1 The Rewards of Wisdom My son, do not forget myOr law.teaching,But let your heart keep my commandments;
2 For length of days and years of life [worth living]And tranquilityandprosperity [the wholeness of life’s blessings] they will add to you.
3 Do not let mercyandkindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you];Bind them [securely] around your neck,Write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 So find favor and high esteemIn the sight of God and man.
5 Trust inandrely confidently on the Lwith all your heartAnd do not rely on your own insightorunderstanding.
6 One of the ancient rabbis said that all the essence of the Torah (Law) depends on this verse.In all your ways knowandacknowledgeandrecognize Him,And He will make your paths straightandsmooth [removing obstacles that block your way].
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;Fear the L[with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil.
8 It will be health to your body [your marrow, your nerves, your sinews, your muscles—all your inner parts]And refreshment (physical well-being) to your bones.
9 Honor the Lwith your wealthAnd with the first fruits of all your crops (income);
10 Then your barns will be abundantly filledAnd your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My son, do not rejectortake lightly the discipline of the L[learn from your mistakes and the testing that comes from His correction through discipline];Nor despise His rebuke,
12 For those whom the Lloves He corrects,Even as a fathercorrectsthe son in whom he delights.
13 Happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is the man who finds [skillful and godly] wisdom,And the man who gains understandingandinsight [learning from God’s word and life’s experiences],
14 For wisdom’s profit is better than the profit of silver,And her gain is better than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies;And nothing you can wish for compares with her [in value].
16 Long life is in her right hand;In her left hand are riches and honor.
17 Her ways are highways of pleasantnessandfavor,And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,And happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is everyone who holds her tightly.
19 The Lby His wisdom has founded the earth;By His understanding He has established the heavens.
20 By His knowledge the deeps were broken upAnd the clouds drip with dew.
21 My son, let them not escape from your sight,But keep sound wisdom and discretion,
22 And they will be life to your soul (your inner self)And a gracious adornment to your neck (your outer self).
23 Then you will walk on your way [of life] securelyAnd your foot will not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden fearNor of the storm of the wicked when it comes [since you will be blameless];
26 For the Lwill be your confidence, firmandstrong,And will keep your foot from being caught [in a trap].
27 Using this verse as a proof text, the ancient rabbis offered the example of an employer who tells his foreman to hire workers at four zuz (small silver coins) each to do a job, and the foreman hires them at three instead. Even though they accepted the terms, the rabbis rule that they have the right to complain. Compare this with the parable of the landowner who hires workers for a denarius each. The difference there is that the first group receives a fair wage, while the last is overpaid as a matter of generosity (Matt 20:15).Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due [its rightful recipients],When it is in your power to do it.
28 Do 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,Who lives securely beside you.
30 Do not quarrel with a man without cause,If he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy a man of violenceAnd do not choose any of his ways.
32 For the devious are repulsive to the L;But His private counsel is with the upright [those with spiritual integrity and moral courage].
33 The curse of the Lis on the house of the wicked,But He blesses the home of the justandrighteous.
34 Though He scoffs at the scoffersandscorns the scorners,Yet He gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance].
35 The wise will inherit honorandglory,But dishonorandshame is conferred on fools.