A reading from the Book of Proverbs.

My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments.

For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you.

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you.

Bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, so you will find

favor and good success in the sight of God and man.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make

straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce.

Then your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will be bursting with wine.

My son do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof. For the Lord reproves him whom he loves,

as a father, the son in whom he delights. Blessed is the one who finds wisdom and the one who

gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver, and her profit better than gold.

She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.

Long life is in her right hand.

In her left hand are riches and honor.

Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life

to those who lay hold of her. Those who hold her fast are called blessed. The Lord by wisdom

founded the earth. By understanding he established the heavens, by his knowledge the deeps broke open,

and the clouds dropped down the dew. My son, do not lose sight of these. Keep sound wisdom and

discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.

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