But once Jehoiada was dead, the leaders of Judah persuaded King Joash to listen to them instead.

And so the people stopped worshiping in the Temple of the LORD, the God of their ancestors, and began to worship idols and the images of the goddess Asherah. Their guilt for these sins brought the LORD's anger on Judah and Jerusalem.

My child, when sinners tempt you, don't give in.

Honest people will treat you fairly; the wicked only want to deceive you.

Keep company with the wise and you will become wise. If you make friends with stupid people, you will be ruined.

My child, when you stop learning, you will soon neglect what you already know.