To Understand

"To understand a proverb and the interpretation, the words of the wise and their dark sayings:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;

But fools despise wisdom and instruction."

Prov. 1:6-7

"These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs; but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall show you plainly of the Father." -- John 16:25

Wise

"Let no one deceive himself.  If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise." -- 1 Cor. 3:18 (NKJV)

Know This

"Therefore if Christ appear in the likeness of an angry judge, or of a lawgiver, that requireth a strict account of our life past, then let us assure ourselves that it is not Christ, but a raging fiend.  For Scripture setteth forth Christ to be our reconciliation, our advocate, our comforter.  Such a one He ever is, and ever shall be.  He cannot be unlike Himself."

-- Martin Luther, Commentary on Galatians, Ch. 5, v. 2

Security

"God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." -- 1 Cor. 1:9 (NKJV)

What Works

"Trust in the Lord, and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." -- Psalm 37:3 (KJV)

Ransom

"Truly no man can ransom another, or give to God the price of his life ... that he should live forever and never see the pit ... But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for he will receive me.  Selah." -- Psalm 49: 7, 9, 15 (ESV)

Acceptable

"In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality.  But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him." -- Acts 10:34b-35 NKJV