16For evil people can’t sleep until they’ve done their evil deed for the day.

They can’t rest until they’ve caused someone to stumble.

17They eat the food of wickedness

and drink the wine of violence!

18The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn,

which shines ever brighter until the full light of day.

19But the way of the wicked is like total darkness.

They have no idea what they are stumbling over.

20My child, pay attention to what I say.

Listen carefully to my words.

21Don’t lose sight of them.

Let them penetrate deep into your heart,

22for they bring life to those who find them,

and healing to their whole body.

23Guard your heart above all else,

for it determines the course of your life.

24Avoid all perverse talk;

stay away from corrupt speech.

25Look straight ahead,

and fix your eyes on what lies before you.

26Mark out a straight path for your feet;

stay on the safe path.

27Don’t get sidetracked;

keep your feet from following evil.