19By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations,

by understanding he set the heavens in place;

20by his knowledge the deeps were divided,

and the clouds let drop the dew.

21My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment,

do not let them out of your sight;

22they will be life for you,

an ornament to grace your neck.

23Then you will go on your way in safety,

and your foot will not stumble;

24when you lie down, you will not be afraid;

when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

25Have no fear of sudden disaster

or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,

26for the Lord will be your confidence

and will keep your foot from being snared.

27Do not withhold good from those who deserve it,

when it is in your power to act.

28Do not say to your neighbor,

“Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow”—

when you now have it with you.

29Do not plot harm against your neighbor,

who lives trustfully near you.

30Do not accuse a man for no reason—

when he has done you no harm.

31Do not envy a violent man

or choose any of his ways,

32for the Lord detests a perverse man

but takes the upright into his confidence.

33The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked,

but he blesses the home of the righteous.

34He mocks proud mockers

but gives grace to the humble.

35The wise inherit honor,

but fools he holds up to shame.