Chapter 21

Praise the Lord from the earth, Sea-monsters and all deeps! Fire, hail, snow, and vapor, Storm wind, fulfilling his word!

Mountains and all hills, Fruit-trees and all cedars! Wild beasts and all cattle, Creeping things and winged birds!

Kings of earth and all peoples, All rulers and judges of earth, Young men and maidens too, Old men and children together!

Let them praise the name of the Lord, For his name alone is exalted. Over heaven and earth is his majesty, He has strengthened the might of his people; He is praised by all who are faithful, By the Israelites, who are near him.

Praise God in his holy place, Praise him for his mighty firmament, Praise him for his deeds of power, Praise him for his infinite greatness.

Praise him with the blast of the horn, Praise him with lyre and harp, Praise him with timbrel and dance, Praise him with strings and pipe, Praise him with clanging cymbals, Praise him with clashing cymbals. Let all that breathes praise the Lord!

MAN'S PLACE IN GOD'S WORLD

O Lord, our God, how glorious Is thy name in all the earth!

Thou hast spread thy splendor over the heavens; At the cry of babes and infants Thou hast set up a bulwark, because of thine enemies, To silence the foe and avenger.

When I see thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, The moon and stars which thou hast made; What is man that thou art mindful of him; Or the son of man that thou visitest him?

Yet thou hast made him little less than divine, And hast crowned him with glory and honor, Making him lord of creation, So that all things are subject to him.

The sheep and the oxen, all of them, Yes, and the beasts of the field, The birds of the air and the fish, That dart through the paths of the sea.

O Lord, our God, how glorious Is thy name in all the earth!

THE REWARD OF DOING RIGHT

Happy is the man Who follows not the counsel of the wicked, Nor takes his stand with sinners, Nor sits among the scoffers, But delights in the law of the Lord, And day and night meditates on it. For he is like a tree planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in due season, Whose leaf never withers, And all that he does prospers.

Not so the wicked! They are like the chaff driven by the wind. So the wicked shall not rise up at the judgment, Nor sinners where the righteous are gathered; For the Lord directs the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked leads to ruin.

A PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS

Have mercy upon me, O God, According to thy loving-kindness, According to the multitude of thy tender mercies, Blot out all my transgressions, Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. For well do I know my misdeeds, And my sin is always before me. Against thee, thee only have I sinned, And done what is wrong in thy sight; Therefore thou art right when thou speakest, And just when thou pronouncest thy judgment.

Verily I was born in iniquity, And in sin did my mother conceive me. Yet thou desirest truth in the heart, In my inner soul thou wouldst teach me wisdom. Cleanse me with hyssop that I may be clean, Wash me whiter than snow. Fill me with joy and gladness, That the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, And blot out all mine iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, Withdraw not thy holy spirit from me. Give me back the glad sense of thy help, And with a willing spirit sustain me.

Then I will teach sinners thy ways, And wrong-doers shall turn unto thee. Save me from bloodshed, O God, That my tongue may sing of thy righteousness. O Lord, open thou my lips, That my mouth may declare thy praise!

For thou takest no pleasure in sacrifice, No delight in gifts of burnt-offering. The sacrifices pleasing to thee Are a broken and a contrite spirit.

THE SAYINGS OF THE WISE

THE REWARDS OF LISTENING TO THE ADVICE OF THE WISE

My son, if you heed my words, And store my commands in your mind, Pay close attention to wisdom, And give careful heed to reason. If you will but seek her as silver, And search for her as for hid treasures, You shall then understand true religion, And gain a knowledge of God. For wisdom shall enter your mind, And knowledge shall be pleasant to you, Discretion shall watch over you, And understanding shall guard you, To keep you from doing wrong, From men whose words are evil, Who leave the paths of right To walk in ways that are dark, Who rejoice in doing wrong, And take pleasure in evil deeds.

Happy the man who finds wisdom, And he who gains understanding. In her right hand is long life, In her left are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, And all her paths are peaceful. She gives life to those who seek her, They are happy who hold her fast. You shall then go on your way securely, And your foot shall never stumble. When you sit down, you shall not be afraid, When you lie down, your sleep shall be sweet.

WHAT GOD LIKES AND DISLIKES

The eyes of the Lord are all-seeing, Keeping watch on both wicked and good. A man thinks all that he does is right, But the Lord tests the motive. A man plans the way in his mind, But the Lord directs his steps.

The Lord detests a false balance, But a just balance is his delight. To do what is just and right Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. The conduct of the wicked is hateful to him, But he loves the man eager to do right. The Lord detests the evil-minded, But is well pleased with him who lives uprightly.

The sacrifice of the wicked is hateful to the Lord, But the prayer of the upright is a delight to him! The Lord holds aloof from the wicked, But hears the prayer of the upright. Lying lips are hateful to the Lord, But they who act honestly are his delight.

There are six things that the Lord hates, Yes, seven are detestable to him: Haughty eyes and a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A mind that plans wicked schemes, Feet that make haste to do evil, A false witness who utters lies, And he who sows strife between brothers.

GOD'S CARE FOR THOSE WHO TRY TO DO RIGHT

The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, But he blesses the home of him who does right. Surely he scoffs at the scoffers, But to the modest he ever shows favor.

The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry, But he disappoints the desire of the wicked. The Lord is a stronghold to him who lives rightly, But he brings destruction to those who do wrong.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower, To which the righteous runs and is safe. Every word of God is true; He is a shield to those who trust him.

Say not, "I will be revenged for a wrong"; Wait for the Lord, he will save you. For the Lord gives wisdom, From his mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright, He is a shield to those who live clean lives, That he may guard the course of justice, And protect the way of his faithful ones.

Reverence for the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But the foolish despise wisdom and discipline. Reverence comes through wise instruction, And before honor goes modesty.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, Depend not on your own understanding; In all you do make him your friend, And he will direct your paths.

Be not wise in your own eyes. Revere the Lord, and avoid sin. Then you will have health of body And your bones will be refreshed.

Honor the Lord with your wealth, With the best of all you receive, Then your barns will be filled with grain, And your vats overflow with wine.

A greedy man stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will prosper. Intrust what you do to the Lord, Then your plans will succeed.

THE WAY TO BE WELL AND HAPPY

Many a man tells of his own kindness. But a trustworthy man who can find? A child is known by his acts, Whether his work is pure and right.

Worry in a man's mind makes it sad, But a kind word makes it happy. A man's spirit upholds him in sickness, But who can raise up a broken spirit?

A calm mind is the life of the body, But jealousy rots the bones. A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But by inward sorrow the spirit is broken. A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones.

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING WILLING TO LEARN

The lips of the wise speak knowledge, But the fool does not understand. A fool's way seems right in his sight, But a wise man listens to advice. A fool despises his father's correction, But he who regards reproof acts wisely.

Listen to advice and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your later life. Advice in a man's mind is like deep water, But a man of sense will draw it out. Hold fast instruction, let it not go; Keep it, for it is your life.

My son, reject not the discipline of the Lord, And do not spurn his reproof, For whom he loves he reproves, Even as a father the son of whom he is fond. He who rejects correction despises his own self, But he who listens to reproof gains understanding.

HOW TO HONOR YOUR PARENTS

My son, hear the instruction of your father, And forsake not the teaching of your mother; They shall be a crown of beauty for your head, And a necklace about your neck. Listen to your father who begat you, And despise not your mother when she is old. He who does what he is told is a wise son. But he who makes friends of spendthrifts, Brings disgrace on his father.

He who robs father or mother, Saying, "There is no wrong in it," Is like him who is a destroyer. He who curses his father or mother, His lamp shall go out in the blackest of darkness. A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son despises his mother. A foolish son is a grief to his father, And brings bitterness to her who bore him.

Be wise, my son, and make glad my heart, That I may answer the one who reproaches me. Let your father be filled with joy, And let her who bore you rejoice.

THE TROUBLES OF THOSE WHO ARE LAZY

The lazy man says, "A lion is outside! I shall be killed in the streets!" As the door turns on its hinges, So the lazy man turns on his bed. He dips his hand in the dish, But does not bring it to his mouth! The lazy man is wiser in his own mind, Than seven who can answer intelligently. The way of the lazy is hedged in with thorns, But the path of the diligent is a well-built highway.

I went by the field of the lazy man, By the vineyard of him who lacked sense, It was all overgrown with thorns, Its surface was covered with nettles, And its stone wall was broken down. Then I beheld and reflected, I saw and received instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest, And your poverty comes as a robber, And your want as a well-armed man.

THINGS THAT ARE BETTER THAN RICHES

Better is a poor man who lives uprightly Than one who is dishonest, though he be rich. Better is a little with righteousness Than great abundance with injustice.

Better is a modest spirit with the humble, Than to divide spoil with the proud. A good name is better than great riches, More highly valued than silver and gold. He who trusts in riches shall fail, But the upright flourish like a green leaf.

Toil not that you may become rich; Cease through your own understanding. Should you set your eyes upon it, it is gone! For riches fly away, Like an eagle that flies toward heaven. Better is little with reverence for the Lord Than great treasure and trouble as well.

Two things I ask of thee, O God, Deny me them not ere I die: Put far from me deceit and lying, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Provide me with the food that I need, That I may not be filled to the full and deny thee, And say, "Who is the Lord?" Or else be poor and steal, And disgrace the name of my God.

RIGHT EATING AND DRINKING

If you find honey, eat only what you need, That you may not be too full and be ill.

Wine is a mocker, strong drink makes one quarrelsome, And whoever is misled by it is not wise. Who cries, "Woe"? who, "Alas"? Who has quarrels? Who complains? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? They who linger long over wine, They who go in to taste mixed wine.

So look not on wine when it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, And glides down smoothly. At last it bites like a snake, And stings like an adder.

Then you will see strange things, And your mind will be confused. You will be like one sleeping at sea, Like one asleep in a violent storm. "I have been struck, but I feel no pain; I have been beaten, but I know it not. When shall I awake from my wine? I will seek it yet again."

THE RIGHT USE OF THE TONGUE

Do you see a man who speaks before he thinks? There is more hope for a fool than for him. He who answers before he hears Covers himself with confusion.

He who is sparing of words has knowledge, And he who has a cool spirit is a man of sense. Even a fool, if he keeps still, is considered wise; Prudent, if he keeps his lips shut.

He who guards his mouth and tongue Guards himself against trouble. Life and death are in the power of the tongue; They who are fond of using it must eat its fruit.

A man has joy from the utterance of his mouth, And a word in season, how good it is! A word fitly spoken Is like golden fruit in silver settings. Pleasant words are like honeycomb, Sweet to the taste and healing to the body.

THE CONTROL OF THE TEMPER

A mild answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

A man without self-control Is a ruined city whose wall is broken. A fool gives way to his wrath, But a wise man restrains his anger. A fool's anger is known at once, But a sensible man heeds not an insult.

A man's wisdom makes him patient, It is his glory to overlook faults. He who is patient is better than a warrior, And he who rules his temper than he who takes a city.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE MODEST

Do not boast what you will do to-morrow, For you know not what a day may bring forth. Do you see a man wise in his own opinion? There is more hope for a fool than for him!

Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, But with the modest is wisdom.

It is not good to eat much honey; But to seek the glory of others is glorious. Let another man praise you, not your own mouth; Some other, and not your own lips.

BEING GENEROUS AND LOVING

He who returns evil for good, From his house evil shall not depart.

It is an honor for a man to avoid strife; Only a fool is quarrelsome. Charcoal for embers, and wood for fire, And a quarrelsome man to kindle strife!

Strive not with a man without cause, If he has done you no harm.

The beginning of strife is as when one lets out water; Therefore leave off strife before quarrelling begins. Better a dry crust with quietness Than a house full of feasting with strife.

A just man regards the life of his beast, But the heart of the wicked is cruel.

He who oppresses the poor reviles his Maker, But he who has pity on the needy honors him. He who listens not to the cry of the poor, He also shall call and not be answered. He who pities the poor, lends to the Lord And he will repay him for his good deed.

If your enemy hungers, give him food; If he thirsts, give him water to drink; For you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the Lord will reward you.

Hatred stirs up strife, But love overlooks faults. Better a meal of herbs where love is, Than a fatted ox with hate.

Let not love and truth leave you, Bind them about your neck; So you will enjoy favor and a good reputation In the sight of God and man.

THE NEW TESTAMENT

JESUS IS BORN AT BETHLEHEM

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a young woman named Mary in Nazareth, a town of Galilee. She was to be married to a man named Joseph of the family of David. When he came to her the angel said: "Hail, highly honored one! God is with you!"

She was startled by his words and wondered what such a greeting might mean. But the angel said to her, "Fear not, Mary, for you have found favor with God. You will have a son and will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High."

Then Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, for I am not yet married." The angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will cover you; therefore your child will be called holy, the Son of God." Mary said: "I am God's servant. May it be with me as you say." Then the angel left her.

In those days the Emperor Augustus commanded that every one should be registered. So all went to be registered, each to his own town. Joseph, because he was of the family of David, went to be registered with Mary, his wife, from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem in Judea where David was born. While they were there Mary's first son was born. And she wrapped him in swaddling-clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

In that country there were shepherds living in the fields and keeping watch over their flocks by night. And an angel from God stood by them and a heavenly light shone around them, and they were frightened. But the angel said to them:

"Fear not, for behold I bring you good news Of great joy which shall be for all the people. For to you is born this day in the town of David A Saviour who is God's Anointed. This will be a sign to guide you: You will find a baby in swaddling-clothes lying in a manger."

Then suddenly there was with the angel a great number of the heavenly ones singing praise to God and saying:

"Glory to God on high, And on earth peace, good-will among men."

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem to see this which God has made known to us." So they went quickly and found Mary and Joseph; and the baby was lying in a manger.

When they had seen him, they made known what had been told them about this child. All who heard the words of the shepherds wondered, but Mary kept these things to herself and often thought about them. And the shepherds returned, thanking and praising God for what they had heard and seen, as it had been foretold.

THE WISE MEN BRING GIFTS TO THE YOUNG CHILD

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the newly born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

When Herod heard these things, he and every one else in Jerusalem were greatly troubled. So when he had gathered all the high priests and scribes together, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. They said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea."

Then Herod privately called the wise men and asked them exactly how long the star had been seen since it appeared in the east. And he sent them to Bethlehem with the command, "Go and search carefully for the young child, and when you have found him, come and let me know, that I also may go and worship him." When they had heard the king, they went away, and the star which they had seen in the east went before them until it stood over the place where the young child was. They were overjoyed at the sight; and when they came into the house and saw the child with Mary, his mother, they knelt down and worshipped him. Opening their treasures they presented to him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. But being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another way.

THE BOY JESUS ASKS QUESTIONS

After Joseph and Mary had done all that the law commanded, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the boy Jesus grew and became strong in body and mind. And the blessing of God was upon him.

Now his parents went every year to Jerusalem to the Feast of the Passover, and when he was twelve years old they went up as usual. After they had stayed the full number of days and were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know this; but, supposing him to be in the caravan, they travelled on for a whole day. Then they searched for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, still looking for him. After three days they found him in the Temple, sitting with the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. All who heard him were amazed at his intelligence and his answers.

When his parents saw him, they were astonished; and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously looking for you." He said to them, "Why did you look for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?" But they did not understand what he meant.

Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth; and he was obedient to them; but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and body and in favor with God and man.

JOHN THE BAPTIST TELLS OF JESUS' WORK