1After the king was settled in his palace and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies around him, 2he said to Nathan the prophet, Here I am, living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God remains in a tent. 3Nathan replied to the king, Whatever you have in mind, go ahead and do it, for the Lord is with you. 4But that night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying: 5Go and tell my servant David, 'This is what the Lord says: Are you the one to build me a house to dwell in? 6I have not dwelt in a house from the day I brought the Israelites up out of Egypt to this day. I have been moving from place to place with a tent as my dwelling. 7Wherever I have moved with all the Israelites, did I ever say to any of their rulers whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, Why have you not built me a house of cedar?' 8Now then, tell my servant David, 'This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel.

9In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

1(A song of ascents. Of Solomon.)Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

13Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, 14for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. 15She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. 16Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.

11and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders Traditionally [judges] over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies. 'The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you: 12When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom.

9David was afraid of the Lord that day and said, How can the ark of the Lord ever come to me?

7The Lord's anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God.

4So the people sent men to Shiloh, and they brought back the ark of the covenant of the Lord Almighty, who is enthroned between the cherubim. And Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

3Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

5If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

27My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who Or [that all things work together for good to those who love God, who]; or [that in all things God works together with those who love him to bring about what is good-with those who] have been called according to his purpose.

11For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.