The Advent of HOPE and the Object of Our Faith.

The Invitation of Christmas

Grace With a Taste of Cinnamon

Hidden: A Devotional for Teen Girls

Light Has Come

A Christian Christmas

Does the Devil Know Your Name? A 10-Day Brave Coaches Journey

How to Practice Gratitude in the Midst of Waiting by Wycliffe Bible Translators

Freedom in Christ

Decide to Be Bold: A 10-Day Brave Coaches Journey

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 bkLUK">
      <div class="chapter ch3" data-usfm="LUK.3">
         <div class="label">3</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">John the Baptist Prepares the Way</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="LUK.3.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar&#8212;when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="LUK.3.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="LUK.3.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LUK.3.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LUK.3.4"><span class="content">&#8220;A voice of one calling in the wilderness,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LUK.3.4"><span class="content">&#8216;Prepare the way for the Lord,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LUK.3.4"><span class="content">make straight paths for him.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LUK.3.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LUK.3.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Every valley shall be filled in,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LUK.3.5"><span class="content">every mountain and hill made low.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LUK.3.5"><span class="content">The crooked roads shall become straight,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LUK.3.5"><span class="content">the rough ways smooth.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LUK.3.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="LUK.3.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">And all people will see God&#8217;s salvation.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:6 </span><span class="ft">Isaiah 40:3-5</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="LUK.3.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LUK.3.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, &#8220;You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="LUK.3.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, &#8216;We have Abraham as our father.&#8217; For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="LUK.3.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="LUK.3.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="LUK.3.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">&#8220;What should we do then?&#8221; the crowd asked.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="LUK.3.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="LUK.3.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">John answered, &#8220;Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="LUK.3.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LUK.3.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Even tax collectors came to be baptized. &#8220;Teacher,&#8221; they asked, &#8220;what should we do?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LUK.3.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LUK.3.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">&#8220;Don&#8217;t collect any more than you are required to,&#8221; he told them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LUK.3.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LUK.3.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Then some soldiers asked him, &#8220;And what should we do?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LUK.3.14"><span class="content">He replied, &#8220;Don&#8217;t extort money and don&#8217;t accuse people falsely&#8212;be content with your pay.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LUK.3.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LUK.3.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="LUK.3.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">John answered them all, &#8220;I baptize you with</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:16 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">in</span></span></span><span class="content"> water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:16 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">in</span></span></span><span class="content"> the Holy Spirit and fire. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="LUK.3.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="LUK.3.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="LUK.3.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="LUK.3.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">But when John rebuked Herod the tetrarch because of his marriage to Herodias, his brother&#8217;s wife, and all the other evil things he had done, </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LUK.3.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Herod added this to them all: He locked John up in prison.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Baptism and Genealogy of Jesus</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LUK.3.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="LUK.3.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="LUK.3.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: &#8220;You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="LUK.3.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="LUK.3.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry. He was the son, so it was thought, of Joseph,</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="LUK.3.23"><span class="content">the son of Heli, </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="LUK.3.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">the son of Matthat,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="LUK.3.24"><span class="content">the son of Levi, the son of Melki,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="LUK.3.24"><span class="content">the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="LUK.3.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="LUK.3.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="LUK.3.25"><span class="content">the son of Nahum, the son of Esli,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="LUK.3.25"><span class="content">the son of Naggai, </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="LUK.3.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">the son of Maath,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="LUK.3.26"><span class="content">the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="LUK.3.26"><span class="content">the son of Josek, the son of Joda,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="LUK.3.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="LUK.3.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="LUK.3.27"><span class="content">the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="LUK.3.27"><span class="content">the son of Neri, </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="LUK.3.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">the son of Melki,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="LUK.3.28"><span class="content">the son of Addi, the son of Cosam,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="LUK.3.28"><span class="content">the son of Elmadam, the son of Er,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="LUK.3.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="LUK.3.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">the son of Joshua, the son of Eliezer,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="LUK.3.29"><span class="content">the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="LUK.3.29"><span class="content">the son of Levi, </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="LUK.3.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">the son of Simeon,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="LUK.3.30"><span class="content">the son of Judah, the son of Joseph,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="LUK.3.30"><span class="content">the son of Jonam, the son of Eliakim,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="LUK.3.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="LUK.3.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">the son of Melea, the son of Menna,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="LUK.3.31"><span class="content">the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="LUK.3.31"><span class="content">the son of David, </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="LUK.3.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">the son of Jesse,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="LUK.3.32"><span class="content">the son of Obed, the son of Boaz,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="LUK.3.32"><span class="content">the son of Salmon,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:32 </span><span class="ft">Some early manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">Sala</span></span></span><span class="content"> the son of Nahshon,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="LUK.3.32"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="LUK.3.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">the son of Amminadab, the son of Ram,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:33 </span><span class="ft">Some manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">Amminadab, the son of Admin, the son of Arni</span><span class="ft">; other manuscripts vary widely.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="LUK.3.33"><span class="content">the son of Hezron, the son of Perez,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="LUK.3.33"><span class="content">the son of Judah, </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="LUK.3.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">the son of Jacob,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="LUK.3.34"><span class="content">the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="LUK.3.34"><span class="content">the son of Terah, the son of Nahor,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="LUK.3.34"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="LUK.3.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">the son of Serug, the son of Reu,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="LUK.3.35"><span class="content">the son of Peleg, the son of Eber,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="LUK.3.35"><span class="content">the son of Shelah, </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="LUK.3.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">the son of Cainan,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="LUK.3.36"><span class="content">the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="LUK.3.36"><span class="content">the son of Noah, the son of Lamech,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="LUK.3.36"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="LUK.3.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="LUK.3.37"><span class="content">the son of Jared, the son of Mahalalel,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="LUK.3.37"><span class="content">the son of Kenan, </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="LUK.3.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">the son of Enosh,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="LUK.3.38"><span class="content">the son of Seth, the son of Adam,</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="LUK.3.38"><span class="content">the son of God.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkNEH">
