Your competence and discretion,
Let them not depart from your eyes;
Or turn into a transgression,
Through stealing or cheating or lies.
Lose not sight for they will be life,
As an adornment for your neck;
That will help avoiding the strife,
And that you must constantly check.
Then you go safely on your way,
And your foot will never stumble;
Keeping you from going astray,
As you can remain so humble.
When you lie down you will not fear,
Just lie down for a pleasant sleep;
Knowing that the Lord will be near,
Like a shepherd in watching keep.
Fear not of a sudden danger,
Or the ruin if evil hails;
The Lord will detain the stranger,
So that his dastardly deed fails.
For the Lord is your confidence,
And will keep your foot from the snare;
As the front line of your defense,
When evil doers try to dare.
For when it is in your power,
Hold not good from where it belongs;
You know not the day or hour,
When judgment comes for all your wrongs.
Say to no one to go away,
And in coming back tomorrow;
Give back to what is theirs today,
So that you do not cause sorrow.
Plan no ill against your neighbor,
He is trusting living near you;
Offer to help in his labor,
Lovingly and always being true.
Accuse no one without due cause,
When he having done you no harm;
Envy no one else for what was,
Choose to lust someone for their charm.
Copyright © 2018 Richard Newton Sherrer
