16. Better is the little that the [uncompromisingly] righteous have than the abundance [of possessions] of many who are wrong and wicked. [I Tim. 6:6, 7.]
17. For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the [consistently] righteous.
18. The Lord knows the days of the upright and blameless, and their heritage will abide forever.
19. They shall not be put to shame in the time of evil; and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied.
20. But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs [that is consumed in smoke] and as the glory of the pastures. They shall vanish; like smoke shall they consume away.
21. The wicked borrow and pay not again [for they may be unable], but the [uncompromisingly] righteous deal kindly and give [for they are able].
22. For such as are blessed of God shall [in the end] inherit the earth, but they that are cursed of Him shall be cut off. [Isa. 57:13c.]
23. The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step].
24. Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord grasps his hand in support and upholds him.
25. I have been young and now am old, yet have I not seen the [uncompromisingly] righteous forsaken or their seed begging bread.
26. All day long they are merciful and deal graciously; they lend, and their offspring are blessed.
27. Depart from evil and do good; and you will dwell forever [securely].
28. For the Lord delights in justice and forsakes not His saints; they are preserved forever, but the offspring of the wicked [in time] shall be cut off.
29. [Then] the [consistently] righteous shall inherit the land and dwell upon it forever.
30. The mouth of the [uncompromisingly] righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks with justice.
31. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
32. The wicked lie in wait for the [uncompromisingly] righteous and seek to put them to death.
33. The Lord will not leave them in their hands, or [suffer them to] condemn them when they are judged.