Joab said to Amasa, "How are you, my friend?" and took hold of his beard with his right hand in order to kiss him.

Amasa was not on guard against the sword that Joab was holding in his other hand, and Joab stabbed him in the belly, and his insides spilled out on the ground. He died immediately, and Joab did not have to strike again. Then Joab and his brother Abishai went on after Sheba.

His words were smoother than cream, but there was hatred in his heart; his words were as soothing as oil, but they cut like sharp swords.

They may sound fine, but don't believe him, because his heart is filled to the brim with hate.

So my people crowd in to hear what you have to say, but they don't do what you tell them to do. Loving words are on their lips, but they continue their greedy ways.

Judas went straight to Jesus and said, "Peace be with you, Teacher," and kissed him.

He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. He carried the money bag and would help himself from it.

By our purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness we have shown ourselves to be God's servants---by the Holy Spirit, by our true love,

I am not laying down any rules. But by showing how eager others are to help, I am trying to find out how real your own love is.

Our appeal to you is not based on error or impure motives, nor do we try to trick anyone.

The purpose of this order is to arouse the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a genuine faith.

Suppose there are brothers or sisters who need clothes and don't have enough to eat.

What good is there in your saying to them, "God bless you! Keep warm and eat well!"---if you don't give them the necessities of life?

Now that by your obedience to the truth you have purified yourselves and have come to have a sincere love for other believers, love one another earnestly with all your heart.

Above everything, love one another earnestly, because love covers over many sins.

My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action.

If our conscience condemns us, we know that God is greater than our conscience and that he knows everything.

Turn away from evil and do good; strive for peace with all your heart.

They make evil plans as they lie in bed; nothing they do is good, and they never reject anything evil.

you love what is right and hate what is evil. That is why God, your God, has chosen you and has poured out more happiness on you than on any other king.

The LORD loves those who hate evil; he protects the lives of his people; he rescues them from the power of the wicked.

and will never tolerate evil. I hate the actions of those who turn away from God; I will have nothing to do with them.

I gain wisdom from your laws, and so I hate all bad conduct.

I hate and detest all lies, but I love your law.

To honor the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil ways and false words.

Hate what is evil, love what is right, and see that justice prevails in the courts. Perhaps the LORD will be merciful to the people of this nation who are still left alive.

You love what is right and hate what is wrong. That is why God, your God, has chosen you and has given you the joy of an honor far greater than he gave to your companions."

When he arrived and saw how God had blessed the people, he was glad and urged them all to be faithful and true to the Lord with all their hearts.

See that no one pays back wrong for wrong, but at all times make it your aim to do good to one another and to all people.

Try to be at peace with everyone, and try to live a holy life, because no one will see the Lord without it.

As the scripture says, "If you want to enjoy life and wish to see good times, you must keep from speaking evil and stop telling lies.

You must turn away from evil and do good; you must strive for peace with all your heart.