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Poured Out: Songs of Prayer and Praise

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New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs in 6 Months - Thomas Road Baptist Church

The Other Five Prayer Journey

Fully Devoted

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A Pretty Big Deal by Megan Marshman

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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bk2SA">
        <div class="chapter ch15" data-usfm="2SA.15">
            <div class="label">15</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Absalom&#8217;s Conspiracy</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2SA.15.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">In the course of time, Absalom provided himself with a chariot and horses and with fifty men to run ahead of him. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2SA.15.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">He would get up early and stand by the side of the road leading to the city gate. Whenever anyone came with a complaint to be placed before the king for a decision, Absalom would call out to him, &#8220;What town are you from?&#8221; He would answer, &#8220;Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2SA.15.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Then Absalom would say to him, &#8220;Look, your claims are valid and proper, but there is no representative of the king to hear you.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2SA.15.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">And Absalom would add, &#8220;If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2SA.15.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2SA.15.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2SA.15.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the people of Israel.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2SA.15.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2SA.15.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">At the end of four</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">15:7 </span><span class="ft">Some Septuagint manuscripts, Syriac and Josephus; Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">forty</span></span></span><span class="content"> years, Absalom said to the king, &#8220;Let me go to Hebron and fulfill a vow I made to the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2SA.15.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">While your servant was living at Geshur in Aram, I made this vow: &#8216;If the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> takes me back to Jerusalem, I will worship the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> in Hebron.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">15:8 </span><span class="ft">Some Septuagint manuscripts; Hebrew does not have </span><span class="fq">in Hebron.</span></span></span><span class="content">&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2SA.15.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2SA.15.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">The king said to him, &#8220;Go in peace.&#8221; So he went to Hebron.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2SA.15.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2SA.15.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Then Absalom sent secret messengers throughout the tribes of Israel to say, &#8220;As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpets, then say, &#8216;Absalom is king in Hebron.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2SA.15.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Two hundred men from Jerusalem had accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and went quite innocently, knowing nothing about the matter. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2SA.15.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">While Absalom was offering sacrifices, he also sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David&#8217;s counselor, to come from Giloh, his hometown. And so the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom&#8217;s following kept on increasing.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">David Flees</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2SA.15.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2SA.15.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">A messenger came and told David, &#8220;The hearts of the people of Israel are with Absalom.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2SA.15.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2SA.15.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Then David said to all his officials who were with him in Jerusalem, &#8220;Come! We must flee, or none of us will escape from Absalom. We must leave immediately, or he will move quickly to overtake us and bring ruin on us and put the city to the sword.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2SA.15.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2SA.15.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">The king&#8217;s officials answered him, &#8220;Your servants are ready to do whatever our lord the king chooses.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2SA.15.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2SA.15.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">The king set out, with his entire household following him; but he left ten concubines to take care of the palace. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2SA.15.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">So the king set out, with all the people following him, and they halted at the edge of the city. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="2SA.15.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">All his men marched past him, along with all the Kerethites and Pelethites; and all the six hundred Gittites who had accompanied him from Gath marched before the king.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="2SA.15.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="2SA.15.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">The king said to Ittai the Gittite, &#8220;Why should you come along with us? Go back and stay with King Absalom. You are a foreigner, an exile from your homeland. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2SA.15.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">You came only yesterday. And today shall I make you wander about with us, when I do not know where I am going? Go back, and take your people with you. May the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> show you kindness and faithfulness.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">15:20 </span><span class="ft">Septuagint; Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">May kindness and faithfulness be with you</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2SA.15.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="2SA.15.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">But Ittai replied to the king, &#8220;As surely as the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king may be, whether it means life or death, there will your servant be.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="2SA.15.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2SA.15.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">David said to Ittai, &#8220;Go ahead, march on.&#8221; So Ittai the Gittite marched on with all his men and the families that were with him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2SA.15.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="2SA.15.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">The whole countryside wept aloud as all the people passed by. The king also crossed the Kidron Valley, and all the people moved on toward the wilderness.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="2SA.15.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="2SA.15.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Zadok was there, too, and all the Levites who were with him were carrying the ark of the covenant of God. They set down the ark of God, and Abiathar offered sacrifices until all the people had finished leaving the city.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="2SA.15.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="2SA.15.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Then the king said to Zadok, &#8220;Take the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">&#8217;s eyes, he will bring me back and let me see it and his dwelling place again. </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="2SA.15.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">But if he says, &#8216;I am not pleased with you,&#8217; then I am ready; let him do to me whatever seems good to him.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="2SA.15.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="2SA.15.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">The king also said to Zadok the priest, &#8220;Do you understand? Go back to the city with my blessing. Take your son Ahimaaz with you, and also Abiathar&#8217;s son Jonathan. You and Abiathar return with your two sons. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="2SA.15.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">I will wait at the fords in the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="2SA.15.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">So Zadok and Abiathar took the ark of God back to Jerusalem and stayed there.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="2SA.15.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="2SA.15.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">But David continued up the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went; his head was covered and he was barefoot. All the people with him covered their heads too and were weeping as they went up. </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="2SA.15.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Now David had been told, &#8220;Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.&#8221; So David prayed, &#8220;</span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, turn Ahithophel&#8217;s counsel into foolishness.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="2SA.15.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="2SA.15.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">When David arrived at the summit, where people used to worship God, Hushai the Arkite was there to meet him, his robe torn and dust on his head. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="2SA.15.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">David said to him, &#8220;If you go with me, you will be a burden to me. </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="2SA.15.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, &#8216;Your Majesty, I will be your servant; I was your father&#8217;s servant in the past, but now I will be your servant,&#8217; then you can help me by frustrating Ahithophel&#8217;s advice. </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="2SA.15.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">Won&#8217;t the priests Zadok and Abiathar be there with you? Tell them anything you hear in the king&#8217;s palace. </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="2SA.15.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">Their two sons, Ahimaaz son of Zadok and Jonathan son of Abiathar, are there with them. Send them to me with anything you hear.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="2SA.15.36"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="2SA.15.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">So Hushai, David&#8217;s confidant, arrived at Jerusalem as Absalom was entering the city.</span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bk2SA">
        <div class="chapter ch16" data-usfm="2SA.16">
            <div class="label">16</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">David and Ziba</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2SA.16.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">When David had gone a short distance beyond the summit, there was Ziba, the steward of Mephibosheth, waiting to meet him. He had a string of donkeys saddled and loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred cakes of raisins, a hundred cakes of figs and a skin of wine.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2SA.16.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2SA.16.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">The king asked Ziba, &#8220;Why have you brought these?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2SA.16.2"><span class="content">Ziba answered, &#8220;The donkeys are for the king&#8217;s household to ride on, the bread and fruit are for the men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2SA.16.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2SA.16.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">The king then asked, &#8220;Where is your master&#8217;s grandson?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2SA.16.3"><span class="content">Ziba said to him, &#8220;He is staying in Jerusalem, because he thinks, &#8216;Today the Israelites will restore to me my grandfather&#8217;s kingdom.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2SA.16.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2SA.16.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Then the king said to Ziba, &#8220;All that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2SA.16.4"><span class="content">&#8220;I humbly bow,&#8221; Ziba said. &#8220;May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Shimei Curses David</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2SA.16.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2SA.16.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul&#8217;s family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2SA.16.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">He pelted David and all the king&#8217;s officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David&#8217;s right and left. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2SA.16.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">As he cursed, Shimei said, &#8220;Get out, get out, you murderer, you scoundrel! </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2SA.16.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> has given the kingdom into the hands of your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a murderer!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2SA.16.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2SA.16.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, &#8220;Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2SA.16.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2SA.16.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">But the king said, &#8220;What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> said to him, &#8216;Curse David,&#8217; who can ask, &#8216;Why do you do this?&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2SA.16.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2SA.16.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">David then said to Abishai and all his officials, &#8220;My son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> has told him to. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2SA.16.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">It may be that the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2SA.16.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2SA.16.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2SA.16.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted. And there he refreshed himself.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Advice of Ahithophel and Hushai</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2SA.16.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2SA.16.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Meanwhile, Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2SA.16.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Then Hushai the Arkite, David&#8217;s confidant, went to Absalom and said to him, &#8220;Long live the king! Long live the king!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2SA.16.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2SA.16.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Absalom said to Hushai, &#8220;So this is the love you show your friend? If he&#8217;s your friend, why didn&#8217;t you go with him?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2SA.16.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="2SA.16.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Hushai said to Absalom, &#8220;No, the one chosen by the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, by these people, and by all the men of Israel&#8212;his I will be, and I will remain with him. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="2SA.16.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Furthermore, whom should I serve? Should I not serve the son? Just as I served your father, so I will serve you.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="2SA.16.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2SA.16.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Absalom said to Ahithophel, &#8220;Give us your advice. What should we do?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2SA.16.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="2SA.16.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Ahithophel answered, &#8220;Sleep with your father&#8217;s concubines whom he left to take care of the palace. Then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself obnoxious to your father, and the hands of everyone with you will be more resolute.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2SA.16.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father&#8217;s concubines in the sight of all Israel.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2SA.16.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="2SA.16.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel&#8217;s advice.</span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkPRO">
        <div class="chapter ch12" data-usfm="PRO.12">
