“So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.”

“As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities and continue to grow in them, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

My brothers and sisters in Christ, “Test and prove what pleases the Lord, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, and growing in the knowledge of God; and now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him.”

Because you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my correction, I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you; I will mock when calamity overtakes you, and when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you; then you will call upon me, but I will not answer; you will seek me diligently but will not find me since you hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord. Proverbs 1

“I, the Lord, search the heart; I test the mind to reward a man according to his way, by what his deeds deserve. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”

“But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them ever shout for joy. May You shelter them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You. For many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

Wise words come from the lips of people with understanding, but those lacking sense will be beaten with a rod. Wise people treasure knowledge, but the babbling of a fool invites disaster.  Proverbs 10:13-14

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Psalm 32:8-9

Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Psalm 34:9-11

“Blessed is the man who has made the Lord his trust, who has not turned to the proud, nor to those who lapse into falsehood. Steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.”