      <div class="chapter ch4" data-usfm="NEH.4">
         <div class="label">4</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Opposition to the Rebuilding</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="ft">  </span><span class="ft">In Hebrew texts 4:1-6 is numbered 3:33-38, and 4:7-23 is numbered 4:1-17.</span><span class="ft">  </span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="NEH.4.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became angry and was greatly incensed. He ridiculed the Jews, </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="NEH.4.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">and in the presence of his associates and the army of Samaria, he said, &#8220;What are those feeble Jews doing? Will they restore their wall? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they finish in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life from those heaps of rubble&#8212;burned as they are?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="NEH.4.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="NEH.4.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Tobiah the Ammonite, who was at his side, said, &#8220;What they are building&#8212;even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="NEH.4.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="NEH.4.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Hear us, our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads. Give them over as plunder in a land of captivity. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="NEH.4.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Do not cover up their guilt or blot out their sins from your sight, for they have thrown insults in the face of</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:5 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">have aroused your anger before</span></span></span><span class="content"> the builders.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="NEH.4.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="NEH.4.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="NEH.4.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="NEH.4.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem&#8217;s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="NEH.4.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="NEH.4.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="NEH.4.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="NEH.4.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, &#8220;The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="NEH.4.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="NEH.4.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Also our enemies said, &#8220;Before they know it or see us, we will be right there among them and will kill them and put an end to the work.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="NEH.4.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="NEH.4.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Then the Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, &#8220;Wherever you turn, they will attack us.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="NEH.4.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="NEH.4.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="NEH.4.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, &#8220;Don&#8217;t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="NEH.4.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="NEH.4.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="NEH.4.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="NEH.4.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="NEH.4.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="NEH.4.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="NEH.4.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="NEH.4.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, &#8220;The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="NEH.4.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="NEH.4.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="NEH.4.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="NEH.4.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">At that time I also said to the people, &#8220;Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve us as guards by night and as workers by day.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="NEH.4.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:23 </span><span class="ft">The meaning of the Hebrew for this clause is uncertain.</span></span></span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkNEH">
      <div class="chapter ch5" data-usfm="NEH.5">
         <div class="label">5</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Nehemiah Helps the Poor</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="NEH.5.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Now the men and their wives raised a great outcry against their fellow Jews. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="NEH.5.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Some were saying, &#8220;We and our sons and daughters are numerous; in order for us to eat and stay alive, we must get grain.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="NEH.5.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="NEH.5.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Others were saying, &#8220;We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards and our homes to get grain during the famine.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="NEH.5.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="NEH.5.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Still others were saying, &#8220;We have had to borrow money to pay the king&#8217;s tax on our fields and vineyards. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="NEH.5.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Although we are of the same flesh and blood as our fellow Jews and though our children are as good as theirs, yet we have to subject our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters have already been enslaved, but we are powerless, because our fields and our vineyards belong to others.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="NEH.5.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="NEH.5.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="NEH.5.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials. I told them, &#8220;You are charging your own people interest!&#8221; So I called together a large meeting to deal with them </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="NEH.5.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">and said: &#8220;As far as possible, we have bought back our fellow Jews who were sold to the Gentiles. Now you are selling your own people, only for them to be sold back to us!&#8221; They kept quiet, because they could find nothing to say.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="NEH.5.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="NEH.5.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">So I continued, &#8220;What you are doing is not right. Shouldn&#8217;t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies? </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="NEH.5.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">I and my brothers and my men are also lending the people money and grain. But let us stop charging interest! </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="NEH.5.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Give back to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses, and also the interest you are charging them&#8212;one percent of the money, grain, new wine and olive oil.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="NEH.5.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="NEH.5.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">&#8220;We will give it back,&#8221; they said. &#8220;And we will not demand anything more from them. We will do as you say.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="NEH.5.12"><span class="content">Then I summoned the priests and made the nobles and officials take an oath to do what they had promised. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="NEH.5.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">I also shook out the folds of my robe and said, &#8220;In this way may God shake out of their house and possessions anyone who does not keep this promise. So may such a person be shaken out and emptied!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="NEH.5.13"><span class="content">At this the whole assembly said, &#8220;Amen,&#8221; and praised the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">. And the people did as they had promised.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="NEH.5.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="NEH.5.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Moreover, from the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, until his thirty-second year&#8212;twelve years&#8212;neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="NEH.5.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">But the earlier governors&#8212;those preceding me&#8212;placed a heavy burden on the people and took forty shekels</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">5:15 </span><span class="ft">That is, about 1 pound or about 460 grams</span></span></span><span class="content"> of silver from them in addition to food and wine. Their assistants also lorded it over the people. But out of reverence for God I did not act like that. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="NEH.5.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Instead, I devoted myself to the work on this wall. All my men were assembled there for the work; we</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">5:16 </span><span class="ft">Most Hebrew manuscripts; some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac </span><span class="fqa">I</span></span></span><span class="content"> did not acquire any land.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="NEH.5.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="NEH.5.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Furthermore, a hundred and fifty Jews and officials ate at my table, as well as those who came to us from the surrounding nations. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="NEH.5.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Each day one ox, six choice sheep and some poultry were prepared for me, and every ten days an abundant supply of wine of all kinds. In spite of all this, I never demanded the food allotted to the governor, because the demands were heavy on these people.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="NEH.5.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="NEH.5.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Remember me with favor, my God, for all I have done for these people.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPRO">
