1
My son, forget not my law, but see that thine heart keep my commandments.
2
For they shall prolong the days and years of thy life, and bring thee peace.
3
Let mercy and faithfulness never go from thee: bind them about thy neck, and write them in the tables of thine heart.
4
So shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and men.
5
Put thy trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding.
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In all thy ways have respect unto him, and he shall order thy goings.
7
Be not wise in thine own conceit, but fear the LORD, and depart from evil:
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so shall thy navel be whole, and thy bones strong.
9
Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstlings of all thine increase: (Septuagint: Honour the Lord with thy just labours, and give him the first of thy fruits of righteousness)
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So shall thy barns be filled with plenteousness, and thy presses shall flow over with sweet wine.
11
My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD, neither faint when thou are rebuked of him. (Hebrews 12:5-6)
12
For whom the LORD loveth, him he chasteneth: and yet delighteth in him even as a father in his own son. (Septuagint: for whom the Lord loves, he rebukes, and scourges every son whom he receives. Hebrews 12:6)
13
Well is him that findeth wisdom, and obtaineth understanding,
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for the getting of it is better than any merchandise of silver, and the profit of it is better than gold.
15
Wisdom is more worth than precious stones, and all the things that thou canst desire, are not to be compared unto her.
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Upon her right hand is long life, and upon her left hand is riches and honour. (Out of her mouth proceeds righteousness, and she carries law and mercy upon her tongue.)
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Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peaceable.
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She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, and blessed are they that keep her fast.
19
With wisdom hath the LORD laid the foundation of the earth, and thorow understanding hath he stablished the heavens.
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Thorow his wisdom the depths break up, and the clouds drop down of the dew.
21
My son, let not these things depart from thine eyes, but keep my law and my counsel:
22
So shall it be life unto thy soul, and grace unto thy mouth. Septuagint: that thy soul may live, and that there may be grace round thy neck; (and it shall be health to thy flesh, and safety to thy bones:)
23
Then shalt thou walk safely in thy way, and thy foot shall not stumble.
24
If thou sleepest thou shalt not be afraid, but shall take thy rest and sleep sweetly.
25
Thou needest not to be afraid of any sudden fear, neither for the violent rushing of the ungodly, when it cometh.
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For the LORD shall be beside thee, and keep thy foot that thou be not taken.
27
Refuse not to do good unto him that should have it, so long as thine hand is able to do it.
28
Say not unto thy neighbour: Go thy way and come again, tomorrow will I give thee:
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where as thou hast now to give him. Intend no hurt unto thy neighbour, seeing he hopeth to dwell in rest by thee.
30
Strive not lightly with any man, where as he hath done thee no harm.
31
Follow not a wicked man, and choose none of his ways:
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for the LORD abhoreth the froward, but his secret is among the righteous.
33
The curse of the LORD is in the house of the ungodly, but he blesseth the dwellings of the righteous.
34
As for the scornful, he shall laugh them to scorn, but he shall give grace unto the lowly. (Septuagint: The Lord resists the proud; but he gives grace to the humble. James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5)
35
The wise shall have honour in possession, but shame is the promotion that fools shall have.