'Dear' in the Bible
How long, you simple ones, will foolish things be dear to you? and pride a delight to the haters of authority? how long will the foolish go on hating knowledge?
For to those who are dear to him the Lord says sharp words, and makes the son in whom he has delight undergo pain.
Do not say sharp words to a man of pride, or he will have hate for you; make them clear to a wise man, and you will be dear to him.
The way of the evil-doer is disgusting to the Lord, but he who goes after righteousness is dear to him.
Lips of righteousness are the delight of kings; and he who says what is upright is dear to him.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and those to whom it is dear will have its fruit for their food.
He whose heart is clean is dear to the Lord; for the grace of his lips the king will be his friend.
And by knowledge its rooms are full of all dear and pleasing things.