Proverbs 3

BSB · Scripture

Berean Standard Bible

Section headings and translator notes come from the publisher; they are reading aids, distinct from the Bible text.

Verse1My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;

Verse2for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life.

Verse3Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.

Verse4Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.

Verse5Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;

Verse6in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Verse7Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and turn away from evil.

Verse8This will bring healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.

Verse9Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your crops;

Verse10then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.

Verse11My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke;

Verse12for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.

Verse13Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding,

Verse14for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold.

Verse15She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her.

Verse16Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

Verse17All her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful.

Verse18She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed.

Verse19The LORD founded the earth by wisdom and established the heavens by understanding.

Verse20By His knowledge the watery depths were broken open, and the clouds dripped with dew.

Verse21My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment.

Verse22They will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck.

Verse23Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.

Verse24When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you rest, your sleep will be sweet.

Verse25Do not fear sudden danger or the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

Verse26for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from the snare.

Verse27Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act.

Verse28Do not tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I will provide”— when you already have the means.

Verse29Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he trustfully dwells beside you.

Verse30Do not accuse a man without cause, when he has done you no harm.

Verse31Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways;

Verse32for the LORD detests the perverse, but He is a friend to the upright.

Verse33The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous.

Verse34He mocks the mockers, but gives grace to the humble.

Verse35The wise will inherit honor, but fools are held up to shame.

Translator notes (7)

Verse 3: Forms of the Hebrew chesed are translated here and in most cases throughout the Scriptures as loving devotion; the range of meaning includes love, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, and mercy, as well as loyalty to a covenant.
Verse 8: Hebrew navel
Verse 8: Or medicine
Verse 11: LXX and do not lose heart when He rebukes; cited in Hebrews 12:5
Verse 12: LXX and He flogs every son He receives; cited in Hebrews 12:6
Verse 27: Or from its owners
Verse 34: LXX The Lord opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble; cited in James 4:6 and 1 Peter 5:5

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