Daily Bread

¹¹ My son,^(A) do not despise the Lord’s discipline,^(B)
    and do not resent his rebuke,
¹² because the Lord disciplines those he loves,^(C)
    as a father the son he delights in.^[a](D)

¹³ Blessed are those who find wisdom,
    those who gain understanding,
¹⁴ for she is more profitable than silver
    and yields better returns than gold.^(E)
15 She is more precious than rubies;^(F)
    nothing you desire can compare with her.^(G)
16 Long life is in her right hand;^(H)
    in her left hand are riches and honor.^(I)
17 Her ways are pleasant ways,
    and all her paths are peace.^(J)
18 She is a tree of life^(K) to those who take hold of her;
    those who hold her fast will be blessed.^(L)

¹⁹ By wisdom^(M) the Lord laid the earth’s foundations,^(N)
    by understanding he set the heavens^(O) in place;
²⁰ by his knowledge the watery depths were divided,
    and the clouds let drop the dew.

²¹ My son,^(P) do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight,^(Q)
    preserve sound judgment and discretion;
²² they will be life for you,^(R)
    an ornament to grace your neck.^(S)
23 Then you will go on your way in safety,^(T)
    and your foot will not stumble.^(U)
24 When you lie down,^(V) you will not be afraid;^(W)
    when you lie down, your sleep^(X) will be sweet.
²⁵ Have no fear of sudden disaster
    or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
²⁶ for the Lord will be at your side^(Y)
    and will keep your foot^(Z) from being snared.^(AA)