New English [1970], THE NEW ENGLISH BIBLE (OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS; CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE) [word count] [B16000].
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1 My son, do not forget my teaching,
but guard my commands in your heart;
2 for long life and years in plenty
will they bring you, and prosperity as well.
3 Let your good faith and loyalty never fail,
but bind them about your neck. note
4 Thus will you win favour and success
in the sight of God and man.
5 Put all your trust in the Lord
and do not rely on your own understanding.
6 Think of him in all your ways,
and he will smooth your path.
7 Do not think how wise you are,
but fear the Lord and turn from evil.
8 Let that be the medicine to keep you in health,
the liniment for your limbs.
9 Honour the Lord with your wealth
as the first charge on all your earnings;
10 then your granaries will be filled with corn note
and your vats bursting with new wine.
11 My son, do not spurn the Lord's correction
or take offence at his reproof;
12 for those whom he loves the Lord reproves,
and he punishes a favourite son.
13 Happy he who has found wisdom,
and the man who has acquired understanding;
14 for wisdom is more profitable than silver,
and the gain she brings is better than gold.
15 She is more precious than red coral,
and all your jewels are no match for her.
16 Long life is in her right hand,
in her left hand are riches and honour.
17 Her ways are pleasant ways
and all her paths lead to prosperity.
18 She is a staff of life to all who grasp her,
and those who hold her fast are safe.
19 In wisdom the Lord founded the earth
and by understanding he set the heavens in their place;
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Advice to the reader
20 by his knowledge the depths burst forth
and the clouds dropped dew.
21 My son, keep watch over your ability and prudence,
do not let them slip from sight;
22 they shall be a charm note hung about your neck
and an ornament on your breast. note
23 Then you will go your way without a care,
and your feet will not stumble.
24 When you sit, note you need have no fear;
when you lie down, your sleep will be pleasant.
25 Do not be afraid when fools are frightened
or when ruin comes upon the wicked;
26 for the Lord will be at your side,
and he will keep your feet clear of the trap.
27 Refuse no man any favour that you owe him
when it lies in your power to pay it.
28 Do not say to your friend, ‘Come back again;
you shall have it tomorrow’—when you have it already.
29 Plot no evil against your friend,
your unsuspecting neighbour.
30 Do not pick a quarrel with a man for no reason,
if he has not done you a bad turn.
31 Do not emulate a lawless man,
do not choose to follow his footsteps;
32 for one who is not straight is detestable to the Lord,
but upright men are in God's confidence.
33 The Lord's curse rests on the house of the evildoer,
while he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 Though God himself meets the arrogant with arrogance,
yet he bestows his favour on the meek. note
35 Wise men are adorned with note honour,
but the coat note on a fool's back is contempt.
New English [1970], THE NEW ENGLISH BIBLE (OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS; CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE) [word count] [B16000].
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