Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck. Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can’t find a foothold. I am in deep water, and the floods overwhelm me. I am exhausted from crying for help; my throat is parched. My eyes are swollen with weeping, waiting for my God to help me. Those who hate me without cause outnumber the hairs on my head. Many enemies try to destroy me with lies, demanding that I give back what I didn’t steal.
O God, you know how foolish I am; my sins cannot be hidden from you. Don’t let those who trust in you be ashamed because of me, O Sovereign Lord of Heaven’s Armies. Don’t let me cause them to be humiliated, O God of Israel. For I endure insults for your sake; humiliation is written all over my face. Even my own brothers pretend they don’t know me; they treat me like a stranger.
Passion for your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. When I weep and fast, they scoff at me. When I dress in burlap to show sorrow, they make fun of me. I am the favorite topic of town gossip, and all the drunks sing about me.
Unfriendly people care only about themselves; they lash out at common sense.
Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions.
Doing wrong leads to disgrace, and scandalous behavior brings contempt.
Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
It is not right to acquit the guilty or deny justice to the innocent.
Fools’ words get them into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating.
The mouths of fools are their ruin; they trap themselves with their lips.
Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.
A lazy person is as bad as someone who destroys things.
The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.
The rich think of their wealth as a strong defense; they imagine it to be a high wall of safety.
Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.
Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.
The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit?
Intelligent people are always ready to learn. Their ears are open for knowledge.
Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people!
The first to speak in court sounds right— until the cross-examination begins.
Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents.
An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.
Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction.
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.
The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.
The poor plead for mercy; the rich answer with insults.
There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.
Now I call upon God as my witness that I am telling the truth. The reason I didn’t return to Corinth was to spare you from a severe rebuke. But that does not mean we want to dominate you by telling you how to put your faith into practice. We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm.
So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit. For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Certainly not someone I have grieved. That is why I wrote to you as I did, so that when I do come, I won’t be grieved by the very ones who ought to give me the greatest joy. Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful. I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you.
I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him.
I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.
When I came to the city of Troas to preach the Good News of Christ, the Lord opened a door of opportunity for me. But I had no peace of mind because my dear brother Titus hadn’t yet arrived with a report from you. So I said good-bye and went on to Macedonia to find him.