Built on Righteousness and Truth

Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, take pleasure in Him]; again I will say, rejoice! (Philippians 4:4)

But let all who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice, Let them ever sing for joy; Because You cover and shelter them, Let those who love Your name be joyful and exult in You.

For You, O LORD, bless the righteous man [the one who is in right standing with You]; You surround him with favor as with a shield. (Psalm 5:11-12) For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD bestows grace and favor and honor; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11)

You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures. (Psalm 16:11)

Surely the righteous will give thanks to Your name; The upright will dwell in Your presence. (Psalm 140:13) Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven [standing firm and unchangeable].

Your faithfulness continues from generation to generation; You have established the earth, and it stands [securely]. (Psalm 119:89-90) The words and promises of the LORD are pure words, Like silver refined in an earthen furnace, purified seven times. You, O LORD, will preserve and keep them,

You, LORD, will protect them; you will continually shelter each one from people. (Psalm 12:6-7) Every word of God is tested and refined [like silver]; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him. (Psalm 30:5) There is nothing but truth in your word,

Your every word is enduring; all your righteous judgments are forever. (Psalm 119:160) Everyone who comes to Me and listens to My words and obeys them, I will show you whom he is like

he is like a [far-sighted, practical, and sensible] man building a house, who dug deep and laid a foundation on the rock; and when a flood occurred, the torrent burst against that house and yet could not shake it, because it had been securely built and founded on the rock. (Luke 6:48)

Righteousness and justice are the foundations of your throne. Love and faithfulness are shown in all you do; gracious love and truth meet before you. (Psalm 89:14)

He has made it clear to you, what is good and what the LORD is requiring from you— to act with justice, to treasure the LORD's gracious love. He wants you to promote justice, to be faithful, and to live obediently before your God; live humbly with your God; and to live in humble fellowship with our God. (Micah 6:8)

Finally, all of you be like-minded [united in spirit], sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted [courteous and compassionate toward each other as members of one household], and humble in spirit;

and never return evil for evil or insult for insult [avoid scolding, berating, and any kind of abuse], but on the contrary, give a blessing [pray for one another’s well-being, contentment, and protection]; for you have been called for this very purpose, that you might inherit a blessing [from God that brings well-being, happiness, and protection]. (1 Peter 3:8-9) Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous [those in right standing with You]; For the righteous God tries the hearts and minds.

My shield and my defense depend on God, Who saves the upright in heart. (Psalm 7:9-10)

For, lo, the wicked bend their bow; they make ready their arrow upon the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart.

For the LORD is righteous, and he loves righteousness; his countenance beholds the upright. (Psalm 11:2,7)

For the LORD delights in justice And does not abandon His saints (faithful ones); They are preserved forever. (Psalm 37:28) The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable and offensive [to the LORD]. How much more [unacceptable and insulting can it be] when he brings it with evil intention? (Proverbs 21:27) The sacrifice of the wicked is hateful and exceedingly offensive to the LORD, But the prayer of the upright is His delight!

The way [of life] of the wicked is hateful and exceedingly offensive to the LORD, But He loves one who pursues righteousness [personal integrity, moral courage and honorable character]. The LORD is far from the wicked [and distances Himself from them],

But He hears the prayer of the [consistently] righteous [that is, those with spiritual integrity and moral courage]. (Proverbs 15:8-9,29) The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) is able to accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]. (James 5:16)