He decorated the temple with precious stones; the gold he used came from Parvaim.

Abijah ascended Mount Zemaraim, in the Ephraimite hill country, and said: “Listen to me, Jeroboam and all Israel!

He does not expect to escape from darkness; he is marked for the sword;

It looks on every haughty being; it is king over all that are proud.”

I will thank the Lord for his justice; I will sing praises to the sovereign Lord!

You grant him his heart’s desire; you do not refuse his request. (Selah)

Who is this majestic king? The Lord who is strong and mighty! The Lord who is mighty in battle!

The Lord’s loyal followers receive his guidance, and he reveals his covenantal demands to them.

For the Lord’s decrees are just, and everything he does is fair.

May their path be dark and slippery, as the Lord’s angel chases them!

Those who sit at the city gate gossip about me; drunkards mock me in their songs.

How blessed are the people who worship you! O Lord, they experience your favor.

The Lord’s deeds are great, eagerly awaited by all who desire them.

What the wicked fears will come on him; what the righteous desire will be granted.

The one who denounces his neighbor lacks wisdom, but the one who has discernment keeps silent.

Speech that heals is like a life-giving tree, but a perverse tongue breaks the spirit.

Through loyal love and truth iniquity is appeased; through fearing the Lord one avoids evil.

A bribe works like a charm for the one who offers it; in whatever he does he succeeds.

The truly wise person restrains his words, and the one who stays calm is discerning.

Fearing the Lord leads to life, and one who does so will live satisfied; he will not be afflicted by calamity.