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Trust God

My child, remember
my teachings and instructions
    and obey them completely.
They will help you live
    a long and prosperous life.
Let love and loyalty
always show like a necklace,
    and write them in your mind.
(A) God and people will like you
    and hold you in high esteem.

With all your heart
you must trust the Lord
    and not your own judgment.
Always let him lead you,
and he will clear the road
    for you to follow.
(B) Don't ever think that you
    are wise enough,
but respect the Lord
    and stay away from evil.
This will make you healthy,
    and you will feel strong.
Honor the Lord by giving him
your money and the first part
    of all your crops.
10 Then you will have
more grain and grapes
    than you will ever need.

11 (C)(D) My child, don't turn away
or become bitter
    when the Lord corrects you.
12 (E) The Lord corrects
    everyone he loves,
just as parents correct
    a child they dearly love.

The Value of Wisdom

13 God blesses everyone
who has wisdom
    and common sense.
14 Wisdom is worth more
    than silver;
it makes you much richer
    than gold.
15 Wisdom is more valuable
    than precious jewels;
nothing you want
    compares with her.

16 In her right hand
    Wisdom holds a long life,
and in her left hand
    are wealth and honor.
17 Wisdom makes life pleasant
    and leads us safely along.
18 Wisdom is a life-giving tree,
the source of happiness
    for all who hold on to her.

19 By his wisdom and knowledge
the Lord created
    heaven and earth.
20 By his understanding
he let the ocean break loose
    and clouds release the rain.
21 My child, use common sense
and sound judgment!
    Always keep them in mind.
22 They will help you to live
    a long and beautiful life.
23 You will walk safely
    and never stumble;
24 you will rest without a worry
    and sleep soundly.
25 So don't be afraid
    of sudden disasters
or storms that strike
    those who are evil.
26 You can be sure that the Lord
    will protect you from harm.

27 (F) Do all you can for everyone
    who deserves your help.
28 Don't tell your neighbor
to come back tomorrow,
    if you can help today.
29 Don't try to be mean
    to neighbors who trust you.
30 Don't argue just to be arguing,
    when you haven't been hurt.
31 Don't be jealous
of cruel people
    or follow their example.

32 The Lord doesn't like
    anyone who is dishonest,
but he lets good people
    be his friends.
33 He places a curse on the home
    of everyone who is evil,
but he blesses the home
    of every good person.
34 (G) The Lord sneers at those
    who sneer at him,
but he is kind to everyone
    who is humble.
35 You will be praised
    if you are wise,
but you will be disgraced
    if you are a stubborn fool.

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