I own cattle, donkeys, sheep, goats, and slaves. I am sending you word, sir, in the hope of gaining your favor."

you must answer, 'They belong to your servant Jacob. He sends them as a present to his master Esau. Jacob himself is right behind us.' "

If you had done the right thing, you would be smiling; but because you have done evil, sin is crouching at your door. It wants to rule you, but you must overcome it."

"Listen to us, sir. We look upon you as a mighty leader; bury your wife in the best grave that we have. Any of us would be glad to give you a grave, so that you can bury her."

May nations be your servants, and may peoples bow down before you. May you rule over all your relatives, and may your mother's descendants bow down before you. May those who curse you be cursed, and may those who bless you be blessed."

Isaac answered, "I have already made him master over you, and I have made all his relatives his slaves. I have given him grain and wine. Now there is nothing that I can do for you, son!"

Esau asked, "What about that other group I met? What did that mean?" Jacob answered, "It was to gain your favor."

Aaron answered, "Don't be angry with me; you know how determined these people are to do evil.

Saul recognized David's voice and asked, "David, is that you, my son?" "Yes, Your Majesty," David answered.

Well then, my child, you are in that person's power, but this is how to get out of it: hurry to him, and beg him to release you.

A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.

For those who make themselves great will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be made great."

Sarah was like that; she obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are now her daughters if you do good and are not afraid of anything.

So they wrapped sackcloth around their waists and ropes around their necks, went to Ahab and said, "Your servant Benhadad pleads with you for his life." Ahab answered, "Is he still alive? Good! He's like a brother to me!"

If your ruler becomes angry with you, do not hand in your resignation; serious wrongs may be pardoned if you keep calm.