Excerpts from Ecclesiastes 5 and 6


“Even so, I have noticed one thing, ast least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink , and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life – this is indeed a gift from God. God keeps such people so busy enjoying life that they take no time to brood over the past.” Ecc. 5, vv. 18-20, NLT

“Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless – like chasing the wind. Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there’s not use arguing with God about your destiny.” Ecc. 6, vv 9-10, NLT

Excerpts from Proverbs 28

“When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But the wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.” (v. 2, NLT)

“Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the Lord understand completely. Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich.

Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.” (vv. 5-7, NLT)

“Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things.” (v 10, NLT)

“When godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicket take charge, people go into hiding.

People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

A wicked ruler is dangerous to the poor as a lion attacking a bear.

A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life.” (vv. 12-16, NLT)

“Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to properity.

Those who trust in their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.” (vv25-26, NLT)

“When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.” (v. 28, NLT)

Excerpts from Proverbs 21, 24, 27

“Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble.” Proverbs 21:23, NLT

“Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn’t know.” For God understands all hearts, and He sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew.. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.” Proverbes 24:12, NLT

“Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring. Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth – a stranger, not your own lips.” Proverbs 27:1-2, NLT

“A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. A simplon goes blindly on an suffers the consequences.” Proverbs 27:12, NLT

“As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.” Proverbs 27:19, NLT

Excerpts from Proverbs 19

“Enthusiasm without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes.
People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry with the Lord.

Wealth makes many “friends”; poverty drives them away.
A false witness will not go unpunished, nor will a liar escape.” (vv. 2-,NLT)

“Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.” (v. 11, NLT)

“Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise you will ruin their lives.
Hot-tempered people must pay the penalty. If you rescue them once, you will have to do it again.

Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.

You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.” ( vv. 18-21. NLT)

Excerpts from Proverbs 17

“Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.” (v.6, NLT)

“Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.” (v.9, NLT)

“Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out.” (v. 14, NLT)

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” (v.22, NLT)

“A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered.” (v. 27, NLT)

Excerpts from Proverbs 16

“We can make our own plans, but the Lord give the right answer.

People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives.

Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

The Lord has made everything for His own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster.” (vv. 1-4, NLT)

“When people’s lives please Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them.

Better to have a little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest. We can make our own plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” (vv. 7-9, NLT)

“The path of the virtuous leads away from evil; whoever follows that path is safe.

Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.

It is better to live humbly with the poor than to share plunder with the proud.

Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful.” (vv. 18-20, NLT)

“Kind words are like honey- sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.” (vv. 24-25, NLT)

“Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life.

Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.

We may throw the dice, but the Lord determines how they fall.” (vv 31-33, NLT)

Excerpts from Proverbs 15

“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness.

The Lord is watching everywhere, he keeps His eye on both evil and good.

Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.” (vv. 1-4, NLT)

“Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” (v. 23, NLT)

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.” (v. 30, NLT)

Excerpts from Proverbs 12

“To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction .Wickedness never brings stability; but the godly have deep roots.

A worthy wife is crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones. The plans of the godly are just; the advise of the wicked is treacherous.

The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives. The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands firm.” (vv. 1-7, NLT)

“The wicked are trapped by their own words, but the godly escape such trouble. Wise words bring many benefits, and hard work brings rewards.

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing. Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed.” (vv. 13-19, NLT)

“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up. (v. 25, NLT)

Excerpts from Proverbs 3 Trusting the Lord

“My child, never forget the things I have taught you.
Store my commands in your heart.
If you do this, you will live many years and your life will be satisfying.
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you!
Tie them around your neck as a reminder.
Write them deep within your heart.
Then you will find favor with both God and people,
and you will earn a good reputation.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek His will in all you do,
and He will show the which path to take.

Don’t be impressed with our own wisdom.
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil.
Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.
Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of
everything you produce.
Then He will fill your barns with grain,
and your vats will overflow with good wine.

My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,
and don’t be upset when He corrects you.
For the Lord corrects those He loves,
just s a father corrects a child in whom He delights.”
(vv. 1-12, NLT)



I

Psalm 150

This is the final chapter in the book of Psalms

“Praise the Lord!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty heaven!
Praise Him for His mighty works;
Praise His unequaled greatness!
Praise Him with a blast of the ram’s horn;
Praise Him with the lyre and harp!
Praise Him with the tambourine and dancing;
Praise Him with a clash of cymbals;
Praise Him with loud clanging of cymbals.
Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!
Praise the Lord!” (NLT)