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My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart,
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for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.
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Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.
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Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.
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Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
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in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
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Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
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This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
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Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops;
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then your bars will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
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My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke,
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because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
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Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding,
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for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.
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She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.
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Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
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Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.
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She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.
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By wisdom the LORD laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place;
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by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.
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My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion;
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they will be life to you, an ornament to grace your neck.
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Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.
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When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
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Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
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for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.
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Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.
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Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you” - when you already have it with you.
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Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.
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Do not accuse anyone for no reason – when they have done you no harm.
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Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.
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For the LORD detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence.
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The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
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He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
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The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame.
