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.