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Proverbs 3 (CEV)

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¹ My child, remember my teachings and instructions and obey them completely. ² They will help you live a long and prosperous life. ³ Let love and loyalty always show like a necklace, and write them in your mind. ⁴ God and people will like you and consider you a success. ⁵ With all your heart you must trust the LORD and not your own judgment. ⁶ Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow. ⁷ Don't ever think that you are wise enough, but respect the LORD and stay away from evil. ⁸ This will make you healthy, and you will feel strong. ⁹ 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 My child, don't turn away or become bitter when the LORD corrects you. ¹² The LORD corrects everyone he loves, just as parents correct their favorite child. 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 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 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.