and the clouds drop down the dew.

The True Security

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My child, do not let these escape from your sight:

keep sound wisdom and prudence,

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and they will be life for your soul

and adornment for your neck.

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Then you will walk on your way securely

and your foot will not stumble.

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If you sit down, you will not be afraid;

when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

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Do not be afraid of sudden panic,

or of the storm that strikes the wicked;

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for the L ord will be your confidence

and will keep your foot from being caught.

 

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Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,

when it is in your power to do it.

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Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again,

tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.

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Do not plan harm against your neighbor

who lives trustingly beside you.

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Do not quarrel with anyone without cause,

when no harm has been done to you.

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Do not envy the violent

and do not choose any of their ways;

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for the perverse are an abomination to the L ord,

but the upright are in his confidence.

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The L ord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,

but he blesses the abode of the righteous.

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Toward the scorners he is scornful,

but to the humble he shows favor.

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The wise will inherit honor,

but stubborn fools, disgrace.