Summon your might, O God. Display your power, O God, as you have in the past. The kings of the earth are bringing tribute to your Temple in Jerusalem. Rebuke these enemy nations - these wild animals lurking in the reeds, this herd of bulls among the weaker calves. Make them bring bars of silver in humble tribute. Scatter the nations that delight in war. Let Egypt come with gifts of precious metals; let Ethiopia bring tribute to God. Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth. Sing praises to the Lord. Interlude Sing to the one who rides across the ancient heavens, his mighty voice thundering from the sky. Tell everyone about God's power. His majesty shines down on Israel; his strength is mighty in the heavens. God is awesome in his sanctuary. The God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.
Praise be to God!
Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.
Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.
Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.
Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.
Fools' words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.
The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.
Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one's heart.
A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.
The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.
The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.
Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.
Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.
The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?
Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.
Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!
The first to speak in court sounds right - until the cross-examination begins.
Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.
An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.
Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.
The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults.
There are"friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
Now I call upon God as my witness that I am telling the truth. The reason I didn't return to Corinth was to spare you from a severe rebuke. But that does not mean we want to dominate you by telling you how to put your faith into practice. We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm.
So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit. For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Certainly not someone I have grieved. That is why I wrote to you as I did, so that when I do come, I won't be grieved by the very ones who ought to give me the greatest joy. Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful. I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn't want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you.
I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him.
I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ's authority for your benefit, so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.
When I came to the city of Troas to preach the Good News of Christ, the Lord opened a door of opportunity for me. But I had no peace of mind because my dear brother Titus hadn't yet arrived with a report from you. So I said good-bye and went on to Macedonia to find him.