            <div class="label">12</div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.12.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.12.1"><span class="content">but whoever hates correction is stupid.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.12.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.12.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Good people obtain favor from the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.12.2"><span class="content">but he condemns those who devise wicked schemes.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.12.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.12.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">No one can be established through wickedness,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.12.3"><span class="content">but the righteous cannot be uprooted.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.12.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.12.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">A wife of noble character is her husband&#8217;s crown,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.12.4"><span class="content">but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.12.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.12.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">The plans of the righteous are just,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.12.5"><span class="content">but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.12.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.12.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.12.6"><span class="content">but the speech of the upright rescues them.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.12.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.12.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">The wicked are overthrown and are no more,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.12.7"><span class="content">but the house of the righteous stands firm.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.12.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.12.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">A person is praised according to their prudence,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.12.8"><span class="content">and one with a warped mind is despised.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.12.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.12.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.12.9"><span class="content">than pretend to be somebody and have no food.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.12.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.12.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">The righteous care for the needs of their animals,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.12.10"><span class="content">but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.12.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.12.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Those who work their land will have abundant food,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.12.11"><span class="content">but those who chase fantasies have no sense.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.12.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.12.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.12.12"><span class="content">but the root of the righteous endures.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.12.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.12.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Evildoers are trapped by their sinful talk,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.12.13"><span class="content">and so the innocent escape trouble.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.12.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.12.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">From the fruit of their lips people are filled with good things,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.12.14"><span class="content">and the work of their hands brings them reward.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.12.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.12.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">The way of fools seems right to them,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.12.15"><span class="content">but the wise listen to advice.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.12.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.12.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Fools show their annoyance at once,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.12.16"><span class="content">but the prudent overlook an insult.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.12.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.12.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">An honest witness tells the truth,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.12.17"><span class="content">but a false witness tells lies.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.12.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.12.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">The words of the reckless pierce like swords,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.12.18"><span class="content">but the tongue of the wise brings healing.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.12.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.12.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Truthful lips endure forever,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.12.19"><span class="content">but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.12.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.12.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Deceit is in the hearts of those who plot evil,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.12.20"><span class="content">but those who promote peace have joy.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.12.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.12.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">No harm overtakes the righteous,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.12.21"><span class="content">but the wicked have their fill of trouble.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.12.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.12.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> detests lying lips,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.12.22"><span class="content">but he delights in people who are trustworthy.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.12.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.12.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">The prudent keep their knowledge to themselves,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.12.23"><span class="content">but a fool&#8217;s heart blurts out folly.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.12.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.12.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Diligent hands will rule,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.12.24"><span class="content">but laziness ends in forced labor.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.12.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.12.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Anxiety weighs down the heart,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.12.25"><span class="content">but a kind word cheers it up.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.12.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.12.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">The righteous choose their friends carefully,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.12.26"><span class="content">but the way of the wicked leads them astray.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.12.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.12.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">The lazy do not roast</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">12:27 </span><span class="ft">The meaning of the Hebrew for this word is uncertain.</span></span></span><span class="content"> any game,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.12.27"><span class="content">but the diligent feed on the riches of the hunt.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.12.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.12.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">In the way of righteousness there is life;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.12.28"><span class="content">along that path is immortality.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bk2CO">
        <div class="chapter ch7" data-usfm="2CO.7">
            <div class="label">7</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2CO.7.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul&#8217;s Joy Over the Church&#8217;s Repentance</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2CO.7.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2CO.7.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2CO.7.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2CO.7.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2CO.7.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2CO.7.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn&#8212;conflicts on the outside, fears within. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2CO.7.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2CO.7.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2CO.7.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2CO.7.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it&#8212;I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2CO.7.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2CO.7.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2CO.7.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2CO.7.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2CO.7.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">By all this we are encouraged.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2CO.7.13"><span class="content">In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2CO.7.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2CO.7.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2CO.7.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.</span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

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