He will rescue the poor when they cry to him; he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and the needy, and he will rescue them. He will redeem them from oppression and violence, for their lives are precious to him.
Long live the king! May the gold of Sheba be given to him. May the people always pray for him and bless him all day long. May there be abundant grain throughout the land, flourishing even on the hilltops. May the fruit trees flourish like the trees of Lebanon, and may the people thrive like grass in a field. May the king's name endure forever; may it continue as long as the sun shines. May all nations be blessed through him and bring him praise.
Praise the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone does such wonderful things. Praise his glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and amen!
(This ends the prayers of David son of Jesse.)
The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.
When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.
A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.
To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them.
Evil people don't understand justice, but those who follow the Lord understand completely.
Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich.
Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.
Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.
God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law.
Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things.
Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.
When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.
People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.
Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.
A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.
A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life.
A murderer's tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don't protect him!
The blameless will be rescued from harm, but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.
A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.
The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.
Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.
Greedy people try to get rich quick but don't realize they're headed for poverty.
In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.
Anyone who steals from his father and mother and says, "What's wrong with that?" is no better than a murderer.
Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.
Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.
Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.
When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.
We are also sending with them another of our brothers who has proven himself many times and has shown on many occasions how eager he is. He is now even more enthusiastic because of his great confidence in you. If anyone asks about Titus, say that he is my partner who works with me to help you. And the brothers with him have been sent by the churches, and they bring honor to Christ. So show them your love, and prove to all the churches that our boasting about you is justified.
I really don't need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem. For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving.
But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don't want to be wrong in my boasting about you. We would be embarrassed - not to mention your own embarrassment - if some Macedonian believers came with me and found that you weren't ready after all I had told them! So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.
Remember this - a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully." And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say,
"They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever."