²¹ Have two goals: wisdom—that is, knowing and doing right—and common sense. Don’t let them slip away, ²² for they fill you with living energy and bring you honor and respect.^{[a] 23} They keep you safe from defeat and disaster and from stumbling off the trail. ^24-26 With them on guard you can sleep without fear; you need not be afraid of disaster or the plots of wicked men, for the Lord is with you; he protects you.

⁶ The good man’s goodness delivers him; the evil man’s treachery is his undoing.

⁸ God rescues good men from danger while letting the wicked fall into it.

¹⁵ Be sure you know a person well before you vouch for his credit! Better refuse than suffer later.

⁶ The wicked accuse; the godly defend.

⁷ The wicked shall perish; the godly shall stand.

¹³ Lies will get any man into trouble, but honesty is its own defense.

²¹ No real harm befalls the good, but there is constant trouble for the wicked.

³ Self-control means controlling the tongue! A quick retort can ruin everything.

¹⁴ The advice of a wise man refreshes like water from a mountain spring. Those accepting it become aware of the pitfalls on ahead.

²⁴ The road of the godly leads upward, leaving hell behind.