The Security that comes from Wisdom

21 Observe, my child, discretion and wisdom,

let them never out of your sight;

22 so will they be life to you.

An ornament round your neck.

23 You will then go your way securely.

Without ever striking your foot.

24 You will sit down unafraid,

and your sleep will be sweet where you lie.

25 You will fear no sudden terror,

nor the tempest that falls on the wicked.

26 For the Lord is the ground of your hope.

He will keep your foot from the snare.

27 Withhold from your neighbour no good

Which you have in your power to do them.

28 Do not tell them – when you can afford it – to go

and come back, with the promise of something tomorrow.

29 Devise no mischief against your neighbour,

while they are trustfully living beside you.

30 Do not idly quarrel with anyone

who has not done you any harm.

31 Do not envy the violent,

or choose any one of their ways.

32 For the Lord abhors the crooked,

but the upright are his friends.

33 The Lord’s curse rests on the house of the wicked.

But the home of the righteous he blesses.

34 As for him, he scoffs at scoffers,

but he gives grace to the lowly.

35 Wise men come to honour,

but shame is the portion of fools.