Big Idea
This month's memory verse
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the LORD has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.
Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.
Learn from their ways and become wise!
6Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones.
Learn from their ways and become wise!
7Though they have no prince
or governor or ruler to make them work,
8they labor hard all summer,
gathering food for the winter.
9But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep?
When will you wake up?
10A little extra sleep, a little more slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest—
11then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit;
scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.
12What are worthless and wicked people like?
They are constant liars,
13signaling their deceit with a wink of the eye,
a nudge of the foot, or the wiggle of fingers.
14Their perverted hearts plot evil,
and they constantly stir up trouble.
15But they will be destroyed suddenly,
broken in an instant beyond all hope of healing.
16There are six things the Lord hates—
no, seven things he detests:
17haughty eyes,
a lying tongue,
hands that kill the innocent,
18a heart that plots evil,
feet that race to do wrong,
19a false witness who pours out lies,
a person who sows discord in a family.
20My son, obey your father’s commands,
and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction.
21Keep their words always in your heart.
Tie them around your neck.
22When you walk, their counsel will lead you.
When you sleep, they will protect you.
When you wake up, they will advise you.
23For their command is a lamp
and their instruction a light;
their corrective discipline
is the way to life.