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Benefits of Wisdom

21 My son, do not let wisdom[a] leave your sight.
    Carefully observe sound judgment and discernment,
22 and they will be life to you
    and a graceful ornament[b] for your neck.
23 Then you will travel safely on your way,
    and your foot will not stumble.
24 When you sit[c] down, you will not be afraid;
    when you lie down, your sleep will be pleasant.[d]
25 Do not be afraid of sudden disaster,[e]
    or the devastation that comes to the wicked.
26 Indeed, the Lord will be your confidence,
    and he will keep your foot from being caught.

Wisdom in Action

27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
    when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbor,
    “Go, and come back.
        I will pay you[f] tomorrow,”
when you have cash[g] with you.
29 Do not plan to harm your neighbor,
    when he is living peacefully[h] beside you.
30 Do not bring a lawsuit against a person for no reason,
    when he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy a violent man,
    and do not emulate his lifestyle.[i]
32 Indeed, a perverse man is utterly disgusting[j] to the Lord,
    but he takes the upright into his confidence.[k]
33 The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
    but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
34 Though God[l] scoffs at scoffers,
    he gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise will inherit honor,
    but he holds fools up for ridicule.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:21 The Heb. lacks wisdom
  2. Proverbs 3:22 Lit. grace
  3. Proverbs 3:24 So LXX; MT reads lie
  4. Proverbs 3:24 Or sweet
  5. Proverbs 3:25 Lit. terror
  6. Proverbs 3:28 Lit. it
  7. Proverbs 3:28 The Heb. lacks cash
  8. Proverbs 3:29 Or securely
  9. Proverbs 3:31 Lit. ways
  10. Proverbs 3:32 Lit. an abomination
  11. Proverbs 3:32 Lit. but his secret counsel is with the upright
  12. Proverbs 3:34 Lit. he