The [intrinsically] good man produces what is good and honorable and moral out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart; and the [intrinsically] evil man produces what is wicked and depraved out of the evil [in his heart]; for his mouth speaks from the overflow of his heart. (Luke 6:45) And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes [before God] on behalf of God’s people in accordance with God’s will. (Romans 8:27) God ha

First of all, then, I urge that petitions (specific requests), prayers, intercessions (prayers for others) and thanksgivings be offered on behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in [positions of] high authority, so that we may live a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This [kind of praying] is good and acceptable and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge and recognition of the [divi

Let us come before His presence with a song of thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with songs. O come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker [in reverent praise and prayer]. (Psalm 95:2,6) It is a good and delightful thing to give thanks to the LORD, To sing praises to Your name, O Most High. (Psalm 92:1) Let the [spoken] word of Christ have its home within you [dwelling in your heart and mind—permeating every aspect of your being] as you

For we remember before our God and Father how you put your faith into practice, how your love made you work so hard, and how your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ is firm. (1 Thessalonians 1:3) Let your roots grow down into him, Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger; being strengthened and established in your faith, as you were taught. And be filled with thanksgiving. (Colossians 2:7) Then Christ will live in you through faith. I also pray tha

Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, and favored by God] is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked [following their advice and example], Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit [down to rest] in the seat of scoffers (ridiculers). But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And on His law [His precepts and teachings] he [habitually] meditates day and night. And he will be like a tree firmly planted [and fed] by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season

Who is the man who desires life And loves many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil And your lips from speaking deceit. Turn away from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:12-14) If anyone thinks himself to be religious [scrupulously observant of the rituals of his faith], and does not control his tongue but deludes his own heart, this person’s religion is worthless (futile, barren). (James 1:26) Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impu

The [reverent] fear of the LORD is the beginning (the prerequisite, the absolute essential, the alphabet) of wisdom; A good understanding and a teachable heart are possessed by all those who do the will of the LORD; His praise endures forever. (Psalm 111:10) The wise will hear and increase their learning, And the person of understanding will acquire wise counsel and the skill [to steer his course wisely and lead others to the truth], To understand a proverb and a figure [of s

In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself. He was [continually existing] in the beginning [co-eternally] with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. In Him was life [and the power to bestow life], and the life was the Light of men. (John 1:1-4) Because no word shall be impossible with God. (Luke 1:37) For whateve

For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service]. Love is to be sincere and active [the real thing--without guile and hypocrisy]. Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness]; hold on tightly to what is good. Be dev

We can't allow ourselves to get tired of living the right way. Certainly, each of us will receive [everlasting life] at the proper time, if we don't give up. (Galatians 6:9) Just consider and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:3) And as for [the rest of] you, believers, do not grow tired or lose heart in doing good [but cont

I wait [patiently] for the LORD, my soul [expectantly] waits, And in His word do I hope. My soul waits for the Lord More than the watchmen for the morning; More than the watchmen for the morning. O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is lovingkindness, And with Him is abundant redemption. (Psalm 130:5-6) For the creation was subjected to frustration and futility, not willingly [because of some intentional fault on its part], but by the will of Him who subjected

For we [not relying on the Law but] through the [strength and power of the Holy] Spirit, by faith, are waiting [confidently] for the hope of righteousness [the completion of our salvation]. For [if we are] in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but only faith activated and expressed and working through love. (Galatians 5:5-6) Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is keeping the commandments of God. Each one s

But you, beloved, build yourselves up on [the foundation of] your most holy faith [continually progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], pray in the Holy Spirit, and keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously and looking forward to the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ [which will bring you] to eternal life. (Jude 1:20-21) We have come to know [by personal observation and experience], and have believed [with deep, consistent faith] the love which God has for

Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and [for which] you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12) Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will neve

The sower sows the word [of God, the good news regarding the way of salvation]. These [in the first group] are the ones along the road where the word is sown; but when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word which has been sown in them. In a similar way these [in the second group] are the ones on whom seed was sown on rocky ground, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy [but accept it only superficially]; and they have no real root in

Keep and follow the pattern of sound teaching (doctrine) which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Guard [with greatest care] and keep unchanged, the treasure [that precious truth] which has been entrusted to you [that is, the good news about salvation through personal faith in Christ Jesus], through [the help of] the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. (2 Timothy 1:13-14) So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold [tightly] to the tradi

Turn away from evil and do good; Seek peace and pursue it. (Psalm 34:14) How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver. The highway of the upright turns away and departs from evil; He who guards his way protects his life (soul). (Proverbs 16:16-17) A highway will be there, and a roadway; And it will be called the Holy Way. The unclean will not travel on it, But it will be for those who walk on the way [the redeemed]; And

Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous ones; Praise is becoming and appropriate for those who are upright [in heart--those with moral integrity and godly character]. Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre; Sing praises to Him with the harp of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully [on the strings] with a loud and joyful sound. For the word of the LORD is right; And all His work is done in faithfulness. (Psalm 33:1-4) I have not spoken in secret, In a corner of a land

The wise woman builds her house [on a foundation of godly precepts, and her household thrives], But the foolish one [who lacks spiritual insight] tears it down with her own hands [by ignoring godly principles]. He who walks in uprightness [reverently] fears the LORD [and obeys and worships Him with profound respect], But he who is devious in his ways despises Him. (Proverbs 14:1-2) According to the [remarkable] grace of God which was given to me [to prepare me for my task], l

Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You [for forgiveness] in a time when You [are near and] may be found; Surely when the great waters [of trial and distressing times] overflow they will not reach [the spirit in] him. (Psalm 32:6) Seek the LORD [search diligently for Him and regard Him as the foremost necessity of your life], All you humble of the land Who have practiced His ordinances and have kept His commandments; Seek righteousness, seek humility [regard them as