Proverbs 3:18-35

She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is everyone who holds her tightly. The LORD by His wisdom has founded the earth; By His understanding He has established the heavens. [Col 1:16] By His knowledge the deeps were broken up And the clouds drip with dew. My son, let them not escape from your sight, But keep sound wisdom and discretion, And they will be life to your soul (your inner self) And a gracious adornment to your neck (your outer self). Then you will walk on your way [of life] securely And your foot will not stumble. [Ps 91:11, 12; Prov 10:9] When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden fear Nor of the storm of the wicked when it comes [since you will be blameless]; For the LORD will be your confidence, firm and strong, And will keep your foot from being caught [in a trap]. ¶Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due [its rightful recipients], When it is in your power to do it. [Rom 13:7; Gal 6:10] Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, And tomorrow I will give it,” When you have it with you. [Lev 19:13; Deut 24:15] Do not devise evil against your neighbor, Who lives securely beside you. Do not quarrel with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm. [Rom 12:18] Do not envy a man of violence And do not choose any of his ways. [Ps 37:1; 73:3; Prov 24:1] For the devious are repulsive to the LORD; But His private counsel is with the upright [those with spiritual integrity and moral courage]. [Ps 25:14] The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked, But He blesses the home of the just and righteous. [Ps 37:22; Zech 5:4; Mal 2:2] Though He scoffs at the scoffers and scorns the scorners, Yet He gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance]. [James 4:6; 1 Pet 5:5] The wise will inherit honor and glory, But dishonor and shame is conferred on fools. [Is 32:6]