Old Testament

The Book of Psalms Chapter 94:1-23

O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs--
O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth!

Rise up, O Judge of the earth;
Render punishment to the proud.

Lord, how long will the wicked,
How long will the wicked triumph?

They utter speech, and speak insolent things;
All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves.

They break in pieces Your people, O Lord,
And afflict Your heritage.

They slay the widow and the stranger,
And murder the fatherless.

Yet they say, "The Lord does not see,
Nor does the God of Jacob understand."

Understand, you senseless among the people;
And you fools, when will you be wise?

He who planted the ear, shall He not hear?
He who formed the eye, shall He not see?

He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct,
He who teaches man knowledge?

The Lord knows the thoughts of man,
That they are futile.

Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord,
And teach out of Your law,

That You may give him rest from the days of adversity,
Until the pit is dug for the wicked.

For the Lord will not cast off His people,
Nor will He forsake His inheritance.

But judgment will return to righteousness,
And all the upright in heart will follow it.

Who will rise up for me against the evildoers?
Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?

Unless the Lord had been my help,
My soul would soon have settled in silence.

If I say, "My foot slips,"
Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up.

In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.

Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law,
Have fellowship with You?

They gather together against the life of the righteous,
And condemn innocent blood.

But the Lord has been my defense,
And my God the rock of my refuge.

He has brought on them their own iniquity,
And shall cut them off in their own wickedness;
The Lord our God shall cut them off.

New Testament (NKJV)

The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians Chapter 4:1-7-16-18

Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here. Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me. Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.

Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it." This salutation by my own hand--Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.