Rise up, O God, and scatter your enemies. Let those who hate God run for their lives. Blow them away like smoke. Melt them like wax in a fire. Let the wicked perish in the presence of God. But let the godly rejoice. Let them be glad in God’s presence. Let them be filled with joy. Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the Lord — rejoice in his presence!
Father to the fatherless, defender of widows— this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.
Those who follow the right path fear the Lord; those who take the wrong path despise him.
A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe.
Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest.
An honest witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies.
A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding.
Stay away from fools, for you won’t find knowledge on their lips.
The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.
Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation.
Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can fully share its joy.
The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the godly will flourish.
There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.
Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains.
Backsliders get what they deserve; good people receive their reward.
Only simpletons believe everything they’re told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.
The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.
Short-tempered people do foolish things, and schemers are hated.
Simpletons are clothed with foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.
Evil people will bow before good people; the wicked will bow at the gates of the godly.
The poor are despised even by their neighbors, while the rich have many “friends.”
It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor.
If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness.
Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!
Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only foolishness.
A truthful witness saves lives, but a false witness is a traitor.
Those who fear the Lord are secure; he will be a refuge for their children.
Fear of the Lord is a life-giving fountain; it offers escape from the snares of death.
A growing population is a king’s glory; a prince without subjects has nothing.
People with understanding control their anger; a hot temper shows great foolishness.
A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.
Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him.
The wicked are crushed by disaster, but the godly have a refuge when they die.
Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.
Godliness makes a nation great, but sin is a disgrace to any people.
A king rejoices in wise servants but is angry with those who disgrace him.
Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem. And if it seems appropriate for me to go along, they can travel with me.
I am coming to visit you after I have been to Macedonia, for I am planning to travel through Macedonia. Perhaps I will stay awhile with you, possibly all winter, and then you can send me on my way to my next destination. This time I don’t want to make just a short visit and then go right on. I want to come and stay awhile, if the Lord will let me. In the meantime, I will be staying here at Ephesus until the Festival of Pentecost. There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.
When Timothy comes, don’t intimidate him. He is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am. Don’t let anyone treat him with contempt. Send him on his way with your blessing when he returns to me. I expect him to come with the other believers.