Written in Heaven: His Story, Our Lives

This Is the Day | Devotional With 3 Little Words

GOD, ME & MY TEENS!

Waiting for Jesus

Unexpected Riches: Finding the Rare Jewel of Contentment

5 Pillars of Faith & Finances: Anchored in God, Growing in Wealth

A Virtuous Life

How Long, O Lord?: A Journey From Exhaustion to Hope

Unmasking Narcissism

Connection Defeats Porn: How Deep Connection With God and Others Defeats Lust

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 bkMAT">
      <div class="chapter ch14" data-usfm="MAT.14">
         <div class="label">14</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">John the Baptist Beheaded</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="MAT.14.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAT.14.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">and he said to his attendants, &#8220;This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAT.14.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="MAT.14.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip&#8217;s wife, </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="MAT.14.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">for John had been saying to him: &#8220;It is not lawful for you to have her.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="MAT.14.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="MAT.14.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="MAT.14.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">On Herod&#8217;s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="MAT.14.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MAT.14.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Prompted by her mother, she said, &#8220;Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MAT.14.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="MAT.14.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">and had John beheaded in the prison. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="MAT.14.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="MAT.14.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">John&#8217;s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="MAT.14.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="MAT.14.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="MAT.14.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="MAT.14.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="MAT.14.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, &#8220;This is a remote place, and it&#8217;s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="MAT.14.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="MAT.14.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Jesus replied, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="MAT.14.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="MAT.14.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">&#8220;We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,&#8221; they answered.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="MAT.14.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="MAT.14.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Bring them here to me,&#8221;</span></span><span class="content"> he said. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="MAT.14.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="MAT.14.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="MAT.14.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Jesus Walks on the Water</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="MAT.14.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="MAT.14.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="MAT.14.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="MAT.14.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="MAT.14.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="MAT.14.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="MAT.14.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. &#8220;It&#8217;s a ghost,&#8221; they said, and cried out in fear.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="MAT.14.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="MAT.14.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">But Jesus immediately said to them: </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Take courage! It is I. Don&#8217;t be afraid.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="MAT.14.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="MAT.14.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">&#8220;Lord, if it&#8217;s you,&#8221; Peter replied, &#8220;tell me to come to you on the water.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="MAT.14.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="MAT.14.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Come,&#8221;</span></span><span class="content"> he said.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="MAT.14.29"><span class="content">Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="MAT.14.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, &#8220;Lord, save me!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="MAT.14.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="MAT.14.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;You of little faith,&#8221;</span></span><span class="content"> he said, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;why did you doubt?&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="MAT.14.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="MAT.14.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="MAT.14.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, &#8220;Truly you are the Son of God.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="MAT.14.33"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="MAT.14.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="MAT.14.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="MAT.14.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkMAT">
      <div class="chapter ch15" data-usfm="MAT.15">
         <div class="label">15</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">That Which Defiles</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="MAT.15.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAT.15.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">&#8220;Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don&#8217;t wash their hands before they eat!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAT.15.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="MAT.15.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Jesus replied, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="MAT.15.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">For God said, &#8216;Honor your father and mother&#8217;</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">15:4 </span><span class="ft">Exodus 20:12; Deut. 5:16</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">and &#8216;Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.&#8217;</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">15:4 </span><span class="ft">Exodus 21:17; Lev. 20:9</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="MAT.15.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is &#8216;devoted to God,&#8217;</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="MAT.15.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">they are not to &#8216;honor their father or mother&#8217; with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="MAT.15.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:</span></span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="MAT.15.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MAT.15.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;These people honor me with their lips,</span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MAT.15.8"><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">but their hearts are far from me.</span></span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MAT.15.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MAT.15.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">They worship me in vain;</span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MAT.15.9"><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">their teachings are merely human rules.&#8217;</span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="ft">  </span><span class="fr">15:9 </span><span class="ft">  </span><span class="ft">  
          Isaiah 29:13
          </span><span class="ft">  </span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MAT.15.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="MAT.15.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Jesus called the crowd to him and said, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Listen and understand.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="MAT.15.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">What goes into someone&#8217;s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="MAT.15.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="MAT.15.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Then the disciples came to him and asked, &#8220;Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="MAT.15.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="MAT.15.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">He replied, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="MAT.15.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Leave them; they are blind guides.</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">15:14 </span><span class="ft">Some manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">blind guides of the blind</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="MAT.15.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="MAT.15.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Peter said, &#8220;Explain the parable to us.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="MAT.15.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="MAT.15.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Are you still so dull?&#8221;</span></span><span class="content"> Jesus asked them. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="MAT.15.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Don&#8217;t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body?</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="MAT.15.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">But the things that come out of a person&#8217;s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="MAT.15.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">For out of the heart come evil thoughts&#8212;murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="MAT.15.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Faith of a Canaanite Woman</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="MAT.15.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="MAT.15.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="MAT.15.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, &#8220;Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="MAT.15.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="MAT.15.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, &#8220;Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="MAT.15.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="MAT.15.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">He answered, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="MAT.15.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="MAT.15.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">The woman came and knelt before him. &#8220;Lord, help me!&#8221; she said.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="MAT.15.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="MAT.15.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">He replied, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;It is not right to take the children&#8217;s bread and toss it to the dogs.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="MAT.15.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="MAT.15.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">&#8220;Yes it is, Lord,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master&#8217;s table.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="MAT.15.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="MAT.15.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Then Jesus said to her, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.&#8221;</span></span><span class="content"> And her daughter was healed at that moment.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="MAT.15.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="MAT.15.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="MAT.15.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="MAT.15.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="MAT.15.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="MAT.15.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">Jesus called his disciples to him and said, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="MAT.15.32"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="MAT.15.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">His disciples answered, &#8220;Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="MAT.15.33"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="MAT.15.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;How many loaves do you have?&#8221;</span></span><span class="content"> Jesus asked.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="MAT.15.34"><span class="content">&#8220;Seven,&#8221; they replied, &#8220;and a few small fish.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="MAT.15.34"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="MAT.15.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="MAT.15.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="MAT.15.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="MAT.15.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children. </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="MAT.15.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">After Jesus had sent the crowd away, he got into the boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan.</span></span></div>
      </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk2CH">
      <div class="chapter ch9" data-usfm="2CH.9">
         <div class="label">9</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Queen of Sheba Visits Solomon</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2CH.9.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">When the queen of Sheba heard of Solomon&#8217;s fame, she came to Jerusalem to test him with hard questions. Arriving with a very great caravan&#8212;with camels carrying spices, large quantities of gold, and precious stones&#8212;she came to Solomon and talked with him about all she had on her mind. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2CH.9.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too hard for him to explain to her. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2CH.9.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">When the queen of Sheba saw the wisdom of Solomon, as well as the palace he had built, </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2CH.9.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">the food on his table, the seating of his officials, the attending servants in their robes, the cupbearers in their robes and the burnt offerings he made at</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:4 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">and the ascent by which he went up to</span></span></span><span class="content"> the temple of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, she was overwhelmed.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2CH.9.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2CH.9.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">She said to the king, &#8220;The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2CH.9.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">But I did not believe what they said until I came and saw with my own eyes. Indeed, not even half the greatness of your wisdom was told me; you have far exceeded the report I heard. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2CH.9.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">How happy your people must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom! </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2CH.9.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Praise be to the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on his throne as king to rule for the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> your God. Because of the love of your God for Israel and his desire to uphold them forever, he has made you king over them, to maintain justice and righteousness.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2CH.9.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2CH.9.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Then she gave the king 120 talents</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:9 </span><span class="ft">That is, about 4 1/2 tons or about 4 metric tons</span></span></span><span class="content"> of gold, large quantities of spices, and precious stones. There had never been such spices as those the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2CH.9.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2CH.9.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">(The servants of Hiram and the servants of Solomon brought gold from Ophir; they also brought algumwood</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:10 </span><span class="ft">Probably a variant of </span><span class="fqa">almugwood</span></span></span><span class="content"> and precious stones. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2CH.9.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">The king used the algumwood to make steps for the temple of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> and for the royal palace, and to make harps and lyres for the musicians. Nothing like them had ever been seen in Judah.)</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2CH.9.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2CH.9.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired and asked for; he gave her more than she had brought to him. Then she left and returned with her retinue to her own country.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Solomon&#8217;s Splendor</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2CH.9.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2CH.9.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">The weight of the gold that Solomon received yearly was 666 talents,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:13 </span><span class="ft">That is, about 25 tons or about 23 metric tons</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2CH.9.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">not including the revenues brought in by merchants and traders. Also all the kings of Arabia and the governors of the territories brought gold and silver to Solomon.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2CH.9.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2CH.9.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">King Solomon made two hundred large shields of hammered gold; six hundred shekels</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:15 </span><span class="ft">That is, about 15 pounds or about 6.9 kilograms</span></span></span><span class="content"> of hammered gold went into each shield. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2CH.9.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">He also made three hundred small shields of hammered gold, with three hundred shekels</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:16 </span><span class="ft">That is, about 7 1/2 pounds or about 3.5 kilograms</span></span></span><span class="content"> of gold in each shield. The king put them in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2CH.9.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2CH.9.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Then the king made a great throne covered with ivory and overlaid with pure gold. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="2CH.9.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">The throne had six steps, and a footstool of gold was attached to it. On both sides of the seat were armrests, with a lion standing beside each of them. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="2CH.9.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like it had ever been made for any other kingdom. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2CH.9.