Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don't have troubles like other people; they're not plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth. And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words. "What does God know?" they ask. "Does the Most High even know what's happening?" Look at these wicked people - enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.
Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.
When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.
The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted.
A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it.
To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet.
Evil people are trapped by sin, but the righteous escape, shouting for joy.
The godly care about the rights of the poor; the wicked don't care at all.
Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but the wise will calm anger.
If a wise person takes a fool to court, there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.
The bloodthirsty hate blameless people, but the upright seek to help them.
Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.
If a ruler pays attention to liars, all his advisers will be wicked.
The poor and the oppressor have this in common - the Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.
If a king judges the poor fairly, his throne will last forever.
To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.
When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes, but the godly will live to see their downfall.
Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.
When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.
Words alone will not discipline a servant; the words may be understood, but they are not heeded.
There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.
A servant pampered from childhood will become a rebel.
An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin.
Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.
If you assist a thief, you only hurt yourself. You are sworn to tell the truth, but you dare not testify.
Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.
Many seek the ruler's favor, but justice comes from the Lord.
The righteous despise the unjust; the wicked despise the godly.
For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.
Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving - the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.
As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!
Now I, Paul, appeal to you with the gentleness and kindness of Christ - though I realize you think I am timid in person and bold only when I write from far away. Well, I am begging you now so that when I come I won't have to be bold with those who think we act from human motives.
We are human, but we don't wage war as humans do. We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient.