Girl Read Your Bible: Guided Bible Reading Plan Volume 2

Jesus’ Compassion: The Heart of Missional Living

Pastor: The Leadership Trap That Destroyed King Zedekiah (And How to Avoid It)

Faith Formation Framework Series 4: Faith Catalyzed by Family Intimacy and Intentionality

Ready for Action

What the Bible Says About ... Volume 2

Who Am I, Really? Discovering the You God Had in Mind

Behind Closed Doors

The Holy Spirit: God Through Us

Be Fruitful

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 bkPRO">
      <div class="chapter ch29" data-usfm="PRO.29">
         <div class="label">29</div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.29.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.29.1"><span class="content">will suddenly be destroyed&#8212;without remedy.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.29.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.29.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.29.2"><span class="content">when the wicked rule, the people groan.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.29.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.29.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.29.3"><span class="content">but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.29.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.29.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">By justice a king gives a country stability,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.29.4"><span class="content">but those who are greedy for</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">29:4 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">who give</span></span></span><span class="content"> bribes tear it down.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.29.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.29.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Those who flatter their neighbors</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.29.5"><span class="content">are spreading nets for their feet.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.29.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.29.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Evildoers are snared by their own sin,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.29.6"><span class="content">but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.29.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.29.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">The righteous care about justice for the poor,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.29.7"><span class="content">but the wicked have no such concern.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.29.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.29.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Mockers stir up a city,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.29.8"><span class="content">but the wise turn away anger.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.29.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.29.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">If a wise person goes to court with a fool,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.29.9"><span class="content">the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.29.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.29.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.29.10"><span class="content">and seek to kill the upright.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.29.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.29.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Fools give full vent to their rage,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.29.11"><span class="content">but the wise bring calm in the end.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.29.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.29.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">If a ruler listens to lies,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.29.12"><span class="content">all his officials become wicked.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.29.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.29.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">The poor and the oppressor have this in common:</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.29.13"><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> gives sight to the eyes of both.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.29.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.29.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">If a king judges the poor with fairness,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.29.14"><span class="content">his throne will be established forever.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.29.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.29.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.29.15"><span class="content">but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.29.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.29.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">When the wicked thrive, so does sin,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.29.16"><span class="content">but the righteous will see their downfall.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.29.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.29.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.29.17"><span class="content">they will bring you the delights you desire.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.29.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.29.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.29.18"><span class="content">but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom&#8217;s instruction.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.29.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.29.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Servants cannot be corrected by mere words;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.29.19"><span class="content">though they understand, they will not respond.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.29.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.29.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Do you see someone who speaks in haste?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.29.20"><span class="content">There is more hope for a fool than for them.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.29.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.29.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">A servant pampered from youth</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.29.21"><span class="content">will turn out to be insolent.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.29.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.29.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">An angry person stirs up conflict,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.29.22"><span class="content">and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.29.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.29.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Pride brings a person low,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.29.23"><span class="content">but the lowly in spirit gain honor.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.29.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.29.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.29.24"><span class="content">they are put under oath and dare not testify.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.29.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.29.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Fear of man will prove to be a snare,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.29.25"><span class="content">but whoever trusts in the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> is kept safe.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.29.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.29.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Many seek an audience with a ruler,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.29.26"><span class="content">but it is from the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> that one gets justice.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.29.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.29.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">The righteous detest the dishonest;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.29.27"><span class="content">the wicked detest the upright.</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 bkPRO">
      <div class="chapter ch31" data-usfm="PRO.31">
         <div class="label">31</div><div class="ms1"><span class="heading">Sayings of King Lemuel</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.31.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">The sayings of King Lemuel&#8212;an inspired utterance his mother taught him.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.31.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.31.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb!</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.31.2"><span class="content">Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.31.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.31.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Do not spend your strength</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">31:3 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">wealth</span></span></span><span class="content"> on women,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.31.3"><span class="content">your vigor on those who ruin kings.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.31.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.31.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">It is not for kings, Lemuel&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.31.4"><span class="content">it is not for kings to drink wine,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.31.4"><span class="content">not for rulers to crave beer,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.31.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.31.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">lest they drink and forget what has been decreed,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.31.5"><span class="content">and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.31.