You have spent enough time in the past doing what ungodly people choose to do. You lived a wild life. You longed for evil things. You got drunk. You went to wild parties. You worshiped statues of gods, which the Lord hates.Ungodly people are surprised that you no longer join them in what they do. They want you to join them in their wild and wasteful living. So they say bad things about you.
My son, accept my words. Store up my commands inside you.Let your ears listen to wisdom. Apply your heart to understanding.Call out for the ability to be wise. Cry out for understanding.Look for it as you would look for silver. Search for it as you would search for hidden treasure.Then you will understand how to have respect for the Lord. You will find out how to know God.The Lord gives wisdom. Knowledge and understanding come from his mouth.
My son, do not forget my teaching. Keep my commands in your heart.They will help you live for many years. They will bring you peace and success.Don’t let love and truth ever leave you. Tie them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart.Then you will find favor and a good name in the eyes of God and people.Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding.In all your ways obey him. Then he will make your paths smooth and straight.Don’t be wise in your own eyes. Have respect for the Lord and avoid evil.That will bring health to your body. It will make your bones strong.Honor the Lord with your wealth. Give him the first share of all your crops.Then your storerooms will be so full they can’t hold everything. Your huge jars will spill over with fresh wine.My son, do not hate the Lord’ s training. Do not object when he corrects you.The Lord trains those he loves. He is like a father who trains the son he is pleased with.Blessed is the one who finds wisdom. Blessed is the one who gains understanding.Wisdom pays better than silver does. She earns more than gold does.She is worth more than rubies. Nothing you want can compare with her.Long life is in her right hand. In her left hand are riches and honor.Her ways are pleasant ways. All her paths lead to peace.She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her. Those who hold her close will be blessed.By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations. Through understanding he set the heavens in place.By his knowledge the seas were separated, and the clouds dropped their dew.My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight. Hold on to good sense and the understanding of what is right.They will be life for you. They will be like a gracious necklace around your neck.Then you will go on your way in safety. You will not trip and fall.When you lie down, you won’t be afraid. When you lie down, you will sleep soundly.Don’t be terrified by sudden trouble. Don’t be afraid when sinners are destroyed.The Lord will be at your side. He will keep your feet from being caught in a trap.Don’t hold back good from those who are worthy of it. Don’t hold it back when you can help.Suppose you already have something to give. Don’t say to your neighbor,“ Come back tomorrow. I’ll give it to you then.”Don’t plan to harm your neighbor. He lives near you and trusts you.Don’t bring charges against anyone for no reason. They have not harmed you.Don’t be jealous of a person who hurts others. Don’t choose any of their ways.The Lord really hates sinful people. But he makes honest people his closest friends.The Lord puts a curse on the houses of sinners. But he blesses the homes of those who do what is right.He makes fun of proud people who make fun of others. But he gives grace to those who are humble and treated badly.Wise people receive honor. But foolish people get only shame.
My son, listen and be wise. Set your heart on the right path.Don’t join those who drink too much wine. Don’t join those who stuff themselves with meat.Those who drink or eat too much will become poor. If they sleep too much, they’ll have to wear rags.Listen to your father, who gave you life. Don’t hate your mother when she is old.
