Proverbs 21

“TO do righteousness and justice is preferred by the Lord more than sacrifice.” Proverbs 21:3, (NASV)
 
Take my children’s hearts, oh God, and place them in Your hands. Direct their hearts wherever You please for You weigh each one and give discernment. May they do what is right and just in Your eyes as offerings more fragrant than sacrifices. In turn, keep them from haughtiness or pride. Oh Lord, make them hard workers and bless their honest efforts with profit. In the same way, keep deviousness, violence, and wickedness far from them, oh God, so You may draw near and do what is right. Yet give them joyful spirits and mouths filled with loving and encouraging tongues. May my daughter or future son’s wife not be quarrelsome or ill-tempered. But make her one whom wisely listens to instruction and gains knowledge. Grant them compassion for the poor, oh Lord, while You give them joy in serving You. Keep them true to the path of understanding, I plead, so they may be given life. May my children not covet worldly pleasures but help them wisely store their resources rather than devour them away. Yet may they find life, righteousness, and honor by pursuing righteousness while breaking down strongholds and guarding their mouths. Keep them from pride, arrogance, and laziness as well as lies and evil intent. But form them to be thoughtful and obedient in their ways. Make my children ready for the day of battle, oh God, so they may be victorious.