The Lord giveth wisdom; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding; he layeth up wisdom for the righteous; he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee; bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart. So may we find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding. But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding. THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED CONTRASTED. HE that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches. May we be saved through the knowledge of truth. Be not deceived, God is not mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he reap. Even as we have seen, they that plough iniquity and sow wickedness, reap the same. He that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption. He that soweth to the spirit, shall of the spirit reap life everlasting. The triumph of the wicked is short, and his joy but for a moment. The heaven shall reveal his iniquity, and the earth shall rise up against him. The light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine. The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and lo, he was not; yea, I sought him and he could not be found. Mark the perfect man and behold the upright; for the end of that man is peace. Righteousness tendeth to life; but he that pursueth evil, pursueth it to his own death. The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord, but he loveth him who followeth after righteousness. By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. The evil bow before the good; and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. The expectation of the wicked shall perish, but the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. The Lord loveth judgment and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved forever, but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. I was envious when I saw the prosperity of the wicked, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Blessed are the undefiled in the way; who walk in the law of the Lord: Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighteth in his way; though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholdeth him. O God, how great is thy goodness which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee: Blessed are all those who put their trust in thee. And now, may the Peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds, through Christ Jesus. THE BEATITUDES. BLESSED are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. All thy paths, O Lord, are mercy and truth; may we rejoice in thee. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. Teach us, O Lord, the way of thy statutes, that we may keep thy law. Blessed are they that keep judgment, and that do righteousness at all times. Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne; teach us, O Lord, thy truth. Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. According to thy tender mercies, blot out our transgressions : be merciful unto us according to thy word. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God. Create in us a clean heart, O God; renew a right spirit within us. Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted. Through tribulation may we enter the kingdom of God, and may all our afflictions work out an eternal weight of glory. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. May we look unto him who was meek and lowly of heart, and find rest unto our souls. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. May it be our meat and our drink to do the will of our Heavenly Father. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. As we have opportunity may we do good unto all; bearing one another's burdens, and so fulfilling the law of Christ. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. May we purify our souls by obeying the truth. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. May we follow after the things that make for peace, and wilt thou forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. May we be willing to suffer for Christ, remembering that Christ suffered for us. Blessed are they that endure temptation, for when they are tried, they shall receive a crown of life. Though we walk in the midst of trouble, wilt thou, O God, revive us, and may thy right hand save us. Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord, for they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them. Help us, O Lord, that we may die the death of the righteous, and that our last end may be like his. And finally, merciful God, when we have done serving thee below, take us, we pray thee, unto thyself: Then, |