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!
Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting—and conflict.
A wise servant will rule over the master’s disgraceful son and will share the inheritance of the master’s children.
Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but the Lord tests the heart.
Wrongdoers eagerly listen to gossip; liars pay close attention to slander.
Those who mock the poor insult their Maker; those who rejoice at the misfortune of others will be punished.
Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.
Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler.
A bribe is like a lucky charm; whoever gives one will prosper!
Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.
A single rebuke does more for a person of understanding than a hundred lashes on the back of a fool.
Evil people are eager for rebellion, but they will be severely punished.
It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than to confront a fool caught in foolishness.
If you repay good with evil, evil will never leave your house.
Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.
Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent— both are detestable to the Lord.
It is senseless to pay to educate a fool, since he has no heart for learning.
A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.
It’s poor judgment to guarantee another person’s debt or put up security for a friend.
Anyone who loves to quarrel loves sin; anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster.
The crooked heart will not prosper; the lying tongue tumbles into trouble.
It is painful to be the parent of a fool; there is no joy for the father of a rebel.
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.
The wicked take secret bribes to pervert the course of justice.
Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
Foolish children bring grief to their father and bitterness to the one who gave them birth.
It is wrong to punish the godly for being good or to flog leaders for being honest.
A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.
Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent.
We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward you. Our letters have been straightforward, and there is nothing written between the lines and nothing you can’t understand. I hope someday you will fully understand us, even if you don’t understand us now. Then on the day when the Lord Jesus returns, you will be proud of us in the same way we are proud of you.
Since I was so sure of your understanding and trust, I wanted to give you a double blessing by visiting you twice— first on my way to Macedonia and again when I returned from Macedonia. Then you could send me on my way to Judea.
You may be asking why I changed my plan. Do you think I make my plans carelessly? Do you think I am like people of the world who say “Yes” when they really mean “No”? As surely as God is faithful, our word to you does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” He is the one whom Silas, Timothy, and I preached to you, and as God’s ultimate “Yes,” he always does what he says. For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory.
It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us, and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.