Study Desk

He stores away sound wisdom for the righteous [those who are in right standing with Him]; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity [those of honorable character and moral courage],

For [skillful and godly] wisdom will enter your heart And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

For her house leads down to death And her paths lead to the dead;

For the upright [those who are in right standing with God] will live in the land And those [of integrity] who are blameless [in God's sight] will remain in it;

For length of days and years of life [worth living] And tranquility and prosperity [the wholeness of life's blessings] they will add to you.

For those whom the LORD loves He corrects, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

For wisdom's profit is better than the profit of silver, And her gain is better than fine gold.

She is more precious than rubies; And nothing you can wish for compares with her [in value].

For the LORD will be your confidence, firm and strong, And will keep your foot from being caught [in a trap].

For the devious are repulsive to the LORD; But His private counsel is with the upright [those with spiritual integrity and moral courage].

For I give you good doctrine; Do not turn away from my instruction.

When you walk, your steps will not be impeded [for your path will be clear and open]; And when you run, you will not stumble.

Take hold of instruction; [actively seek it, grip it firmly and] do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life.

For the wicked cannot sleep unless they do evil; And they are deprived of sleep unless they make someone stumble and fall.

For they eat the bread of wickedness And drink the wine of violence.

For they are life to those who find them, And healing and health to all their flesh.

Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.

For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey [like a honeycomb] And her speech is smoother than oil;

For the ways of man are directly before the eyes of the LORD, And He carefully watches all of his paths [all of his comings and goings].

He will die for lack of instruction (discipline), And in the greatness of his foolishness he will go astray and be lost.