Listen, my people, to my teaching, and pay attention to what I say.

things we have heard and known, things that our ancestors told us.

He gave laws to the people of Israel and commandments to the descendants of Jacob. He instructed our ancestors to teach his laws to their children,

In this way they also will put their trust in God and not forget what he has done, but always obey his commandments.

The law that you gave means more to me than all the money in the world.

I have learned that everything has limits; but your commandment is perfect.

Your commandment is with me all the time and makes me wiser than my enemies.

I have greater wisdom than those who are old, because I obey your commands.

He gives his message to his people, his instructions and laws to Israel.

He has not done this for other nations; they do not know his laws. Praise the LORD!

Never forget these commands that I am giving you today.

Tie them on your arms and wear them on your foreheads as a reminder.

When he becomes king, he is to have a copy of the book of God's laws and teachings made from the original copy kept by the levitical priests.

This will keep him from thinking that he is better than other Israelites and from disobeying the LORD's commands in any way. Then he will reign for many years, and his descendants will rule Israel for many generations.

Be sure that the book of the Law is always read in your worship. Study it day and night, and make sure that you obey everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

I always do what God commands; I follow his will, not my own desires.

Much, indeed, in every way! In the first place, God trusted his message to the Jews.

Everything written in the Scriptures was written to teach us, in order that we might have hope through the patience and encouragement which the Scriptures give us.

This God---how perfect are his deeds! How dependable his words! He is like a shield for all who seek his protection.

In all he does he is faithful and just; all his commands are dependable.

"The LORD is your mighty defender, perfect and just in all his ways; Your God is faithful and true; he does what is right and fair.

Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God---what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.

Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning.

He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths, as he has promised.

How can young people keep their lives pure? By obeying your commands.

So get rid of every filthy habit and all wicked conduct. Submit to God and accept the word that he plants in your hearts, which is able to save you.

If you listen to the word, but do not put it into practice you are like people who look in a mirror and see themselves as they are.

But if you look closely into the perfect law that sets people free, and keep on paying attention to it and do not simply listen and then forget it, but put it into practice---you will be blessed by God in what you do.

Your laws are eternal, LORD, and your Temple is holy indeed, forever and ever.

I delight in following your commands more than in having great wealth.

Your instructions give me pleasure; they are my advisers.

Your commandments are my eternal possession; they are the joy of my heart.

Long ago I learned about your instructions; you made them to last forever.

You, my disciples, are to guard and preserve the messages that God has given me.

You are to answer them, "Listen to what the LORD is teaching you! Don't listen to mediums---what they tell you cannot keep trouble away."

He tells what he has seen and heard, yet no one accepts his message.

But whoever accepts his message confirms by this that God is truthful.

You study the Scriptures, because you think that in them you will find eternal life. And these very Scriptures speak about me!

All the prophets spoke about him, saying that all who believe in him will have their sins forgiven through the power of his name."

Do not be ashamed, then, of witnessing for our Lord; neither be ashamed of me, a prisoner for Christ's sake. Instead, take your part in suffering for the Good News, as God gives you the strength for it.

We believe human testimony; but God's testimony is much stronger, and he has given this testimony about his Son.

The testimony is this: God has given us eternal life, and this life has its source in his Son.

I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, "Don't do it! I am a servant together with you and with other believers, all those who hold to the truth that Jesus revealed. Worship God!" For the truth that Jesus revealed is what inspires the prophets.

In all he does he is faithful and just; all his commands are dependable.

And that is how God will bless my descendants, because he has made an eternal covenant with me, an agreement that will not be broken, a promise that will not be changed. That is all I desire; that will be my victory, and God will surely bring it about.

But the solid foundation that God has laid cannot be shaken; and on it are written these words: "The Lord knows those who are his" and "Those who say that they belong to the Lord must turn away from wrongdoing."

There are these two things, then, that cannot change and about which God cannot lie. So we who have found safety with him are greatly encouraged to hold firmly to the hope placed before us.

We have this hope as an anchor for our lives. It is safe and sure, and goes through the curtain of the heavenly temple into the inner sanctuary.

The explanation of your teachings gives light and brings wisdom to the ignorant.

They can make an inexperienced person clever and teach young people how to be resourceful.

"Foolish people! How long do you want to be foolish? How long will you enjoy making fun of knowledge? Will you never learn?

Listen when I reprimand you; I will give you good advice and share my knowledge with you.

Christ's message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to God with thanksgiving in your hearts.

and you remember that ever since you were a child, you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed.