6 Start a youth out on his way;  *

even when he grows old he will not depart from it.

24 The one who will not use the rod hates his son,  *

but the one who loves him disciplines him diligently.  *

7 A righteous person acts with integrity;  *

his children who come after him will be happy.  *

24 The father of a righteous son will rejoice greatly,

and one who fathers a wise son will delight in him.  *

26 In the fear of the  Lord one has strong confidence

and his children have a refuge.  *

12 Honor your father and your mother  * so that you may have a long life in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

3 Sons are indeed a heritage from the  Lord,

offspring, a reward.  *

4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior

are the sons born in one’s youth.  *

5 Happy is the man who has filled his quiver with them.  *

They will never be put to shame

when they speak with their enemies at the city gate.  *

15 But if it doesn’t please you to worship the Lord, choose for yourselves today: Which will you worship — the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living?  * As for me and my family, we will worship the Lord."

13 Be alert, stand firm in the faith,  * be courageous,  * be strong.

20 So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion.*He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed*him.21 The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’

22 "But the father told his servants, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe*and put it on him; put a ring*on his finger and sandals*on his feet.23 Then bring the fattened calf*and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast,