⁵ Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked: Whoever guards his soul stays from them.

¹⁹ The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, But the path of the upright is a highway.

¹⁸ We know that whoever is born of God doesn't sin, but he who was born of God keeps himself, and the evil one doesn't touch him.

²⁰ But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.

²¹ Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life.

¹⁶ He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, But he who is contemptuous in his ways shall die.

¹⁷ The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul.

¹⁵ Good understanding wins favor; But the way of the unfaithful is hard.

³ He who guards his mouth guards his soul. One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

¹ He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

²⁶ With the pure, you will show yourself pure. With the crooked you will show yourself shrewd.

²⁷ For you will save the afflicted people, But the haughty eyes you will bring down.

⁶ On the wicked he will rain blazing coals; Fire, sulfur, and scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.

⁸ For he is cast into a net by his own feet, And he wanders into its mesh.

¹³ know for a certainty that Yahweh your God will no more drive these nations from out of your sight; but they shall be a snare and a trap to you, and a scourge in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good land which Yahweh your God has given you.