Proverbs 3:21–35

Proverbs 3:21–35 (Listen)

21   My son, do not lose sight of these—
    keep sound wisdom and discretion,
22   and they will be life for your soul
    and adornment for your neck.
23   Then you will walk on your way securely,
    and your foot will not stumble.
24   If you lie down, you will not be afraid;
    when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25   Do not be afraid of sudden terror
    or of the ruinHebrew storm">1 of the wicked, when it comes,
26   for the LORD will be your confidence
    and will keep your foot from being caught.
27   Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,Hebrew Do not withhold good from its owners">2
    when it is in your power to do it.

28   Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again,
    tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.
29   Do not plan evil against your neighbor,
    who dwells trustingly beside you.
30   Do not contend with a man for no reason,
    when he has done you no harm.
31   Do not envy a man of violence
    and do not choose any of his ways,
32   for the devious person is an abomination to the LORD,
    but the upright are in his confidence.
33   The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
    but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
34   Toward the scorners he is scornful,
    but to the humble he gives favor.Or grace">3
35   The wise will inherit honor,
    but fools getThe meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain">4 disgrace.

Footnotes

[2] 3:27 Hebrew Do not withhold good from its owners

[3] 3:34 Or grace

[4] 3:35 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain