in order to protect him from times of trouble, until the wicked are destroyed.

All day long my enemies taunt me; those who mock me use my name in their curses.

(Let the wise also hear and gain instruction, and let the discerning acquire guidance!)

Those who are wise store up knowledge, but foolish speech leads to imminent destruction.

The righteous person is cautious in his friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth and turmoil with it.

The divine verdict is in the words of the king, his pronouncements must not act treacherously against justice.

Doing justice brings joy to the righteous and terror to those who do evil.

Remove the dross from the silver, and material for the silversmith will emerge;

Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips.

The stingy person hastens after riches and does not know that poverty will overtake him.

The greedy person stirs up dissension, but the one who trusts in the Lord will prosper.

The one who gives to the poor will not lack, but whoever shuts his eyes to them will receive many curses.

The sovereign master, the Lord who commands armies, is certainly ready to carry out the decreed destruction throughout the land.

I will make human beings more scarce than pure gold, and people more scarce than gold from Ophir.

For these are rebellious people – they are lying children, children unwilling to obey the Lord’s law.

My people will live in peaceful settlements, in secure homes, and in safe, quiet places.

They were silent and did not respond, for the king had ordered, “Don’t respond to him.”

Yet even then I will not completely destroy you,” says the Lord.

But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned aside and gone their own way.