Moff PROV Chapter 3

3 

My son, forget not my directions,

keep in mind what I command;

2 

for that will bring you welfare,

long days and happy life.

3 

Never let kindness and loyalty go,

tie them fast round your neck;

4 

so you shall have goodwill and good repute

with God and man alike.

5 

Rely with all your heart on the Eternal,

and never lean on your own insight;

6 

have mind of him wherever you may go,

and he will clear the road for you.

7 

Never pride yourself on your own wisdom,

revere the Eternal and draw back from sin:

8 

that will mean health for your body

and fresh life to your frame.

9 

Honour the Eternal with your wealth,

and with the best of all you make;

10 

so shall your barns be full of corn,

your vats brim over with new wine.

11 

My son, spurn not the Eternal’s schooling,

never be weary of his discipline;

12 

his discipline is for the man he loves,

he chastens any son whom he delights in.

13 

Happy is the man who gathers wisdom,

the man who gains knowledge:

14 

her profits are richer than silver,

she brings in more than gold;

15 

she is more precious than rubies,

no treasure can compare with her;

16 

long days lie in her right hand,

wealth and honour in her left;

17 

her ways are ways of tranquil ease,

and all her paths are bliss:

18 

to those who grasp her, she is vital strength--

happy are all who hold her fast.

19 

With wisdom did the Eternal found the earth,

with knowledge did he raise the heavens;

20 

’twas with intelligence he broke up the abyss

and made the clouds drop dew.

21 

My son, hold to sagacity and sense,

never lose sight of them;

22 

they will make your life long,

and add charm to it;

23 

then you can safely go your way,

with never a slip;

24 

you can rest unafraid,

you can lie down to a sweet sleep;

25 

never need you fear sudden blows

or the storm that strikes the wicked,

26 

for the Eternal will be your protection,

and preserve you from all danger.

27 

Never refuse help to your neighbour,

when you can render it;

28 

never say to him, “Go, and come again,

I will have it to-morrow for you”--

when you have it beside you!

29 

Never plot mischief against your neighbour

as he lives near you unsuspecting.

30 

Never quarrel with a man for no reason,

when he has never done you any harm.

31 

Never envy a high-handed man,

or choose his methods;

32 

for the Eternal loathes an evil man,

the honest are the Eternal’s friends;

33 

the Eternal’s curse lies on the house of the wicked,

but he blesses the good man’s dwelling;

34 

scoffers he scoffs at,

but he favours the devout;

35 

wise men come to honour,

but shame is all the foolish gain.