      <div class="chapter ch25" data-usfm="PRO.25">
         <div class="label">25</div><div class="ms1"><span class="heading">More Proverbs of Solomon</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.25.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">These are more proverbs of Solomon, compiled by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.25.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.25.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">It is the glory of God to conceal a matter;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.25.2"><span class="content">to search out a matter is the glory of kings.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.25.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.25.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">As the heavens are high and the earth is deep,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.25.3"><span class="content">so the hearts of kings are unsearchable.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.25.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.25.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Remove the dross from the silver,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.25.4"><span class="content">and a silversmith can produce a vessel;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.25.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.25.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">remove wicked officials from the king&#8217;s presence,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.25.5"><span class="content">and his throne will be established through righteousness.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.25.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.25.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Do not exalt yourself in the king&#8217;s presence,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.25.6"><span class="content">and do not claim a place among his great men;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.25.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.25.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">it is better for him to say to you, &#8220;Come up here,&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.25.7"><span class="content">than for him to humiliate you before his nobles.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.25.7"><span class="content">What you have seen with your eyes</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.25.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.25.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">do not bring</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">25:7,8 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">nobles / on whom you had set your eyes. / </span><span class="fv">8 </span><span class="fqa">Do not go</span></span></span><span class="content"> hastily to court,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.25.8"><span class="content">for what will you do in the end</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.25.8"><span class="content">if your neighbor puts you to shame?</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.25.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.25.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">If you take your neighbor to court,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.25.9"><span class="content">do not betray another&#8217;s confidence,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.25.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.25.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">or the one who hears it may shame you</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.25.10"><span class="content">and the charge against you will stand.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.25.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.25.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Like apples</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">25:11 </span><span class="ft">Or possibly </span><span class="fqa">apricots</span></span></span><span class="content"> of gold in settings of silver</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.25.11"><span class="content">is a ruling rightly given.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.25.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.25.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.25.12"><span class="content">is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.25.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.25.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.25.13"><span class="content">is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.25.13"><span class="content">he refreshes the spirit of his master.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.25.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.25.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Like clouds and wind without rain</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.25.14"><span class="content">is one who boasts of gifts never given.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.25.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.25.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Through patience a ruler can be persuaded,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.25.15"><span class="content">and a gentle tongue can break a bone.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.25.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.25.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">If you find honey, eat just enough&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.25.16"><span class="content">too much of it, and you will vomit.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.25.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.25.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Seldom set foot in your neighbor&#8217;s house&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.25.17"><span class="content">too much of you, and they will hate you.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.25.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.25.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.25.18"><span class="content">is one who gives false testimony against a neighbor.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.25.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.25.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Like a broken tooth or a lame foot</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.25.19"><span class="content">is reliance on the unfaithful in a time of trouble.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.25.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.25.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.25.20"><span class="content">or like vinegar poured on a wound,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.25.20"><span class="content">is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.25.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.25.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.25.21"><span class="content">if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.25.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.25.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.25.22"><span class="content">and the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> will reward you.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.25.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.25.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Like a north wind that brings unexpected rain</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.25.23"><span class="content">is a sly tongue&#8212;which provokes a horrified look.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.25.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.25.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Better to live on a corner of the roof</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.25.24"><span class="content">than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.25.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.25.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Like cold water to a weary soul</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.25.25"><span class="content">is good news from a distant land.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.25.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.25.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Like a muddied spring or a polluted well</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.25.26"><span class="content">are the righteous who give way to the wicked.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.25.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.25.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">It is not good to eat too much honey,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.25.27"><span class="content">nor is it honorable to search out matters that are too deep.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.25.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.25.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Like a city whose walls are broken through</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.25.28"><span class="content">is a person who lacks self-control.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

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