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">All King Solomon&#8217;s goblets were gold, and all the household articles in the Palace of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. Nothing was made of silver, because silver was considered of little value in Solomon&#8217;s day. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="2CH.9.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">The king had a fleet of trading ships</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:21 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">of ships that could go to Tarshish</span></span></span><span class="content"> manned by Hiram&#8217;s</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:21 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">Huram, </span><span class="ft">a variant of </span><span class="fq">Hiram</span></span></span><span class="content"> servants. Once every three years it returned, carrying gold, silver and ivory, and apes and baboons.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="2CH.9.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2CH.9.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="2CH.9.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">All the kings of the earth sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="2CH.9.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Year after year, everyone who came brought a gift&#8212;articles of silver and gold, and robes, weapons and spices, and horses and mules.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="2CH.9.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="2CH.9.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horses,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:25 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">charioteers</span></span></span><span class="content"> which he kept in the chariot cities and also with him in Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="2CH.9.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">He ruled over all the kings from the Euphrates River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="2CH.9.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">The king made silver as common in Jerusalem as stones, and cedar as plentiful as sycamore-fig trees in the foothills. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="2CH.9.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Solomon&#8217;s horses were imported from Egypt and from all other countries.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Solomon&#8217;s Death</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="2CH.9.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="2CH.9.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">As for the other events of Solomon&#8217;s reign, from beginning to end, are they not written in the records of Nathan the prophet, in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite and in the visions of Iddo the seer concerning Jeroboam son of Nebat? </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="2CH.9.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years. </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="2CH.9.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Then he rested with his ancestors and was buried in the city of David his father. And Rehoboam his son succeeded him as king.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk2CH">
      <div class="chapter ch10" data-usfm="2CH.10">
         <div class="label">10</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Israel Rebels Against Rehoboam</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2CH.10.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had gone there to make him king. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2CH.10.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">When Jeroboam son of Nebat heard this (he was in Egypt, where he had fled from King Solomon), he returned from Egypt. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2CH.10.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and all Israel went to Rehoboam and said to him: </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2CH.10.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">&#8220;Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2CH.10.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2CH.10.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Rehoboam answered, &#8220;Come back to me in three days.&#8221; So the people went away.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2CH.10.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2CH.10.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. &#8220;How would you advise me to answer these people?&#8221; he asked.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2CH.10.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2CH.10.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">They replied, &#8220;If you will be kind to these people and please them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2CH.10.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2CH.10.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2CH.10.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">He asked them, &#8220;What is your advice? How should we answer these people who say to me, &#8216;Lighten the yoke your father put on us&#8217;?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2CH.10.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2CH.10.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">The young men who had grown up with him replied, &#8220;The people have said to you, &#8216;Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but make our yoke lighter.&#8217; Now tell them, &#8216;My little finger is thicker than my father&#8217;s waist. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2CH.10.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">My father laid on you a heavy yoke; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2CH.10.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2CH.10.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to Rehoboam, as the king had said, &#8220;Come back to me in three days.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2CH.10.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">The king answered them harshly. Rejecting the advice of the elders, </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2CH.10.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">he followed the advice of the young men and said, &#8220;My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2CH.10.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">So the king did not listen to the people, for this turn of events was from God, to fulfill the word the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> had spoken to Jeroboam son of Nebat through Ahijah the Shilonite.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2CH.10.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2CH.10.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2CH.10.16"><span class="content">&#8220;What share do we have in David,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2CH.10.16"><span class="content">what part in Jesse&#8217;s son?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2CH.10.16"><span class="content">To your tents, Israel!</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2CH.10.16"><span class="content">Look after your own house, David!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2CH.10.16"><span class="content">So all the Israelites went home. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2CH.10.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">But as for the Israelites who were living in the towns of Judah, Rehoboam still ruled over them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2CH.10.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="2CH.10.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">King Rehoboam sent out Adoniram,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">10:18 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">Hadoram, </span><span class="ft">a variant of </span><span class="fq">Adoniram</span></span></span><span class="content"> who was in charge of forced labor, but the Israelites stoned him to death. King Rehoboam, however, managed to get into his chariot and escape to Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="2CH.10.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPSA">
      <div class="chapter ch4" data-usfm="PSA.4">
         <div class="label">4</div><div class="cl"><span class="heading">Psalm 4</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="ft"><span class="heading">In Hebrew texts 4:1-8 is numbered 4:2-9.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="d"><span class="content">For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.4.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Answer me when I call to you,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.4.1"><span class="content">my righteous God.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.4.1"><span class="content">Give me relief from my distress;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.4.1"><span class="content">have mercy on me and hear my prayer.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.4.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.4.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">How long will you people turn my glory into shame?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.4.2"><span class="content">How long will you love delusions and seek false gods</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:2 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">seek lies</span></span></span><span class="content">?</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:2 </span><span class="ft">The Hebrew has </span><span class="fqa">Selah </span><span class="ft">(a word of uncertain meaning) here and at the end of verse 4.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.4.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.4.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Know that the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> has set apart his faithful servant for himself;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.4.3"><span class="content">the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> hears when I call to him.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.4.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.4.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Tremble and</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:4 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">In your anger </span><span class="ft">(see Septuagint)</span></span></span><span class="content"> do not sin;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.4.4"><span class="content">when you are on your beds,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.4.4"><span class="content">search your hearts and be silent.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.4.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.4.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Offer the sacrifices of the righteous</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.4.5"><span class="content">and trust in the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.4.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.4.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Many, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, are asking, &#8220;Who will bring us prosperity?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.4.6"><span class="content">Let the light of your face shine on us.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.4.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.4.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Fill my heart with joy</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.4.7"><span class="content">when their grain and new wine abound.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.4.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.4.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">In peace I will lie down and sleep,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.4.8"><span class="content">for you alone, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.4.8"><span class="content">make me dwell in safety.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPRO">
      <div class="chapter ch17" data-usfm="PRO.17">
         <div class="label">17</div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.17.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Better a dry crust with peace and quiet</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.17.1"><span class="content">than a house full of feasting, with strife.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.17.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.17.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">A prudent servant will rule over a disgraceful son</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.17.2"><span class="content">and will share the inheritance as one of the family.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.17.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.17.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.17.3"><span class="content">but the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> tests the heart.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.17.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.17.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">A wicked person listens to deceitful lips;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.17.4"><span class="content">a liar pays attention to a destructive tongue.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.17.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.17.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.17.5"><span class="content">whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.17.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.17.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Children&#8217;s children are a crown to the aged,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.17.6"><span class="content">and parents are the pride of their children.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.17.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.17.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Eloquent lips are unsuited to a godless fool&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.17.7"><span class="content">how much worse lying lips to a ruler!</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.17.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.17.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">A bribe is seen as a charm by the one who gives it;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.17.8"><span class="content">they think success will come at every turn.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.17.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.17.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Whoever would foster love covers over an offense,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.17.9"><span class="content">but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.17.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.17.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">A rebuke impresses a discerning person</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.17.10"><span class="content">more than a hundred lashes a fool.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.17.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.17.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Evildoers foster rebellion against God;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.17.11"><span class="content">the messenger of death will be sent against them.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.17.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.17.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.17.12"><span class="content">than a fool bent on folly.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.17.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.17.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Evil will never leave the house</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.17.13"><span class="content">of one who pays back evil for good.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.17.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.17.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.17.14"><span class="content">so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.17.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.17.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.17.15"><span class="content">the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> detests them both.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.17.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.17.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Why should fools have money in hand to buy wisdom,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.17.16"><span class="content">when they are not able to understand it?</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.17.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.17.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">A friend loves at all times,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.17.17"><span class="content">and a brother is born for a time of adversity.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.17.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.17.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">One who has no sense shakes hands in pledge</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.17.18"><span class="content">and puts up security for a neighbor.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.17.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.17.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Whoever loves a quarrel loves sin;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.17.19"><span class="content">whoever builds a high gate invites destruction.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.17.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.17.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">One whose heart is corrupt does not prosper;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.17.20"><span class="content">one whose tongue is perverse falls into trouble.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.17.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.17.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">To have a fool for a child brings grief;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.17.21"><span class="content">there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.17.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.17.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">A cheerful heart is good medicine,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.17.22"><span class="content">but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.17.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.17.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">The wicked accept bribes in secret</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.17.23"><span class="content">to pervert the course of justice.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.17.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.17.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.17.24"><span class="content">but a fool&#8217;s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.17.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.17.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">A foolish son brings grief to his father</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.17.25"><span class="content">and bitterness to the mother who bore him.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.17.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.17.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">If imposing a fine on the innocent is not good,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.17.26"><span class="content">surely to flog honest officials is not right.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.17.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.17.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.17.27"><span class="content">and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.17.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.17.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.17.28"><span class="content">and discerning if they hold their tongues.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div>
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