Study Desk

It's wrong to penalize good behavior, or make good citizens pay for the crimes of others.

Loners who care only for themselves spit on the common good.

Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse; all they do is run off at the mouth.

When wickedness arrives, shame's not far behind; contempt for life is contemptible.

Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights.

God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children.

Leaders who know their business and care keep a sharp eye out for the shoddy and cheap, For who among us can be trusted to be always diligent and honest?

Form your purpose by asking for counsel, then carry it out using all the help you can get.

Don't ever say, "I'll get you for that!" Wait for God ; he'll settle the score.

Youth may be admired for vigor, but gray hair gives prestige to old age.

Wicked souls love to make trouble; they feel nothing for friends and neighbors.

Good people celebrate when justice triumphs, but for the workers of evil it's a bad day.

Valuables are safe in a wise person's home; fools put it all out for yard sales.

Whoever goes hunting for what is right and kind finds life itself—glorious life!

Do your best, prepare for the worst— then trust God to bring victory.

The payoff for meekness and Fear-of- God is plenty and honor and a satisfying life.

The perverse travel a dangerous road, potholed and mud-slick; if you know what's good for you, stay clear of it.

Exploit the poor or glad-hand the rich—whichever, you'll end up the poorer for it. Listen carefully to my wisdom; take to heart what I can teach you. You'll treasure its sweetness deep within; you'll give it bold expression in your speech. To make sure your foundation is trust in God , I'm laying it all out right now just for you. I'm giving you thirty sterling principles— tested guidelines to live by. Believe me—these are truths that work, and will keep you accountable to those who sent you. 1 Don't walk on the poor just because they're poor, and don't use your position to crush the weak, Because God will come to their defense; the life you took, he'll take from you and give back to them. 2 Don't hang out with angry people; don't keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious— don't get infected. 3 Don't gamble on the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, hocking your house against a lucky chance. The time will come when you have to pay up; you'll be left with nothing but the shirt on your back. 4 Don't stealthily move back the boundary lines staked out long ago by your ancestors. 5 Observe people who are good at their work— skilled workers are always in demand and admired; they don't take a backseat to anyone.

Exploit the poor or glad-hand the rich—whichever, you'll end up the poorer for it. Listen carefully to my wisdom; take to heart what I can teach you. You'll treasure its sweetness deep within; you'll give it bold expression in your speech. To make sure your foundation is trust in God , I'm laying it all out right now just for you. I'm giving you thirty sterling principles— tested guidelines to live by. Believe me—these are truths that work, and will keep you accountable to those who sent you.

10 Don't stealthily move back the boundary lines or cheat orphans out of their property, For they have a powerful Advocate who will go to bat for them.