Now David achieved success in all he did, ¹  for the Lord was with him.

Conduct yourselves ¹  with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunities.

A servant who acts wisely ¹  will rule over ²  an heir ³  who behaves shamefully, ⁴  and will share the inheritance along with the relatives. ⁵ 

He wisely placed some of his many sons throughout the regions of Judah and Benjamin in the various fortified cities. ¹  He supplied them with abundant provisions and acquired many wives for them. ² 

The king shows favor ¹  to a wise ²  servant, but his wrath falls ³  on one who acts shamefully.

The one who deals wisely ¹  in a matter ²  will find success, ³  and blessed ⁴  is the one who trusts in the Lord. ⁵ 

The one who trusts in his own heart ¹  is a fool, but the one who walks in wisdom ²  will escape. ³ 

When Saul saw how very successful he was, he was afraid of him.

“Look, my servant will succeed! ¹  He will be elevated, lifted high, and greatly exalted ²  –

¹  Then the leaders of the Philistines would march out, and as often as they did so, David achieved more success than all of Saul’s servants. His name was held in high esteem.

“I, the Lord, promise ¹  that a new time will certainly come ²  when I will raise up for them a righteous branch, ³  a descendant of David. He will rule over them with wisdom and understanding ⁴  and will do what is just and right in the land. ⁵ 

The words he speaks are sinful and deceitful; he does not care about doing what is wise and right. ¹ 

and all people will fear. ¹  They will proclaim ²  what God has done, and reflect on his deeds.

I will walk in ¹  the way of integrity. When will you come to me? I will conduct my business with integrity in the midst of my palace. ² 

So now, you kings, do what is wise; ¹  you rulers of the earth, submit to correction! ² 

Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these days?” ¹  for it is not wise to ask that. ² 

On every mission on which Saul sent him, David achieved success. So Saul appointed him over the men of war. This pleased not only all the army, but also Saul’s servants. ¹ 

Listen to my instruction ¹  so that you may be wise, ²  and do not neglect it.

When Jesus saw that he had answered thoughtfully, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Then no one dared any longer to question him.

Encourage younger men likewise to be self-controlled, ¹