So Ezra brought it to the place where the people had gathered---men, women, and the children who were old enough to understand.

There in the square by the gate he read the Law to them from dawn until noon, and they all listened attentively.

So all the people went home and ate and drank joyfully and shared what they had with others, because they understood what had been read to them.

They discovered that the Law, which the LORD gave through Moses, ordered the people of Israel to live in temporary shelters during the Festival of Shelters.

For about three hours the Law of the LORD their God was read to them, and for the next three hours they confessed their sins and worshiped the LORD their God.

"Now, young people, listen to me. Do as I say, and you will be happy.

Those who listen to me will be happy--- those who stay at my door every day, waiting at the entrance to my home.

Be careful about going to the Temple. It is better to go there to learn than to offer sacrifices like foolish people who don't know right from wrong.

So many people came together that there was no room left, not even out in front of the door. Jesus was preaching the message to them

David himself called him 'Lord'; so how can the Messiah be David's descendant?" A large crowd was listening to Jesus gladly.

One day when many tax collectors and other outcasts came to listen to Jesus,

but they could not find a way to do it, because all the people kept listening to him, not wanting to miss a single word.

They spent their time in learning from the apostles, taking part in the fellowship, and sharing in the fellowship meals and the prayers.

And so I sent for you at once, and you have been good enough to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God, waiting to hear anything that the Lord has instructed you to say."

As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to come back the next Sabbath and tell them more about these things.

The next Sabbath nearly everyone in the town came to hear the word of the Lord.

The people there were more open-minded than the people in Thessalonica. They listened to the message with great eagerness, and every day they studied the Scriptures to see if what Paul said was really true.

And there is another reason why we always give thanks to God. When we brought you God's message, you heard it and accepted it, not as a message from human beings but as God's message, which indeed it is. For God is at work in you who believe.

Do any of you think you are religious? If you do not control your tongue, your religion is worthless and you deceive yourself.

My friends, not many of you should become teachers. As you know, we teachers will be judged with greater strictness than others.

All of us often make mistakes. But if a person never makes a mistake in what he says, he is perfect and is also able to control his whole being.

The more you talk, the more likely you are to sin. If you are wise, you will keep quiet.

Be careful what you say and protect your life. A careless talker destroys himself.

When wise people speak, they make knowledge attractive, but stupid people spout nonsense.

Those who are sure of themselves do not talk all the time. People who stay calm have real insight.

Listen before you answer. If you don't, you are being stupid and insulting.

What you say can preserve life or destroy it; so you must accept the consequences of your words.

If you want to stay out of trouble, be careful what you say.

Think before you speak, and don't make any rash promises to God. He is in heaven and you are on earth, so don't say any more than you have to.

The more you worry, the more likely you are to have bad dreams, and the more you talk, the more likely you are to say something foolish.

They refused to obey; they forgot all you did; they forgot the miracles you had performed. In their pride they chose a leader to take them back to slavery in Egypt. But you are a God who forgives; you are gracious and loving, slow to be angry. Your mercy is great; you did not forsake them.

People with a hot temper do foolish things; wiser people remain calm.

If you stay calm, you are wise, but if you have a hot temper, you only show how stupid you are.

Hot tempers cause arguments, but patience brings peace.

It is better to be patient than powerful. It is better to win control over yourself than over whole cities.

The start of an argument is like the first break in a dam; stop it before it goes any further.

If you are sensible, you will control your temper. When someone wrongs you, it is a great virtue to ignore it.

If someone has a hot temper, let him take the consequences. If you get him out of trouble once, you will have to do it again.

If you cannot control your anger, you are as helpless as a city without walls, open to attack.

The end of something is better than its beginning. Patience is better than pride.

Keep your temper under control; it is foolish to harbor a grudge.

But now I tell you: if you are angry with your brother you will be brought to trial, if you call your brother 'You good-for-nothing!' you will be brought before the Council, and if you call your brother a worthless fool you will be in danger of going to the fire of hell.

in worship of idols and witchcraft. People become enemies and they fight; they become jealous, angry, and ambitious. They separate into parties and groups;

they are envious, get drunk, have orgies, and do other things like these. I warn you now as I have before: those who do these things will not possess the Kingdom of God.

If you become angry, do not let your anger lead you into sin, and do not stay angry all day.

Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort.

But now you must get rid of all these things: anger, passion, and hateful feelings. No insults or obscene talk must ever come from your lips.

The peace that Christ gives is to guide you in the decisions you make; for it is to this peace that God has called you together in the one body. And be thankful.