Proverbs 3 - Easy To Read Version

¹ My son, don’t forget my teaching. Remember the things I tell you to do.

² The things I teach you will give you a longer, happier, and more peaceful life.

³ Never stop loving. Always be loyal and true. \{Make these things a part of yourself\}—tie them around your neck and write them on your heart.

⁴ Then you will be wise and pleasing to God and people!

⁵ Trust the Lord completely! Don’t depend on your own knowledge.

⁶ Think about God in all that you do. Then he will help you.

⁷ Don’t depend on your own wisdom. But respect the Lord and stay away from evil.

⁸ If you do this, then it will be like medicine for your body or a refreshing drink that makes you strong again.

⁹ Honor the Lord with your wealth. Give him the best you have.

¹⁰ Then you will have all you need. Your barns will be full of grain and your barrels will be flowing over with wine.

¹¹ My son, sometimes the Lord will show you that you are doing wrong. But don’t be angry about this punishment. Try to learn from it.

¹² Why? Because the Lord corrects the people he loves. Yes, God is like a father \{that punishes\} the son he loves.

¹³ The person who finds wisdom will be very happy. That person will be blessed when he begins to understand.

¹⁴ The profit that comes from wisdom is better than silver. The profit from wisdom is better than fine gold!

¹⁵ Wisdom is worth much more than jewels. Nothing you can want is as valuable as wisdom!

¹⁶ Wisdom gives you long life, riches, and honor.

¹⁷ People with wisdom live peaceful, happy lives.

¹⁸ Wisdom is like the Tree of Life. {\cf2\super [3]} It gives full life to people that accept it. People that keep wisdom will be truly happy!

¹⁹ The Lord used wisdom and understanding to make the earth and the skies.

²⁰ The Lord used his knowledge to make the oceans and the clouds that produce rain.

²¹ My son, don’t ever let wisdom out of your sight! Guard your ability to think and plan wisely.

²² Wisdom and understanding will give you life and make it more beautiful.

²³ Then you will live safely and you will not fall.

^24-26 When you lie down, you will not be afraid. When you rest, your sleep will be peaceful.

²⁷ Whenever you can, do good things for people who need help.

²⁸ If your neighbor asks you for something and you have it, then give it to him right then! Don’t tell him, “Come back tomorrow and get it.”

²⁹ Don’t make plans to hurt your neighbor. You live near each other for your own safety!

³⁰ Don’t take another person to court without a good reason. Don’t do that if he hasn’t done anything wrong to you.

³¹ Some people are easily angered and quickly do bad things. Don’t be like that.

³² Why? Because the Lord hates evil people and he supports good, honest people.

³³ The Lord is against the families of evil people. But he blesses the homes of people who live right.

³⁴ If a person is proud and makes fun of other people, the Lord will punish him and make fun of him. But the Lord is kind to humble people.

³⁵ Wise people live a life that brings honor. Foolish people live a life that brings shame.