1  ^hMy son, ⁱdo not forget my teaching,

but let your heart keep my commandments,

2  for ^jlength of days and years of life

and peace they will add to you.

3  Let not ^ksteadfast love and faithfulness forsake you;

^lbind them around your neck;

write them on the tablet of your heart.

4  So you will find favor and ^mgood success¹

in the sight of God and man.

5  ⁿTrust in the Lord with all your heart,

and do not lean on your own understanding.

6  In all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will ^omake straight your paths.

7  Be not ^pwise in your own eyes;

^qfear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

8  It will be ^rhealing to your flesh²

and refreshment³ to your bones.

11  ^tMy son, do not ^udespise the Lord’s ^vdiscipline

or be weary of his reproof,

12  for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,

^was a father the son in whom he delights.

21  My son, ^fdo not lose sight of these—

keep sound wisdom and discretion,

22  and they will be ^glife for your soul

and adornment ^hfor your neck.

23  Then you will ⁱwalk on your way securely,

and your foot will not stumble.

24  ^jIf you lie down, you will not be afraid;

when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

25  Do not be afraid of sudden terror

or of the ruin¹ of the wicked, ^kwhen it comes,

26  for the Lord will be your confidence

and will keep your foot from being caught.