Proverbs 13:1–25 (NIV84)

¹ A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke. ² From the fruit of his lips a man enjoys good things, but the unfaithful have a craving for violence. ³ He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin. ⁴ The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied. ⁵ The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace. ⁶ Righteousness guards the man of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. ⁷ One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. ⁸ A man’s riches may ransom his life, but a poor man hears no threat. ⁹ The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out. ¹⁰ Pride only breeds quarrels, but wisdom is found in those who take advice. ¹¹ Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow. ¹² Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. ¹³ He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded. ¹⁴ The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death. ¹⁵ Good understanding wins favor, but the way of the unfaithful is hard. ¹⁶ Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly. ¹⁷ A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy brings healing. ¹⁸ He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored. ¹⁹ A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. ²⁰ He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. ²¹ Misfortune pursues the sinner, but prosperity is the reward of the righteous. ²² A good man leaves an inheritance for his children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. ²³ A poor man’s field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away. ²⁴ He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. ²⁵ The righteous eat to their hearts’ content, but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.

James 5:1–12 (NIV84)

¹ Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. ² Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. ³ Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. ⁴ Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. ⁵ You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. ⁶ You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you. ⁷ Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. ⁸ You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. ⁹ Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door! ¹⁰ Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. ¹¹ As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. ¹²Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned.