¹

My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands;

²

For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you.

³

Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart,

⁴

And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.

⁵

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;

⁶

In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

⁷

Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.

⁸

It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.

⁹

Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase;

¹⁰

So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.

¹¹

My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction;

¹²

For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

¹³

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;

¹⁴

For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold.

¹⁵

She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.

¹⁶

Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor.

¹⁷

Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.

¹⁸

She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.