Every Man's Bible - Proverbs - Flipbook - Page 9
page 835 | Proverbs 4
16
17
18
She offers you long life in her right hand,
and riches and honor in her left.
She will guide you down delightful paths;
all her ways are satisfying.
Wisdom is a tree of life to those who
embrace her;
happy are those who hold her tightly.
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.
19
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.
21
Do not withhold good from those who
deserve it
when it’s in your power to help them.
28 If you can help your neighbor now,
don’t say,
“Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll
help you.”
27
Don’t plot harm against your neighbor,
for those who live nearby trust you.
30 Don’t pick a fight without reason,
when no one has done you harm.
29
31
32
33
Don’t envy violent people
or copy their ways.
Such wicked people are detestable to
the LORD,
but he offers his friendship to the
godly.
The LORD curses the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the upright.
34
The LORD mocks the mockers
but is gracious to the humble.*
35
The wise inherit honor,
but fools are put to shame!
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A Father’s Wise Advice
My children,* listen when your father
corrects you.
Pay attention and learn good judgment,
for I am giving you good guidance.
Don’t turn away from my instructions.
For I, too, was once my father’s son,
tenderly loved as my mother’s only
child.
1
My father taught me,
“Take my words to heart.
Follow my commands, and you will live.
Get wisdom; develop good judgment.
Don’t forget my words or turn away
from them.
Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she
will protect you.
Love her, and she will guard you.
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you
can do!
And whatever else you do, develop
good judgment.
If you prize wisdom, she will make you
great.
Embrace her, and she will honor you.
She will place a lovely wreath on your
head;
she will present you with a beautiful
crown.”
My child,* listen to me and do as I say,
and you will have a long, good life.
I will teach you wisdom’s ways
and lead you in straight paths.
When you walk, you won’t be held back;
when you run, you won’t stumble.
Take hold of my instructions; don’t let
them go.
Guard them, for they are the key
to life.
Don’t do as the wicked do,
and don’t follow the path of evildoers.
Don’t even think about it; don’t go that
way.
Turn away and keep moving.
3:34 Greek version reads The LORD opposes the proud / but gives grace to the humble. Compare Jas 4:6; 1 Pet 5:5.
4:1 Hebrew My sons. 4:10 Hebrew My son; also in 4:20.
4:11-19 Everyone can be influenced by their environment. That is why we are warned here to stay away
from those who do wicked deeds. If we spend too much time with people who have few moral boundaries,
we will begin to think and act as they do. However, by spending time with godly people, we will find the
encouragement we need to stay on the right path. Then we will be able to enjoy the life God intends for us.
