¹⁷ “Indeed, how blessed is the person whom God reproves!
    So never disrespect the discipline of the Almighty,
¹⁸ because though he wounds, but then applies bandages;
    though he strikes, his hands still heal.

¹⁹ “He will deliver you through six calamities;
    and calamity won’t touch you throughout the seventh.
²⁰ He will deliver you from death by famine;
    in war from the power^[a] of the sword.
²¹ You’ll be protected from the accusing^[b] tongue;
    you need not fear destruction when it heads your way.
²² You’ll laugh at destruction and famine;
    and you need not fear the beasts of the earth.
²³ For you’ll have a pact^[c] with the stones in the field;
    and the beasts of the field will be at peace with you.
²⁴ You’ll know that your home^[d] is secure;
    when you search your possessions, and nothing will be missing.
²⁵ You’ll know that you’ll have many children;
    and that your offspring will be like the grass of the earth.
²⁶ You’ll go to your grave at a ripe old age;
    like a stack of grain that’s harvested at just the right time.

²⁷ “Look! We have thought all this through,
    and what we’ve said is true;^[e]
        So please listen and learn for your own good!”