Guidance for the Young
My son, do not forget my law,
aBut let your heart keep my commands;
2 For length of days and long life
And apeace they will add to you.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you;
aBind them around your neck,
bWrite them on the tablet of your heart,
4 aAnd so find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.
5 aTrust in the Lord with all your heart,
bAnd lean not on your own understanding;
6 aIn all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own aeyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh,
And astrength to your bones.
9 aHonor the Lord with your possessions,
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10 aSo your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 aMy son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,
Nor detest His correction;
12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects,
aJust as a father the son in whom he delights.
13 aHappy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
14 aFor her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
And aall the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
16 aLength of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
17 aHer ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
18 She is aa tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.
19 aThe Lord by wisdom founded the earth;
By understanding He established the heavens;
20 By His knowledge the depths were abroken up,
And clouds drop down the dew.
21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes—
Keep sound wisdom and discretion;
22 So they will be life to your soul
And grace to your neck.
23 aThen you will walk safely in your way,
And your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.
25 aDo not be afraid of sudden terror,
Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes;
26 For the Lord will be your confidence,
And will keep your foot from being caught.
27 aDo not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
When it is in the power of your hand to do so.
28 aDo not say to your neighbor,
“Go, and come back,
And tomorrow I will give it,”
When you have it with you.
29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor,
For he dwells by you for safety’s sake.
30 aDo not strive with a man without cause,
If he has done you no harm.
31 aDo not envy the oppressor,
And choose none of his ways;
32 For the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord,
aBut His secret counsel is with the upright.
33 aThe curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked,
But bHe blesses the home of the just.
34 aSurely He scorns the scornful,
But gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise shall inherit glory,
But shame shall be the legacy of fools.
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson.
All rights reserved.