Proverbs 3:21–35

²¹My son, hold on to good sense and the understanding of what is right.

Don’t let them out of your sight.

²²They will be life for you.

They will be like a gracious necklace around your neck.

²³Then you will go on your way in safety.

You will not trip and fall.

²⁴When you lie down, you won’t be afraid.

When you lie down, you will sleep soundly.

²⁵Don’t be terrified by sudden trouble.

Don’t be afraid when sinners are destroyed.

²⁶The Lord is the one you will trust in.

He will keep your feet from being caught in a trap.

²⁷Don’t hold back good from those who are worthy of it.

Don’t hold it back when you can help.

²⁸Suppose you have something to give.

Don’t say to your neighbor,

“Come back later.

I’ll give it to you tomorrow.”

²⁹Don’t plan to harm your neighbor.

He lives near you and trusts you.

³⁰Don’t bring charges against a man without any reason.

He has not harmed you.

³¹Don’t be jealous of a man who hurts others.

Don’t choose any of his ways.

³²The Lord really hates sinful people.

But he makes honest people his closest friends.

³³The Lord puts a curse on the houses of sinners.

But he blesses the homes of those who do what is right.

³⁴He laughs at proud people who make fun of others.

But he gives grace to those who are not proud.

³⁵Wise people receive honor.

But the Lord puts foolish people to shame.