13 (A)Blessed is a person who finds wisdom,
And one who obtains understanding.
14 For [a]her (B)profit is better than the profit of silver,
And her produce better than gold.
15 She is (C)more precious than [b]jewels,
And nothing you desire compares with her.
16 [c](D)Long life is in her right hand;
In her left hand are (E)riches and honor.
17 Her (F)ways are pleasant ways,
And all her paths are (G)peace.
18 She is a (H)tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are those who hold on to her.
19 The Lord founded the earth (I)by wisdom,
He (J)established the heavens by understanding.
20 By His knowledge the (K)ocean depths were burst open,
And the (L)clouds drip with dew.
21 My son, see that (M)they do not escape from your sight;
Comply with sound wisdom and discretion,
22 And they will be (N)life to your soul
And (O)adornment to your neck.
23 Then you will (P)walk in your way securely,
And your foot will not (Q)stumble.
24 When you (R)lie down, you will not be afraid;
When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 (S)Do not be afraid of sudden danger,
Nor of (T)trouble from the wicked when it comes;
26 For the Lord will be [d]your confidence,
And will (U)keep your foot from being caught.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 3:14 I.e., the profit from Wisdom (personified)
  2. Proverbs 3:15 Lit corals
  3. Proverbs 3:16 Lit Length of days
  4. Proverbs 3:26 Or at your side

13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
    the one who gains understanding.
14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
    and her wages are better than gold.
15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
    nothing you desire can compare with her.
16 She offers you long life in her right hand,
    and riches and honor in her left.
17 She will guide you down delightful paths;
    all her ways are satisfying.
18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
    happy are those who hold her tightly.

19 By wisdom the Lord founded the earth;
    by understanding he created the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the deep fountains of the earth burst forth,
    and the dew settles beneath the night sky.

21 My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment.
    Hang on to them,
22 for they will refresh your soul.
    They are like jewels on a necklace.
23 They keep you safe on your way,
    and your feet will not stumble.
24 You can go to bed without fear;
    you will lie down and sleep soundly.
25 You need not be afraid of sudden disaster
    or the destruction that comes upon the wicked,
26 for the Lord is your security.
    He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.

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