and give stability to the nation. He always protects his people and gives them wisdom and knowledge. Their greatest treasure is their reverence for the LORD.

If you do, you will know what it means to fear the LORD and you will succeed in learning about God.

If you listen to me, you will know what is right, just, and fair. You will know what you should do.

Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favor with God and people.

But just as your tongue enjoys tasting food, your ears enjoy hearing words.

You know good food when you taste it, but not wise words when you hear them.

I pray that your love will keep on growing more and more, together with true knowledge and perfect judgment,

so that you will be able to choose what is best. Then you will be free from all impurity and blame on the Day of Christ.

Solid food, on the other hand, is for adults, who through practice are able to distinguish between good and evil.

But the LORD said to him, "Pay no attention to how tall and handsome he is. I have rejected him, because I do not judge as people judge. They look at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart."

I said to myself that your promise, sir, would make me safe, because the king is like God's angel and can distinguish good from evil. May the LORD your God be with you!"

So give me the wisdom I need to rule your people with justice and to know the difference between good and evil. Otherwise, how would I ever be able to rule this great people of yours?"

When the people of Israel heard of Solomon's decision, they were all filled with deep respect for him, because they knew then that God had given him the wisdom to settle disputes fairly.

Stop judging by external standards, and judge by true standards."

You make judgments in a purely human way; I pass judgment on no one.

But if I were to do so, my judgment would be true, because I am not alone in this; the Father who sent me is with me.

So then, we do not speak in words taught by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, as we explain spiritual truths to those who have the Spirit.

Whoever has the Spirit, however, is able to judge the value of everything, but no one is able to judge him.

Now, I am not at all concerned about being judged by you or by any human standard; I don't even pass judgment on myself.

So you should not pass judgment on anyone before the right time comes. Final judgment must wait until the Lord comes; he will bring to light the dark secrets and expose the hidden purposes of people's minds. And then all will receive from God the praise they deserve.