Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. | Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. |
Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty. | But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin. |
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He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he. | Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful. |
But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither 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. |
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. | Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. |
Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord; that walketh in his ways. | How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! |
I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. | So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God. |
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. | Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! |
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord. | Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. |
Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. | Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. |
O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. | Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! |
The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. | We have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away. |
When a man hath taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, neither shall he be charged with any business: but he shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer up his wife which he hath taken. | A newly married man must not be drafted into the army or be given any other official responsibilities. He must be free to spend one year at home, bringing happiness to the wife he has married. |
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. | What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance. |
Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. | Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands. |
Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works. | So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this! |
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth 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. |
Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God. | And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. |
In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. | Enjoy prosperity while you can, but when hard times strike, realize that both come from God. Remember that nothing is certain in this life. |
For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. | For the Scriptures say, “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” |