He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor. | Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor. |
Who “will render to each one according to his deeds” | He will judge everyone according to what they have done. |
|
But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. | But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. |
For the Lord loves justice, And does not forsake His saints; They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off. | For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will die. |
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. | Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. |
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the Lord weighs the hearts. | People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. |
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. | Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. |
Surely he will never be shaken; The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance. | Such people will not be overcome by evil. Those who are righteous will be long remembered. |
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry. | The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. |
To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. | The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices. |
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” | But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. |
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. | So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. |
See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. | See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. |
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. | For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ. |
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. | And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. |
Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. | And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. |
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. | For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God. |
Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass. He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday. | Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. |
Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful. | Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. |
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, But righteousness delivers from death. | Tainted wealth has no lasting value, but right living can save your life. |
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. | God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. |
The wicked man does deceptive work, But he who sows righteousness will have a sure reward. | Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last. |
And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. | And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much! |
It is a snare for a man to devote rashly something as holy, And afterward to reconsider his vows. | Don’t trap yourself by making a rash promise to God and only later counting the cost. |
With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! | I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. |