I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the LORD's house."

What if the LORD had not been on our side? Answer, O Israel!

How wonderful it is, how pleasant, for God's people to live together in harmony!

(Moses was a humble man, more humble than anyone else on earth.)

This will keep him from thinking that he is better than other Israelites and from disobeying the LORD's commands in any way. Then he will reign for many years, and his descendants will rule Israel for many generations.

Samuel took the olive oil and anointed David in front of his brothers. Immediately the spirit of the LORD took control of David and was with him from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah.

One of his attendants said, "Jesse of the town of Bethlehem has a son who is a good musician. He is also a brave and handsome man, a good soldier, and an able speaker. The LORD is with him."

Then Saul sent a message to Jesse: "I like David. Let him stay here in my service."

David would go back to Bethlehem from time to time, to take care of his father's sheep.

Eliab, David's oldest brother, heard David talking to the men. He became angry with David and said, "What are you doing here? Who is taking care of those sheep of yours out there in the wilderness? You smart aleck, you! You just came to watch the fighting!"

"Now what have I done?" David asked. "Can't I even ask a question?"

So they told this to David, and he answered, "It's a great honor to become the king's son-in-law, too great for someone poor and insignificant like me."

Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest.

With all humility and many tears I did my work as the Lord's servant during the hard times that came to me because of the plots of some Jews.

We did not try to get praise from anyone, either from you or from others,

even though as apostles of Christ we could have made demands on you. But we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother taking care of her children.

You are our witnesses, and so is God, that our conduct toward you who believe was pure, right, and without fault.

He chose his servant David; he took him from the pastures,

David took care of them with unselfish devotion and led them with skill.

But, LORD, I never urged you to bring disaster on them; I did not wish a time of trouble for them. LORD, you know this; you know what I have said.

Are you looking for special treatment for yourself ? Don't do it. I am bringing disaster on all people, but you will at least escape with your life, wherever you go. I, the LORD, have spoken."

Amos answered, "I am not the kind of prophet who prophesies for pay. I am a herdsman, and I take care of fig trees.

But the LORD took me from my work as a shepherd and ordered me to come and prophesy to his people Israel.

Have the same concern for everyone. Do not be proud, but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourselves as wise.

Your knowledge of me is too deep; it is beyond my understanding.

You ask how I dare question your wisdom when I am so very ignorant. I talked about things I did not understand, about marvels too great for me to know.

How great are God's riches! How deep are his wisdom and knowledge! Who can explain his decisions? Who can understand his ways?