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.31.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Let beer be for those who are perishing,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.31.6"><span class="content">wine for those who are in anguish!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.31.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.31.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Let them drink and forget their poverty</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.31.7"><span class="content">and remember their misery no more.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.31.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.31.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.31.8"><span class="content">for the rights of all who are destitute.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.31.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.31.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Speak up and judge fairly;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.31.9"><span class="content">defend the rights of the poor and needy.</span></span></div><div class="ms1"><span class="heading">Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.31.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.31.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="ft">  </span><span class="fr">31:10 </span><span class="ft">  </span><span class="ft">Verses 10-31 are an acrostic poem, the verses of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.</span><span class="ft">  </span></span></span><span class="content"> A wife of noble character who can find?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.31.10"><span class="content">She is worth far more than rubies.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.31.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.31.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Her husband has full confidence in her</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.31.11"><span class="content">and lacks nothing of value.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.31.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.31.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">She brings him good, not harm,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.31.12"><span class="content">all the days of her life.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.31.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.31.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">She selects wool and flax</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.31.13"><span class="content">and works with eager hands.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.31.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.31.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">She is like the merchant ships,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.31.14"><span class="content">bringing her food from afar.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.31.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.31.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">She gets up while it is still night;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.31.15"><span class="content">she provides food for her family</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.31.15"><span class="content">and portions for her female servants.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.31.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.31.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">She considers a field and buys it;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.31.16"><span class="content">out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.31.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.31.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">She sets about her work vigorously;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.31.17"><span class="content">her arms are strong for her tasks.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.31.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.31.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">She sees that her trading is profitable,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.31.18"><span class="content">and her lamp does not go out at night.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.31.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.31.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">In her hand she holds the distaff</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.31.19"><span class="content">and grasps the spindle with her fingers.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.31.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.31.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">She opens her arms to the poor</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.31.20"><span class="content">and extends her hands to the needy.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.31.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.31.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">When it snows, she has no fear for her household;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.31.21"><span class="content">for all of them are clothed in scarlet.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.31.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.31.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">She makes coverings for her bed;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.31.22"><span class="content">she is clothed in fine linen and purple.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.31.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.31.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Her husband is respected at the city gate,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.31.23"><span class="content">where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.31.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.31.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">She makes linen garments and sells them,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.31.24"><span class="content">and supplies the merchants with sashes.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.31.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.31.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">She is clothed with strength and dignity;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.31.25"><span class="content">she can laugh at the days to come.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.31.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.31.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">She speaks with wisdom,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.31.26"><span class="content">and faithful instruction is on her tongue.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.31.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.31.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">She watches over the affairs of her household</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.31.27"><span class="content">and does not eat the bread of idleness.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.31.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.31.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Her children arise and call her blessed;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.31.28"><span class="content">her husband also, and he praises her:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.31.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.31.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">&#8220;Many women do noble things,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.31.29"><span class="content">but you surpass them all.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.31.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.31.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.31.30"><span class="content">but a woman who fears the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> is to be praised.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.31.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.31.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Honor her for all that her hands have done,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.31.31"><span class="content">and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkECC">
      <div class="chapter ch1" data-usfm="ECC.1">
         <div class="label">1</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Everything Is Meaningless</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.1.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">The words of the Teacher,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:1 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">the leader of the assembly</span><span class="ft">; also in verses 2 and 12</span></span></span><span class="content"> son of David, king in Jerusalem:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.1.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.1.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">&#8220;Meaningless! Meaningless!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.1.2"><span class="content">says the Teacher.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.1.2"><span class="content">&#8220;Utterly meaningless!</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.1.2"><span class="content">Everything is meaningless.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.1.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.1.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">What do people gain from all their labors</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.1.3"><span class="content">at which they toil under the sun?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.1.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.1.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Generations come and generations go,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.1.4"><span class="content">but the earth remains forever.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.1.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.1.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">The sun rises and the sun sets,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.1.5"><span class="content">and hurries back to where it rises.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.1.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.1.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The wind blows to the south</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.1.6"><span class="content">and turns to the north;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.1.6"><span class="content">round and round it goes,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.1.6"><span class="content">ever returning on its course.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.1.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.1.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">All streams flow into the sea,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.1.7"><span class="content">yet the sea is never full.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.1.7"><span class="content">To the place the streams come from,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.1.7"><span class="content">there they return again.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.1.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.1.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">All things are wearisome,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.1.8"><span class="content">more than one can say.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.1.8"><span class="content">The eye never has enough of seeing,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.1.8"><span class="content">nor the ear its fill of hearing.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.1.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.1.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">What has been will be again,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.1.9"><span class="content">what has been done will be done again;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.1.9"><span class="content">there is nothing new under the sun.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.1.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.1.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Is there anything of which one can say,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.1.10"><span class="content">&#8220;Look! This is something new&#8221;?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.1.10"><span class="content">It was here already, long ago;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.1.10"><span class="content">it was here before our time.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.1.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.1.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">No one remembers the former generations,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.1.11"><span class="content">and even those yet to come</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.1.11"><span class="content">will not be remembered</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.1.11"><span class="content">by those who follow them.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Wisdom Is Meaningless</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.1.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.1.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.1.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens. What a heavy burden God has laid on mankind! </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.1.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.1.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.1.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">What is crooked cannot be straightened;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.1.15"><span class="content">what is lacking cannot be counted.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.1.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.1.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">I said to myself, &#8220;Look, I have increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.1.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.1.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.1.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">For with much wisdom comes much sorrow;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.1.18"><span class="content">the more knowledge, the more grief.</span></span></div>
      </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkECC">
      <div class="chapter ch2" data-usfm="ECC.2">
         <div class="label">2</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Pleasures Are Meaningless</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ECC.2.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">I said to myself, &#8220;Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good.&#8221; But that also proved to be meaningless. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ECC.2.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">&#8220;Laughter,&#8221; I said, &#8220;is madness. And what does pleasure accomplish?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.2.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly&#8212;my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was good for people to do under the heavens during the few days of their lives.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ECC.2.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ECC.2.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ECC.2.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ECC.2.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ECC.2.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ECC.2.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired male and female singers, and a harem</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">2:8 </span><span class="ft">The meaning of the Hebrew for this phrase is uncertain.</span></span></span><span class="content"> as well&#8212;the delights of a man&#8217;s heart. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.2.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ECC.2.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.2.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.2.10"><span class="content">I refused my heart no pleasure.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.2.10"><span class="content">My heart took delight in all my labor,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.2.10"><span class="content">and this was the reward for all my toil.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ECC.2.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.2.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.2.11"><span class="content">and what I had toiled to achieve,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.2.11"><span class="content">everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.2.11"><span class="content">nothing was gained under the sun.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Wisdom and Folly Are Meaningless</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ECC.2.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.2.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Then I turned my thoughts to consider wisdom,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.2.12"><span class="content">and also madness and folly.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.2.12"><span class="content">What more can the king&#8217;s successor do</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.2.12"><span class="content">than what has already been done?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ECC.2.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.2.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">I saw that wisdom is better than folly,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.2.13"><span class="content">just as light is better than darkness.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ECC.2.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.2.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">The wise have eyes in their heads,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.2.14"><span class="content">while the fool walks in the darkness;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.2.14"><span class="content">but I came to realize</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.2.14"><span class="content">that the same fate overtakes them both.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ECC.2.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.2.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Then I said to myself,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.2.15"><span class="content">&#8220;The fate of the fool will overtake me also.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.2.15"><span class="content">What then do I gain by being wise?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.2.15"><span class="content">I said to myself,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.2.15"><span class="content">&#8220;This too is meaningless.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ECC.2.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.2.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">For the wise, like the fool, will not be long remembered;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.2.16"><span class="content">the days have already come when both have been forgotten.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.2.16"><span class="content">Like the fool, the wise too must die!</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Toil Is Meaningless</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ECC.2.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ECC.2.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ECC.2.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ECC.2.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ECC.2.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ECC.2.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">For a person may labor with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then they must leave all they own to another who has not toiled for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ECC.2.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ECC.2.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ECC.2.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ECC.2.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ECC.2.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ECC.2.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">To the person who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

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