For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.
They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills.
Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.
From their callous hearts comes iniquity ; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits.
They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression.
Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth.
Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance.
They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?"
This is what the wicked are like, always carefree, they increase in wealth.
Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.
All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning.
If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children.
When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me
till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.
How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!
As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies.
When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered,
I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you.
Psalms Chapter 73: Verses 3 - 22
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him,
Luke Chapter 4: Verses 18 - 20
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone,
for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
1 Timothy Chapter 2: Verses 1 - 2
I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first.
Revelation Chapter 2: Verse 19
Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them.
Let the desert and its towns raise their voices; let the settlements where Kedar lives rejoice. Let the people of Sela sing for joy; let them shout from the mountaintops.
Let them give glory to the LORD and proclaim his praise in the islands.
Isaiah Chapter 42: Verses 10 - 12
As light, O Christ, Thou cam'st to earth;
In Thee I live, in Thee I shall arise;
Thou art my joy, Thou my new birth,
To blessèd life Thou openest mine eyes.
For me Thou to the cross didst go,
For me Thou gav'st Thy blood to flow.
For me, in dark Gethsemane
Alone Thou, Christ, with sin and death didst fight;
Alone with God didst plead for me,
That I in Thee might see the blessèd light.
From all my heart, while I may live,
Eternal thanks to Thee I'll give.