Get the free app for more features and content.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

Wisdom Bestows Well-Being

1My son, do not forget my teaching,

but keep my commands in your heart,

2for they will prolong your life many years

and bring you peace and prosperity.


3Let love and faithfulness never leave you;

bind them around your neck,

write them on the tablet of your heart.

4Then you will win favor and a good name

in the sight of God and man.


5Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

6in all your ways submit to him,

and he will make your paths straight.


7Do not be wise in your own eyes;

fear the Lord and shun evil.

8This will bring health to your body

and nourishment to your bones.


9Honor the Lord with your wealth,

with the firstfruits of all your crops;

10then your barns will be filled to overflowing,

and your vats will brim over with new wine.


11My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,

and do not resent his rebuke,

12because the Lord disciplines those he loves,

as a father the son he delights in.


13Blessed are those who find wisdom,

those who gain understanding,

14for she is more profitable than silver

and yields better returns than gold.

15She is more precious than rubies;

nothing you desire can compare with her.

16Long life is in her right hand;

in her left hand are riches and honor.

17Her ways are pleasant ways,

and all her paths are peace.

18She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her;

those who hold her fast will be blessed.


19By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations,

by understanding he set the heavens in place;

20by his knowledge the watery depths were divided,

and the clouds let drop the dew.


21My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,

preserve sound judgment and discretion;

22they will be life for you,

an ornament to grace your neck.

23Then you will go on your way in safety,

and your foot will not stumble.

24When you lie down, you will not be afraid;

when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

25Have no fear of sudden disaster

or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

26for the Lord will be at your side

and will keep your foot from being snared.


27Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,

when it is in your power to act.

28Do not say to your neighbor,

“Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”—

when you already have it with you.

29Do not plot harm against your neighbor,

who lives trustfully near you.

30Do not accuse anyone for no reason—

when they have done you no harm.


31Do not envy the violent

or choose any of their ways.


32For the Lord detests the perverse

but takes the upright into his confidence.

33The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,

but he blesses the home of the righteous.

34He mocks proud mockers

but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.

35The wise inherit honor,

but fools get only shame.

Holy Bible, New International Version™, NIV™
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
Used with permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The “New International Version” is a trademark registered in the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. The “NIV”, “Biblica”, “International Bible Society” and the Biblica Logo are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. Used with permission.
Learn more at www.Biblica.com.

Featured Resources

We Studied the Tree of Life in the Bible (Here’s What We Found)

We Studied the Tree of Life in the Bible (Here’...

In the opening pages of the Bible, God gives humanity a gift that they quickl...

BibleProject

How were people saved in the Old Testament?

How were people saved in the Old Testament?

Watch more episodes of Honest Answers here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?...

Southern Seminary

Greater Than: Day 2

Greater Than: Day 2

Produced by Next Step Ministries. For study guides on this video series and ...

Crazy Love Ministries

Introduction to Proverbs

Introduction to Proverbs

Dr. Kara Powell introduces Proverbs from the perspective of practical theolog...

Fuller Studio

Proverbs: The Bible Explained

Proverbs: The Bible Explained

Watch our Introduction video on the book of Proverbs, which outlines the book...

Spoken Gospel

The Book of Proverbs • What It Teaches About Being Good at Life

The Book of Proverbs • What It Teaches About Be...

Proverbs is the accumulation of wisdom from generations of godly insightful p...

BibleProject

R. Albert Mohler, Jr. - Proverbs 3:1-12

R. Albert Mohler, Jr. - Proverbs 3:1-12

R. Albert Mohler's Commencement message to the 2017 Boyce College graduates.

Southern Seminary

The Books of Solomon

The Books of Solomon

The wisest king of Israel, King Solomon, is associated with three books of th...

BibleProject

Book of Proverbs Summary: A Complete Animated Overview

Book of Proverbs Summary: A Complete Animated O...

Watch our overview video on the book of Proverbs, which breaks down the liter...

BibleProject

Old Testament Summary: A Complete Animated Overview

Old Testament Summary: A Complete Animated Over...

Watch our overview video on the Old Testament, also known as the Hebrew Bible...

BibleProject

Explore Proverbs 3