and I was overcome with anxiety. The more I thought, the more troubled I became; I could not keep from asking:

May he be pleased with my song, for my gladness comes from him.

Perfume and fragrant oils make you feel happier, but trouble shatters your peace of mind.

People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron.

The Sovereign LORD has taught me what to say, so that I can strengthen the weary. Every morning he makes me eager to hear what he is going to teach me.

You spoke to me, and I listened to every word. I belong to you, LORD God Almighty, and so your words filled my heart with joy and happiness.

But when I say, "I will forget the LORD and no longer speak in his name," then your message is like a fire burning deep within me. I try my best to hold it in, but can no longer keep it back.

My message is like a fire and like a hammer that breaks rocks in pieces.

What gives life is God's Spirit; human power is of no use at all. The words I have spoken to you bring God's life-giving Spirit.

The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart.

Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,

According to his usual habit Paul went to the synagogue. There during three Sabbaths he held discussions with the people, quoting

and explaining the Scriptures, and proving from them that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from death. "This Jesus whom I announce to you," Paul said, "is the Messiah."

So they set a date with Paul, and a large number of them came that day to the place where Paul was staying. From morning till night he explained to them his message about the Kingdom of God, and he tried to convince them about Jesus by quoting from the Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets.