Revised Standard Version RSV
New International Version NIV
21 My son, keep sound wisdom and discretion; let them not escape from your sight,
21
My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion;
22 and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck.
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they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.
23 Then you will walk on your way securely and your foot will not stumble.
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Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble.
24 If you sit down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
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When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden panic, or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes;
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Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked,
26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.
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for the LORD will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
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Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it" --when you have it with you.
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Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you.
29 Do not plan evil against your neighbor who dwells trustingly beside you.
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Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you.
30 Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm.
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Do not accuse anyone for no reason— when they have done you no harm.
31 Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways;
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Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.
32 for the perverse man is an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in his confidence.
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For the LORD detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence.
33 The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the abode of the righteous.
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The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he shows favor.
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He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
35 The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.
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The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.