So give me the wisdom I need to rule your people with justice and to know the difference between good and evil. Otherwise, how would I ever be able to rule this great people of yours?"

Explain your law to me, and I will obey it; I will keep it with all my heart.

You created me, and you keep me safe; give me understanding, so that I may learn your laws.

Listen to what is wise and try to understand it.

Look for it as hard as you would for silver or some hidden treasure.

It is the LORD who gives wisdom; from him come knowledge and understanding.

Happy is anyone who becomes wise---who comes to have understanding.

Wisdom is more valuable than jewels; nothing you could want can compare with it.

Wisdom can make your life pleasant and lead you safely through it.

Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do. Whatever else you get, get insight.

But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all.

and can command them in battle, so that your community will not be like sheep without a shepherd."

and said, "I am now a hundred and twenty years old and am no longer able to be your leader. And besides this, the LORD has told me that I will not cross the Jordan.

In the past, even when Saul was still our king, you led the people of Israel in battle, and the LORD promised you that you would lead his people and be their ruler."

For those who are being lost, it is a deadly stench that kills; but for those who are being saved, it is a fragrance that brings life. Who, then, is capable for such a task?

There is nothing in us that allows us to claim that we are capable of doing this work. The capacity we have comes from God;