16 Long life is in her right hand, and in her left is riches and glory; [Out of her mouth comes righteousness; she beareth law and mercy on her tongue;]

17 Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peaceful.

18 She is the tree of life to those who acquire her, and blessed are those who keep her!

19 The Lord founded the earth in wisdom, and established the heavens with understanding;

20 By his wisdom the depths are opened, and the clouds are sprinkled with dew.

21 My son! do not let them go out of your sight; keep your sanity and prudence,

22 And they shall be life to thy soul, and an ornament to thy neck.

23 Then shalt thou walk safely in thy way, and thy foot shall not stumble.

24 When thou shalt lie down to sleep, thou shalt not be afraid; and when you fall asleep, your sleep will be pleasant.

25 Thou shalt not fear sudden fear and destruction from the wicked when it comes;

26 for the Lord shall be thy hope, and shall keep thy foot from being caught.

27 Do not withhold a good deed from him who is in need, when your hand is able to do it.

28 Do not say to your friend, 'Go and come again, and tomorrow I will give,' when you have it with you. [For you do not know what the coming day will bring forth.]

29 Do not plot evil against your neighbor, when he lives with you without fear.

30 Do not quarrel with a man without cause, when he has done you no harm.

31 Do not compete with a man who acts violently, and do not choose any of his ways;

32 for he is an abomination in the sight of the Lord, but he has fellowship with the righteous.

33 The curse of the Lord is upon the house of the wicked, but he blesseth the dwelling place of the godly.

34 If He laughs at blasphemers, He gives grace to the humble.

35 The wise will inherit glory, but the foolish will inherit disgrace.

Chapter 4