If you listen to me, you will know what is right, just, and fair. You will know what you should do.

I walk the way of righteousness; I follow the paths of justice,

The way to become wise is to honor the LORD; he gives sound judgment to all who obey his commands. He is to be praised forever.

How I hope that I shall be faithful in keeping your instructions!

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

Keep me obedient to your commandments, because in them I find happiness.

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

Remind me each morning of your constant love, for I put my trust in you. My prayers go up to you; show me the way I should go.

Don't be fools, then, but try to find out what the Lord wants you to do.

For this reason we have always prayed for you, ever since we heard about you. We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives.

Then you will be able to live as the Lord wants and will always do what pleases him. Your lives will produce all kinds of good deeds, and you will grow in your knowledge of God.

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.

Are there any of you who are wise and understanding? You are to prove it by your good life, by your good deeds performed with humility and wisdom.

Wicked people do not really gain anything, but if you do what is right, you are certain to be rewarded.

Jerusalem, look! Your enemies are coming down from the north! Where are the people entrusted to your care, your people you were so proud of ?

Then I will say to myself, Lucky man! You have all the good things you need for many years. Take life easy, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself !'

But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night you will have to give up your life; then who will get all these things you have kept for yourself ? ' "

So get rid of your old self, which made you live as you used to---the old self that was being destroyed by its deceitful desires.

and evil persons and impostors will keep on going from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived themselves.