8 Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel:
9 And I was with thee whithersoever thou wentest, and have cut off all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made thee a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the earth.
10 Moreover I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own, and move no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as beforetime,
The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), 2 Samuel 7:8–10.
2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: But the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence.
3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: But he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), Proverbs 13:2–3.
1 The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him:
2 What should I say, my son? What, son of my womb? What, son of my vows?
3 Don’t spend your energy on women or your efforts on those who destroy kings.
4 It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire beer.
5 Otherwise, they will drink, forget what is decreed, and pervert justice for all the oppressed.
6 Give beer to one who is dying and wine to one whose life is bitter.
7 Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more.
8 Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed.
9 Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.
In Praise of a Capable Wife
10 Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good.
12 She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from far away.
15 She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her female servants.
16 She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings.
17 She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong.
18 She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night.
19 She extends her hands to the spinning staff, and her hands hold the spindle.
20 Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all in her household are doubly clothed.
22 She makes her own bed coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes and sells linen garments; she delivers belts to the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom and loving instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.
28 Her sons rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her:
29 “Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!”
30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.
31 Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2009), Proverbs 31:1–31.
1 On that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: We have a strong city. Salvation is established as walls and ramparts.
2 Open the gates so a righteous nation can come in — one that remains faithful.
3 You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You.
4 Trust in the LORD forever, because in Yah, the LORD, is an everlasting rock!
5 For He has humbled those who live in lofty places — an inaccessible city. He brings it down; He brings it down to the ground; He throws it to the dust.
6 Feet trample it, the feet of the humble, the steps of the poor.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2009), Isaiah 26:1–6.
11 Do not lack diligence; be fervent in spirit; serve the Lord.
The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2009), Romans 12:11.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
The Holy Bible: King James Version, Electronic Edition of the 1900 Authorized Version. (Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 2009), 1 Corinthians 13:11–13.