17. He gave each nation its own ruler, but Israel is the Lord's own possession.
19. The Lord is always watching what people do; everything they do is as clear as day to him.
20. None of their sins are hidden from him; he is aware of them all.
22. When we give to the poor, the Lord considers it as precious as a valuable ring. Human kindness is as precious to him as life itself.
23. Later he will judge the wicked and punish them; they will get what they deserve.
24. But the Lord will allow those who repent to return to him. He always gives encouragement to those who are losing hope.
25. Come to the Lord, and leave your sin behind. Pray sincerely that he will help you to live a better life.
26. Return to the Most High and turn away from sin. Have an intense hatred for wickedness.
27. Those who are alive can give thanks to the Lord, but can anyone in the world of the dead sing praise to the Most High?
28. A person who is alive and well can sing the Lord's praises, but the dead, who no longer exist, have no way to give him thanks.
29. How great is the Lord's merciful forgiveness of those who turn to him!