O God, when you led your people out from Egypt, when you marched through the dry wasteland, Interlude the earth trembled, and the heavens poured down rain before you, the God of Sinai, before God, the God of Israel. You sent abundant rain, O God, to refresh the weary land. There your people finally settled, and with a bountiful harvest, O God, you provided for your needy people.
The Lord gives the word, and a great army brings the good news. Enemy kings and their armies flee, while the women of Israel divide the plunder. Even those who lived among the sheepfolds found treasures— doves with wings of silver and feathers of gold. The Almighty scattered the enemy kings like a blowing snowstorm on Mount Zalmon.
The mountains of Bashan are majestic, with many peaks stretching high into the sky. Why do you look with envy, O rugged mountains, at Mount Zion, where God has chosen to live, where the Lord himself will live forever?
Surrounded by unnumbered thousands of chariots, the Lord came from Mount Sinai into his sanctuary. When you ascended to the heights, you led a crowd of captives. You received gifts from the people, even from those who rebelled against you. Now the Lord God will live among us there.
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.
The Lord is watching everywhere, keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.
Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise.
There is treasure in the house of the godly, but the earnings of the wicked bring trouble.
The lips of the wise give good advice; the heart of a fool has none to give.
The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but he delights in the prayers of the upright.
The Lord detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue godliness.
Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die.
Even Death and Destruction hold no secrets from the Lord. How much more does he know the human heart!
Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise.
A glad heart makes a happy face; a broken heart crushes the spirit.
A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash.
For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.
Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.
A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.
A hot-tempered person starts fights; a cool-tempered person stops them.
A lazy person’s way is blocked with briers, but the path of the upright is an open highway.
Sensible children bring joy to their father; foolish children despise their mother.
Foolishness brings joy to those with no sense; a sensible person stays on the right path.
Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.
Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!
The path of life leads upward for the wise; they leave the grave behind.
The Lord tears down the house of the proud, but he protects the property of widows.
The Lord detests evil plans, but he delights in pure words.
Greed brings grief to the whole family, but those who hate bribes will live.
The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words.
The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayers of the righteous.
A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.
If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.
If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.
Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
Now about our brother Apollos—I urged him to visit you with the other believers, but he was not willing to go right now. He will see you later when he has the opportunity.
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.
You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion. I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren’t here to give me. They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.
The churches here in the province of Asia send greetings in the Lord, as do Aquila and Priscilla and all the others who gather in their home for church meetings. All the brothers and sisters here send greetings to you. Greet each other with a sacred kiss.
HERE IS MY GREETING IN MY OWN HANDWRITING—PAUL.
If anyone does not love the Lord, that person is cursed. Our Lord, come!
May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you.
My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.