Proverb 3 Simple English Version

 My son, don’t forget what I’ve taught you—instead, let your heart hold tight to my rules.

Why? Because they’ll add years to your life—good, meaningful years—and fill your days with peace and all the good things that make life whole.

Never let kindness, mercy, or honesty slip away from you. Think of them like a necklace: tie them around your neck to keep them close. And write them deep in your heart, so you never lose sight of them.

If you do that, both God and other people will look at you with favor and respect.

Put all your trust in the Lord with every part of your heart. Don’t just rely on what you think is right or what you understand.

In everything you do, remember Him, acknowledge Him, and let Him guide you. Then He’ll clear your path—no more obstacles getting in your way.

Don’t act like you know everything. Instead, show the Lord the respect He deserves (the kind that makes you want to obey Him) and turn completely away from anything evil.

Doing this will be good for your body—your bones, your muscles, all the parts inside you will stay healthy—and it will refresh you, too.

Honor the Lord with your money, and give Him the first (and best) part of whatever you earn or grow.

If you do that, your barns will be stuffed full, and your vats will overflow with fresh wine.

My son, don’t brush off the Lord’s correction—don’t ignore when He points out your mistakes. And don’t get upset when He gently tells you you’re wrong.

Because the Lord corrects the people He loves—just like a father corrects the child he’s proud of.

Happy is the person who finds true wisdom (the kind that’s good and godly) and the person who learns to understand life (by listening to God’s words and learning from experience).

Wisdom is better than silver, and the good it brings is better than fine gold.

It’s more valuable than rubies—nothing you could wish for is worth as much as wisdom.

On one hand, wisdom gives you a long life. On the other, it gives you wealth and respect.

The way wisdom leads you is always pleasant, and every step you take with it is peaceful.

Wisdom is like a “tree of life” for anyone who holds onto it. And anyone who clings tight to it will be truly happy.

The Lord used His wisdom to build the earth, and His understanding to set the heavens in place.

With His knowledge, He split open the deep oceans, and made clouds drop dew.

My son, don’t let wisdom or good judgment out of your sight. Hold onto them tightly.

They’ll give life to your soul (the real you inside) and make you look good—like a nice necklace adorns your neck.

Then you’ll walk through life safely, and you’ll never trip or stumble.

When you lie down to sleep, you won’t be afraid. Your sleep will be sweet and peaceful.

Don’t fear sudden scares, and don’t worry when trouble from evil people comes (you’ll be innocent, so you have nothing to fear).

Because the Lord will be your rock—He’ll give you confidence—and He’ll keep you from falling into traps.

If you have the power to do good for someone who deserves it, don’t hold back.

Don’t tell your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow—I’ll give it to you then” if you already have what they need with you.

Don’t plan to hurt your neighbor, especially if they live next to you peacefully and trust you.

Don’t start a fight with someone for no reason—if they haven’t done anything to harm you.

Don’t envy people who use violence to get what they want, and don’t copy their ways.

The Lord can’t stand people who are sneaky or dishonest. But He shares His closest guidance with people who are upright—those who do what’s right and have the courage to live morally.

The Lord puts a curse on the homes of evil people, but He blesses the homes of those who are good and fair.

He mocks people who mock wisdom, but He gives His grace (the good things we don’t deserve) to those who are humble—people who don’t think they’re better than others.

Wise people will be given honor and glory. But fools will end up with shame and disgrace.