Wisdom from On-High

My son, do not forget my teaching,

But let your heart keep my commandments;

For length of days and years of life [worth living]

And tranquility and prosperity [the wholeness of life’s blessings] they will add to you.

Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; Bind them [securely] around your neck,

Write them on the tablet of your heart.

So find favor and high esteem

In the sight of God and man.

Trust in and rely confidently on the LORD with all your heart

And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him,

And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the LORD [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil.

It will be health to your body [your marrow, your nerves, your sinews, your muscles--all your inner parts]

And refreshment (physical well-being) to your bones. (Proverbs 3:1-8) Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to appreciate those who diligently work among you [recognize, acknowledge, and respect your leaders], who are in charge over you in the Lord and who give you instruction, and [we ask that you appreciate them and] hold them in the highest esteem in love because of their work [on your behalf]. Live in peace with one another. We [earnestly] urge you, believers, admonish those who are out of line [the undisciplined, the unruly, the disorderly], encourage the timid [who lack spiritual courage], help the [spiritually] weak, be very patient with everyone [always controlling your temper]. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always and delight in your faith; be unceasing and persistent in prayer; in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench [subdue, or be unresponsive to the working and guidance of] the [Holy] Spirit. Do not scorn or reject gifts of prophecy or prophecies [spoken revelations--words of instruction or exhortation or warning]. But test all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good. Abstain from every form of evil [withdraw and keep away from it]. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-22) This is what the LORD says,

Maintain justice and do righteousness,

For My salvation is soon to come,

And My righteousness and justice is soon to be revealed.

Blessed (happy, fortunate) is the man who does this,

And the son of man who takes hold of it,

Who keeps the Sabbath without profaning it,

And keeps his hand from doing any evil. This is what the LORD says,

To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths

And choose what pleases Me,

And hold firmly to My covenant,

To them I will give in My house and within My walls a memorial,

And a name better than that of sons and daughters;

I will give them an everlasting name which will not be cut of. Also the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD,

To minister to Him, and to love the name of the LORD,

To be His servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath without profaning it

And holds fast to My covenant [by conscientious obedience];

All these I will bring to My holy mountain

And make them joyful in My house of prayer.

Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on My altar;

For My house will be called a house of prayer for all the peoples. (Isaiah 55:1-2,4-7)