Happy are those who find wisdom, and those who get understanding. | Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. |
How happy is the one whom God reproves; therefore do not despise the discipline 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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Those who are attentive to a matter will prosper, and happy are those who trust in the Lord. | Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful. |
Happy is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways. | How joyful are those who fear the Lord— all who follow his ways! |
Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. | Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! |
Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord. | Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. |
Happy are those who keep his decrees, who seek him with their 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; happy are those who take refuge in him. | Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! |
Happy is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage. | What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord, whose people he has chosen as his inheritance. |
Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments. | Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands. |
Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. | Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. |
I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live; moreover, it is God's gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil. | 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. |
Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers. | Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. |
When a man is newly married, he shall not go out with the army or be charged with any related duty. He shall be free at home one year, to be happy with the wife whom he has married. | 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. |
The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. | We have happy memories of the godly, but the name of a wicked person rots away. |
Go, eat your bread with enjoyment, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has long ago approved what you do. | So go ahead. Eat your food with joy, and drink your wine with a happy heart, for God approves of this! |
But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated. | 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. |
Likewise all to whom God gives wealth and possessions and whom he enables to enjoy them, and to accept their lot and find enjoyment in their toil—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, and in the day of adversity consider; God has made the one as well as the other, so that mortals may not find out anything that will come after them. | 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 “Those who desire life and desire to see good days, let them keep their tongues from evil and their lips from speaking deceit; let them turn away from evil and do good; let them seek peace and pursue 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.” |