19
Happy is the person who is protected from the tongue, who hasn't endured its anger, who hasn't pulled its yoke or been bound by its shackles.
20
Its yoke is made of iron, and its shackles are made of bronze.
21
The death it inflicts is a wicked death, and the grave is preferable to it.
22
It will never conquer the godly, and they won't be burned by its flame.
23
Those who abandon the Lord will fall to it; it will burn within them, and it will never go out. It will be sent against them like a lion, and like a leopard it will mangle them.
24
aWatch out! Fence in your property with thorns, b Lock up your silver and gold;
25
band make a door and a bolt for your mouth. amake a balance and a weight for your words.
26
Pay attention, and don't slip by your tongue; don't fall in front of those who are just waiting to attack you.