1 My child, remember

my teachings and instructions

and obey them completely.

2 They will help you live

a long and prosperous life.

3 Let love and loyalty

always show like a necklace,

and write them in your mind.

4 * God and people will like you

and hold you in high esteem.

5 With all your heart

you must trust the Lord

and not your own judgment.

6 Always let him lead you,

and he will clear the road

for you to follow.

7 * Don't ever think that you

are wise enough,

but respect the Lord

and stay away from evil.

8 This will make you healthy,

and you will feel strong.

9 Honor the Lord by giving him

your money and the first part

of all your crops.

10 Then you will have

more grain and grapes

than you will ever need.

11 ** My child, don't turn away

or become bitter

when the Lord corrects you.

12 * The Lord corrects

everyone he loves,

just as parents correct

a child they dearly love.

13 God blesses everyone

who has wisdom

and common sense.

14 Wisdom is worth more

than silver;

it makes you much richer

than gold.

15 Wisdom is more valuable

than precious jewels;

nothing you want

compares with her.

16 In her right hand

Wisdom holds a long life,

and in her left hand

are wealth and honor.

17 Wisdom makes life pleasant

and leads us safely along.

18 Wisdom is a life-giving tree,

the source of happiness

for all who hold on to her.

19 By his wisdom and knowledge

the Lord created

heaven and earth.

20 By his understanding

he let the ocean break loose

and clouds release the rain.

21 My child, use common sense

and sound judgment!

Always keep them in mind.

22 They will help you to live

a long and beautiful life.

23 You will walk safely

and never stumble;

24 you will rest without a worry

and sleep soundly.

25 So don't be afraid

of sudden disasters

or storms that strike

those who are evil.

26 You can be sure that the Lord

will protect you from harm.

27 * Do all you can for everyone

who deserves your help.

28 Don't tell your neighbor

to come back tomorrow,

if you can help today.

29 Don't try to be mean

to neighbors who trust you.

30 Don't argue just to be arguing,

when you haven't been hurt.

31 Don't be jealous

of cruel people

or follow their example.

32 The Lord doesn't like

anyone who is dishonest,

but he lets good people

be his friends.

33 He places a curse on the home

of everyone who is evil,

but he blesses the home

of every good person.

34 * The Lord sneers at those

who sneer at him,

but he is kind to everyone

who is humble.

35 You will be praised

if you are wise,

but you will be disgraced

if you are a stubborn fool.