Proverbs 3:1-22
The chiastic structure of Proverbs 3:1-22
3:1 My son,
do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments;
2 for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare will
they give you. 3 Let not loyalty and faithfulness
forsake you; bind them about your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 So you will find favor
and good repute in the sight of God and man.
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5 Trust in the LORD with all your
heart, and do not rely on your own insight. 6 In all your ways
acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. |
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7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear
the LORD, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing
to your flesh and refreshment
to your bones. |
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9 Honor the
LORD with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce;
10 then your barns will be filled with
plenty, and your vats will be bursting
with wine. |
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11 My son, do
not despise the lord's discipline or be weary of his
reproof, 12 for the LORD reproves
him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. |
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13 Happy is
the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding, 14
for the gain from it is better
than gain from silver and its profit
better than gold. |
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15 She is more precious than jewels,
and nothing you desire can compare with her. 16 Long
life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches
and honor. |
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17 Her ways are ways
of pleasantness, and all her paths
are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;
those who hold her fast are called happy. 19
The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established
the heavens; 20 by his knowledge the deeps broke forth, and the
clouds drop down the dew. |
21 My son,
keep sound wisdom and discretion; let them not escape from your
sight, 22 and they will be life for your soul and adornment
for your neck.
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