At Thy Word With Reverend Matthew Watley

Chosen and Set Apart: Walking in Your God-Given Identity

21 Days After City Week

Next Steps | a 3-Day Skate Church Movement Devotional

5 Ways Sacrifice Integrates Faith and Work

The Promise of Revival

Song of Solomon | Chapter Summaries + Study Questions

Thriving at Work

Rise and Write: Overcoming 3 Common Obstacles Christian Writers Face

Soul Food

The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

New International Version™  (Anglicised), Audio Edition

Holy Bible, New International Version™ (Anglicised), South Asian Audio Edition

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPSA">
      <div class="chapter ch35" data-usfm="PSA.35">
         <div class="label">35</div><div class="cl"><span class="heading">Psalm 35</span></div><div class="d"><span class="content">Of David.</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.35.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Contend, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, with those who contend with me;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.35.1"><span class="content">fight against those who fight against me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.35.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.35.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Take up shield and armor;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.35.2"><span class="content">arise and come to my aid.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.35.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.35.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Brandish spear and javelin</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">35:3 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">and block the way</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.35.3"><span class="content">against those who pursue me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.35.3"><span class="content">Say to me,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.35.3"><span class="content">&#8220;I am your salvation.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.35.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.35.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">May those who seek my life</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.35.4"><span class="content">be disgraced and put to shame;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.35.4"><span class="content">may those who plot my ruin</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.35.4"><span class="content">be turned back in dismay.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.35.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.35.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">May they be like chaff before the wind,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.35.5"><span class="content">with the angel of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> driving them away;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.35.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.35.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">may their path be dark and slippery,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.35.6"><span class="content">with the angel of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> pursuing them.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.35.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.35.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Since they hid their net for me without cause</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.35.7"><span class="content">and without cause dug a pit for me,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.35.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.35.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">may ruin overtake them by surprise&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.35.8"><span class="content">may the net they hid entangle them,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.35.8"><span class="content">may they fall into the pit, to their ruin.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.35.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.35.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Then my soul will rejoice in the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.35.9"><span class="content">and delight in his salvation.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.35.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.35.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">My whole being will exclaim,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.35.10"><span class="content">&#8220;Who is like you, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.35.10"><span class="content">You rescue the poor from those too strong for them,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.35.10"><span class="content">the poor and needy from those who rob them.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.35.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.35.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Ruthless witnesses come forward;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.35.11"><span class="content">they question me on things I know nothing about.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.35.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.35.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">They repay me evil for good</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.35.12"><span class="content">and leave me like one bereaved.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.35.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.35.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.35.13"><span class="content">and humbled myself with fasting.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.35.13"><span class="content">When my prayers returned to me unanswered,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.35.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.35.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">I went about mourning</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.35.14"><span class="content">as though for my friend or brother.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.35.14"><span class="content">I bowed my head in grief</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.35.14"><span class="content">as though weeping for my mother.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.35.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.35.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">But when I stumbled, they gathered in glee;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.35.15"><span class="content">assailants gathered against me without my knowledge.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.35.15"><span class="content">They slandered me without ceasing.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.35.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.35.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">35:16 </span><span class="ft">Septuagint; Hebrew may mean </span><span class="fqa">Like an ungodly circle of mockers,</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.35.16"><span class="content">they gnashed their teeth at me.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.35.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PSA.35.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">How long, Lord, will you look on?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PSA.35.17"><span class="content">Rescue me from their ravages,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PSA.35.17"><span class="content">my precious life from these lions.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PSA.35.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PSA.35.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">I will give you thanks in the great assembly;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PSA.35.18"><span class="content">among the throngs I will praise you.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PSA.35.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PSA.35.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Do not let those gloat over me</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PSA.35.19"><span class="content">who are my enemies without cause;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PSA.35.19"><span class="content">do not let those who hate me without reason</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PSA.35.19"><span class="content">maliciously wink the eye.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PSA.35.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PSA.35.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">They do not speak peaceably,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PSA.35.20"><span class="content">but devise false accusations</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PSA.35.20"><span class="content">against those who live quietly in the land.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PSA.35.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PSA.35.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">They sneer at me and say, &#8220;Aha! Aha!</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PSA.35.21"><span class="content">With our own eyes we have seen it.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PSA.35.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PSA.35.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, you have seen this; do not be silent.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PSA.35.22"><span class="content">Do not be far from me, Lord.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PSA.35.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PSA.35.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Awake, and rise to my defense!</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PSA.35.23"><span class="content">Contend for me, my God and Lord.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PSA.35.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PSA.35.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Vindicate me in your righteousness, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> my God;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PSA.35.24"><span class="content">do not let them gloat over me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PSA.35.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PSA.35.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Do not let them think, &#8220;Aha, just what we wanted!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PSA.35.25"><span class="content">or say, &#8220;We have swallowed him up.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PSA.35.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PSA.35.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">May all who gloat over my distress</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PSA.35.26"><span class="content">be put to shame and confusion;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PSA.35.26"><span class="content">may all who exalt themselves over me</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PSA.35.26"><span class="content">be clothed with shame and disgrace.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PSA.35.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PSA.35.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">May those who delight in my vindication</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PSA.35.27"><span class="content">shout for joy and gladness;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PSA.35.27"><span class="content">may they always say, &#8220;The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> be exalted,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PSA.35.27"><span class="content">who delights in the well-being of his servant.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PSA.35.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PSA.35.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">My tongue will proclaim your righteousness,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PSA.35.28"><span class="content">your praises all day long.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPRO">
      <div class="chapter ch30" data-usfm="PRO.30">
         <div class="label">30</div><div class="ms1"><span class="heading">Sayings of Agur</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.30.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh&#8212;an inspired utterance.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.30.1"><span class="content">This man&#8217;s utterance to Ithiel:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.30.1"><span class="content">&#8220;I am weary, God,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.30.1"><span class="content">but I can prevail.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">30:1 </span><span class="ft">With a different word division of the Hebrew; Masoretic Text </span><span class="fqa">utterance to Ithiel, / to Ithiel and Ukal:</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.30.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.30.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Surely I am only a brute, not a man;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.30.2"><span class="content">I do not have human understanding.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.30.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.30.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">I have not learned wisdom,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.30.3"><span class="content">nor have I attained to the knowledge of the Holy One.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.30.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.30.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Who has gone up to heaven and come down?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.30.4"><span class="content">Whose hands have gathered up the wind?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.30.4"><span class="content">Who has wrapped up the waters in a cloak?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.30.4"><span class="content">Who has established all the ends of the earth?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.30.4"><span class="content">What is his name, and what is the name of his son?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.30.4"><span class="content">Surely you know!</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.30.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.30.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">&#8220;Every word of God is flawless;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.30.5"><span class="content">he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.30.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.30.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Do not add to his words,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.30.6"><span class="content">or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.30.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.30.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">&#8220;Two things I ask of you, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.30.7"><span class="content">do not refuse me before I die:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.30.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.30.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Keep falsehood and lies far from me;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.30.8"><span class="content">give me neither poverty nor riches,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.30.8"><span class="content">but give me only my daily bread.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.30.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.30.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.30.9"><span class="content">and say, &#8216;Who is the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">?&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.30.9"><span class="content">Or I may become poor and steal,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.30.9"><span class="content">and so dishonor the name of my God.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.30.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.30.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">&#8220;Do not slander a servant to their master,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.30.10"><span class="content">or they will curse you, and you will pay for it.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.30.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.30.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">&#8220;There are those who curse their fathers</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.30.11"><span class="content">and do not bless their mothers;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.30.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.30.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">those who are pure in their own eyes</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.30.12"><span class="content">and yet are not cleansed of their filth;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.30.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.30.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">those whose eyes are ever so haughty,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.30.13"><span class="content">whose glances are so disdainful;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.30.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.30.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">those whose teeth are swords</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.30.14"><span class="content">and whose jaws are set with knives</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.30.14"><span class="content">to devour the poor from the earth</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.30.14"><span class="content">and the needy from among mankind.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.30.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.30.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">&#8220;The leech has two daughters.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.30.15"><span class="content">&#8216;Give! Give!&#8217; they cry.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.30.15"><span class="content">&#8220;There are three things that are never satisfied,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.30.15"><span class="content">four that never say, &#8216;Enough!&#8217;:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.30.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.30.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">the grave, the barren womb,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.30.16"><span class="content">land, which is never satisfied with water,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.30.16"><span class="content">and fire, which never says, &#8216;Enough!&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.30.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.30.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">&#8220;The eye that mocks a father,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.30.17"><span class="content">that scorns an aged mother,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.30.17"><span class="content">will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.30.17"><span class="content">will be eaten by the vultures.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.30.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.30.