But when they were sick, I dressed in mourning; I deprived myself of food; I prayed with my head bowed low,

as I would pray for a friend or a brother. I went around bent over in mourning, as one who mourns for his mother.

If you will not listen, I will cry in secret because of your pride; I will cry bitterly, and my tears will flow because the LORD's people have been taken away as captives.

Is evil the payment for good? Yet they have dug a pit for me to fall in. Remember how I came to you and spoke on their behalf, so that you would not deal with them in anger.

He came closer to the city, and when he saw it, he wept over it,

Jesus wept.

Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep.

I have never refused to help the poor; never have I let widows live in despair

All my life I have taken care of them.

I would give him clothing made of wool that had come from my own flock of sheep. Then he would praise me with all his heart.

Help us, LORD! There is not a good person left; honest people can no longer be found.

If you want to be happy, be kind to the poor; it is a sin to despise anyone.

If you oppress poor people, you insult the God who made them; but kindness shown to the poor is an act of worship.

If you make fun of poor people, you insult the God who made them. You will be punished if you take pleasure in someone's misfortune.

When you give to the poor, it is like lending to the LORD, and the LORD will pay you back.

If you get rich by charging interest and taking advantage of people, your wealth will go to someone who is kind to the poor.

Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives.

"Then my favor will shine on you like the morning sun, and your wounds will be quickly healed. I will always be with you to save you; my presence will protect you on every side.

So then, Your Majesty, follow my advice. Stop sinning, do what is right, and be merciful to the poor. Then you will continue to be prosperous."

As the scripture says, "He gives generously to the needy; his kindness lasts forever."