Paths of Faith

¹ My son, don’t forget my instruction. Let your heart guard my commands, ² because they will help you live a long time and provide you with well-being. ³ Don’t let loyalty and faithfulness leave you. Bind them on your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. ⁴ Then you will find favor and approval in the eyes of God and humanity. ⁵ Trust in the LORD with all your heart; don’t rely on your own intelligence. ⁶ Know him in all your paths, and he will keep your ways straight. ⁷ Don’t consider yourself wise. Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. ⁸ Then your body will be healthy and your bones strengthened. ⁹ Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first of all your crops. ¹⁰ Then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will burst with wine. ¹¹ Don’t reject the instruction of the LORD, my son; don’t despise his correction. ¹² The LORD loves those he corrects, just like a father who treats his son with favor.