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">&#8220;There are three things that are too amazing for me,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.30.18"><span class="content">four that I do not understand:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.30.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.30.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">the way of an eagle in the sky,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.30.19"><span class="content">the way of a snake on a rock,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.30.19"><span class="content">the way of a ship on the high seas,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.30.19"><span class="content">and the way of a man with a young woman.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.30.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.30.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">&#8220;This is the way of an adulterous woman:</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.30.20"><span class="content">She eats and wipes her mouth</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.30.20"><span class="content">and says, &#8216;I&#8217;ve done nothing wrong.&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.30.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.30.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">&#8220;Under three things the earth trembles,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.30.21"><span class="content">under four it cannot bear up:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.30.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.30.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">a servant who becomes king,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.30.22"><span class="content">a godless fool who gets plenty to eat,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.30.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.30.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">a contemptible woman who gets married,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.30.23"><span class="content">and a servant who displaces her mistress.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.30.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.30.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">&#8220;Four things on earth are small,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.30.24"><span class="content">yet they are extremely wise:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.30.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.30.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Ants are creatures of little strength,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.30.25"><span class="content">yet they store up their food in the summer;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.30.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.30.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">hyraxes are creatures of little power,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.30.26"><span class="content">yet they make their home in the crags;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.30.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.30.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">locusts have no king,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.30.27"><span class="content">yet they advance together in ranks;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.30.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.30.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">a lizard can be caught with the hand,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.30.28"><span class="content">yet it is found in kings&#8217; palaces.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.30.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.30.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">&#8220;There are three things that are stately in their stride,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.30.29"><span class="content">four that move with stately bearing:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.30.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.30.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">a lion, mighty among beasts,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.30.30"><span class="content">who retreats before nothing;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.30.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.30.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">a strutting rooster, a he-goat,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.30.31"><span class="content">and a king secure against revolt.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">30:31 </span><span class="ft">The meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.30.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.30.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">&#8220;If you play the fool and exalt yourself,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.30.32"><span class="content">or if you plan evil,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.30.32"><span class="content">clap your hand over your mouth!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.30.32"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.30.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">For as churning cream produces butter,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.30.33"><span class="content">and as twisting the nose produces blood,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.30.33"><span class="content">so stirring up anger produces strife.&#8221;</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkMAT">
      <div class="chapter ch7" data-usfm="MAT.7">
         <div class="label">7</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Judging Others</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="MAT.7.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Do not judge, or you too will be judged.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAT.7.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAT.7.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="MAT.7.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother&#8217;s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="MAT.7.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">How can you say to your brother, &#8216;Let me take the speck out of your eye,&#8217; when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="MAT.7.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother&#8217;s eye.</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="MAT.7.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="MAT.7.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.</span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Ask, Seek, Knock</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="MAT.7.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="MAT.7.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MAT.7.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MAT.7.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MAT.7.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="MAT.7.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="MAT.7.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="MAT.7.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.</span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Narrow and Wide Gates</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="MAT.7.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="MAT.7.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="MAT.7.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.</span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">True and False Prophets</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="MAT.7.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="MAT.7.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep&#8217;s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="MAT.7.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="MAT.7.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="MAT.7.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="MAT.7.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="MAT.7.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.</span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">True and False Disciples</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="MAT.7.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="MAT.7.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Not everyone who says to me, &#8216;Lord, Lord,&#8217; will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="MAT.7.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Many will say to me on that day, &#8216;Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?&#8217;</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="MAT.7.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Then I will tell them plainly, &#8216;I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!&#8217;</span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Wise and Foolish Builders</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="MAT.7.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="MAT.7.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="MAT.7.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="MAT.7.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="MAT.7.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="MAT.7.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="MAT.7.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="MAT.7.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkROM">
      <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ROM.8">
         <div class="label">8</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Life Through the Spirit</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ROM.8.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ROM.8.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:2 </span><span class="ft">The Greek is singular; some manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">me</span></span></span><span class="content"> free from the law of sin and death. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ROM.8.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:3 </span><span class="ft">In contexts like this, the Greek word for </span><span class="fq">flesh </span><span class="ft">(<span class="tl">sarx</span>) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit; also in verses 4-13.</span></span></span><span class="content"> God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:3 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">flesh, for sin</span></span></span><span class="content"> And so he condemned sin in the flesh, </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ROM.8.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ROM.8.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ROM.8.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ROM.8.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ROM.8.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God&#8217;s law, nor can it do so. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ROM.8.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ROM.8.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ROM.8.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ROM.8.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:10 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive</span></span></span><span class="content"> because of righteousness. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ROM.8.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:11 </span><span class="ft">Some manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">bodies through</span></span></span><span class="content"> his Spirit who lives in you.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ROM.8.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ROM.8.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation&#8212;but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ROM.8.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ROM.8.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ROM.8.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ROM.8.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:15 </span><span class="ft">The Greek word for </span><span class="fq">adoption to sonship </span><span class="ft">is a term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture; also in verse 23.</span></span></span><span class="content"> And by him we cry, &#8220;</span><span class="tl"><span class="content">Abba,</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:15 </span><span class="ft">Aramaic for </span><span class="fqa">father</span></span></span><span class="content"> Father.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ROM.8.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God&#8217;s children. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ROM.8.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Now if we are children, then we are heirs&#8212;heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Present Suffering and Future Glory</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ROM.8.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ROM.8.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ROM.8.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ROM.8.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ROM.8.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">that</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:20,21 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">subjected it in hope. </span><span class="fv">21 </span><span class="fqa">For</span></span></span><span class="content"> the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ROM.8.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ROM.8.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ROM.8.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ROM.8.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ROM.8.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ROM.8.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ROM.8.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ROM.8.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God&#8217;s people in accordance with the will of God.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ROM.8.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ROM.8.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:28 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">that all things work together for good to those who love God, who</span><span class="ft">; or </span><span class="fqa">that in all things God works together with those who love him to bring about what is good&#8212;with those who</span></span></span><span class="content"> have been called according to his purpose. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ROM.8.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ROM.8.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">More Than Conquerors</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ROM.8.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ROM.8.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ROM.8.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all&#8212;how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ROM.8.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ROM.8.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died&#8212;more than that, who was raised to life&#8212;is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ROM.8.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ROM.8.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">As it is written:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ROM.8.36"><span class="content">&#8220;For your sake we face death all day long;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ROM.8.36"><span class="content">we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:36 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 44:22</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ROM.8.36"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ROM.8.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="ROM.8.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:38 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">nor heavenly rulers</span></span></span><span class="content"> neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ROM.8.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk1CH">
      <div class="chapter ch19" data-usfm="1CH.19">
         <div class="label">19</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">David Defeats the Ammonites</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="1CH.19.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">In the course of time, Nahash king of the Ammonites died, and his son succeeded him as king. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="1CH.19.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">David thought, &#8220;I will show kindness to Hanun son of Nahash, because his father showed kindness to me.&#8221; So David sent a delegation to express his sympathy to Hanun concerning his father.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="1CH.19.2"><span class="content">When David&#8217;s envoys came to Hanun in the land of the Ammonites to express sympathy to him, </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="1CH.19.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">the Ammonite commanders said to Hanun, &#8220;Do you think David is honoring your father by sending envoys to you to express sympathy? Haven&#8217;t his envoys come to you only to explore and spy out the country and overthrow it?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="1CH.19.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">So Hanun seized David&#8217;s envoys, shaved them, cut off their garments at the buttocks, and sent them away.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="1CH.19.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="1CH.19.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">When someone came and told David about the men, he sent messengers to meet them, for they were greatly humiliated. The king said, &#8220;Stay at Jericho till your beards have grown, and then come back.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="1CH.19.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="1CH.19.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">When the Ammonites realized that they had become obnoxious to David, Hanun and the Ammonites sent a thousand talents</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">19:6 </span><span class="ft">That is, about 38 tons or about 34 metric tons</span></span></span><span class="content"> of silver to hire chariots and charioteers from Aram Naharaim,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">19:6 </span><span class="ft">That is, Northwest Mesopotamia</span></span></span><span class="content"> Aram Maakah and Zobah. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="1CH.19.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">They hired thirty-two thousand chariots and charioteers, as well as the king of Maakah with his troops, who came and camped near Medeba, while the Ammonites were mustered from their towns and moved out for battle.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="1CH.19.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="1CH.19.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">On hearing this, David sent Joab out with the entire army of fighting men. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="1CH.19.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">The Ammonites came out and drew up in battle formation at the entrance to their city, while the kings who had come were by themselves in the open country.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="1CH.19.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="1CH.19.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Joab saw that there were battle lines in front of him and behind him; so he selected some of the best troops in Israel and deployed them against the Arameans. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="1CH.19.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">He put the rest of the men under the command of Abishai his brother, and they were deployed against the Ammonites. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="1CH.19.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Joab said, &#8220;If the Arameans are too strong for me, then you are to rescue me; but if the Ammonites are too strong for you, then I will rescue you. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="1CH.19.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Be strong, and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> will do what is good in his sight.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="1CH.19.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="1CH.19.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Then Joab and the troops with him advanced to fight the Arameans, and they fled before him. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="1CH.19.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">When the Ammonites realized that the Arameans were fleeing, they too fled before his brother Abishai and went inside the city. So Joab went back to Jerusalem.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="1CH.19.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="1CH.19.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">After the Arameans saw that they had been routed by Israel, they sent messengers and had Arameans brought from beyond the Euphrates River, with Shophak the commander of Hadadezer&#8217;s army leading them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="1CH.19.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="1CH.19.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">When David was told of this, he gathered all Israel and crossed the Jordan; he advanced against them and formed his battle lines opposite them. David formed his lines to meet the Arameans in battle, and they fought against him. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="1CH.19.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">But they fled before Israel, and David killed seven thousand of their charioteers and forty thousand of their foot soldiers. He also killed Shophak the commander of their army.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="1CH.19.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="1CH.19.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">When the vassals of Hadadezer saw that they had been routed by Israel, they made peace with David and became subject to him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="1CH.19.19"><span class="content">So the Arameans were not willing to help the Ammonites anymore.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk1CH">
      <div class="chapter ch20" data-usfm="1CH.20">
         <div class="label">20</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Capture of Rabbah</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="1CH.20.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, Joab led out the armed forces. He laid waste the land of the Ammonites and went to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. Joab attacked Rabbah and left it in ruins. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="1CH.20.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">David took the crown from the head of their king</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">20:2 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">of Milkom, </span><span class="ft">that is, Molek</span></span></span><span class="content">&#8212;its weight was found to be a talent</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">20:2 </span><span class="ft">That is, about 75 pounds or about 34 kilograms</span></span></span><span class="content"> of gold, and it was set with precious stones&#8212;and it was placed on David&#8217;s head. He took a great quantity of plunder from the city </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="1CH.20.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">and brought out the people who were there, consigning them to labor with saws and with iron picks and axes. David did this to all the Ammonite towns. Then David and his entire army returned to Jerusalem.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">War With the Philistines</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="1CH.20.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="1CH.20.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">In the course of time, war broke out with the Philistines, at Gezer. At that time Sibbekai the Hushathite killed Sippai, one of the descendants of the Rephaites, and the Philistines were subjugated.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="1CH.20.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="1CH.20.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">In another battle with the Philistines, Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi the brother of Goliath the Gittite, who had a spear with a shaft like a weaver&#8217;s rod.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="1CH.20.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="1CH.20.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">In still another battle, which took place at Gath, there was a huge man with six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot&#8212;twenty-four in all. He also was descended from Rapha. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="1CH.20.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">When he taunted Israel, Jonathan son of Shimea, David&#8217;s brother, killed him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="1CH.20.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="1CH.20.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">These were descendants of Rapha in Gath, and they fell at the hands of David and his men.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkREV">
      <div class="chapter ch9" data-usfm="REV.9">
         <div class="label">9</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="REV.9.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="REV.9.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="REV.9.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">And out of the smoke locusts came down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="REV.9.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="REV.9.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">They were not allowed to kill them but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="REV.9.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">During those days people will seek death but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="REV.9.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="REV.9.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their heads they wore something like crowns of gold, and their faces resembled human faces. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="REV.9.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Their hair was like women&#8217;s hair, and their teeth were like lions&#8217; teeth. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="REV.9.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">They had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the thundering of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="REV.9.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">They had tails with stingers, like scorpions, and in their tails they had power to torment people for five months. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="REV.9.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon and in Greek is Apollyon (that is, Destroyer).</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="REV.9.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="REV.9.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">The first woe is past; two other woes are yet to come.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="REV.9.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="REV.9.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">The sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice coming from the four horns of the golden altar that is before God. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="REV.9.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">It said to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, &#8220;Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="REV.9.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">And the four angels who had been kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="REV.9.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">The number of the mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand. I heard their number.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="REV.9.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="REV.9.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">The horses and riders I saw in my vision looked like this: Their breastplates were fiery red, dark blue, and yellow as sulfur. The heads of the horses resembled the heads of lions, and out of their mouths came fire, smoke and sulfur. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="REV.9.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="REV.9.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">The power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails were like snakes, having heads with which they inflict injury.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="REV.9.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="REV.9.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood&#8212;idols that cannot see or hear or walk. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="REV.9.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

The Intimate PursuitSample

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