They destroy ¹  my path; they succeed in destroying me ²  without anyone assisting ³  them.

nor to occupy themselves with myths and interminable genealogies. ¹  Such things promote useless speculations rather than God’s redemptive plan ²  that operates by faith.

Esteem her highly ¹  and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her.

Look, a king will promote fairness; ¹  officials will promote justice. ² 

I am saying this for your benefit, not to place a limitation on you, but so that without distraction you may give notable and constant service to the Lord.

Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, ¹  but those who promote peace ²  have joy.

For I will honor you greatly, ¹  and whatever you tell me I will do. So come, put a curse on this nation for me.’”

So now, go back where you came from! ¹  I said that I would greatly honor you; but now the Lord has stood in the way of your honor.”

You must not seek peace and prosperity for them through all the ages to come.

Turn away from evil and do what is right! ¹  Strive for peace and promote it! ² 

The godly speak wise words and promote justice. ¹ 

How blessed are those who promote justice, and do what is right all the time!

But as for you, communicate the behavior that goes with ¹  sound teaching.

For human ¹  anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. ² 

Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not send again and again ¹  to you to summon you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not able to honor you?” ² 

for the wicked seem to be everywhere, ¹  when people promote evil. ² 

The one who is wise in heart ¹  is called ²  discerning, and kind speech ³  increases persuasiveness. ⁴ 

A wise person’s heart ¹  makes his speech wise ²  and it adds persuasiveness ³  to his words. ⁴ 

Learn to do what is right! Promote justice! Give the oppressed reason to celebrate! ¹  Take up the cause of the orphan! Defend the rights of the widow! ² 

They are frightening and terrifying; they decide for themselves what is right. ¹