1,2 My Son,
never forget the things I’ve taught you. If you want a long and satisfying life,
closely follow my instructions.
3 Never
forget to be truthful and kind. Hold these virtues tightly. Write them deep
within your heart.
4,5 If you
want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common
sense, then trust The Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself.
6 In
everything you do, put God first and He will direct you and crown your efforts
with success.
7,8 Don’t be
conceited, sure of your own wisdom. Instead trust and reverence The Lord and
turn your back on evil; when you do that, then you will be given renewed health
and vitality.
9,10 Honor
The Lord by giving Him the first part of all your income, and He will fill your
barns with wheat and barley and overflow your wine vats with the finest wines.
11,12 Young
man, do not resent it when God chastens and corrects you, for his punishment is
proof of His Love. Just as a father punishes a son he delights in to make him
better, so The Lord corrects you.
13,14,15 The
man who knows right from wrong and has good judgment and common sense is
happier than the man who is immensely rich! For such wisdom is far more
valuable than precious jewels. Nothing else compares with it.
16,17 Wisdom
gives:
A long, good life
Riches
Honor
Pleasure
Peace
18 Wisdom is
a tree of life to those who eat her fruit; happy is the man who keeps on eating
it.
19 The Lord’s
Wisdom founded the earth; His Understanding established all the universe and
space.
20 The deep
fountains of the earth were broken open by His Knowledge and the skies poured
down rain.
21 Have two
goals: wisdom – that is knowing and doing right- and common sense. Don’t let
them slip away,
22 for they
fill you with living energy, and are a feather in your cap.
24,25,26 With
them on guard you can sleep without fear; you need not be afraid of disaster or
the plots of wicked men, for The Lord is with you; He protects you.
27,28 Don’t
withhold repayment of your debts. Don’t say ‘some other time’ if you can pay
now.
29 Don’t plot
against your neighbor; he is trusting you.
30 Don’t get
into needless fights.
31 Don’t envy
violent men. Don’t copy their ways.
32 For such
men are an abomination to The Lord, but He gives His friendship to the godly.
33 The curse
of God is on the wicked, but His Blessing is on the upright.
34 The Lord
mocks at mockers, but helps the humble.
35 The wise
are promoted to honor, but fools are promoted to shame.
Text: Children's Living Bible, Tyndale House Publishers, 1972
Photo Credits: Google Images
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