Healing Family Relationships Through Compassion

Stronger Together: Pursuing Your True North With Others

For New Followers of Jesus - 30 Bible Studies

Overcoming Suffering

Two-Year Chronological Bible Reading Plan (First Year-July)

The Marriage Lounge Devotional

See God’s Peace: 3 Days of Visio Divina

Seeing the World With God’s Eyes

From Waiting to the Immediate

Finding Our Worth in the Real Thing

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 bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch1" data-usfm="ACT.1">
         <div class="label">1</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.1.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.1.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.1.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.1.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.1.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">For John baptized with</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:5 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">in</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">water, but in a few days you will be baptized with</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:5 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">in</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">the Holy Spirit.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.1.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.1.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Then they gathered around him and asked him, &#8220;Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.1.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.1.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">He said to them: </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.1.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.1.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.1.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.1.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.1.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.1.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">&#8220;Men of Galilee,&#8221; they said, &#8220;why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.1.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.1.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day&#8217;s walk</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:12 </span><span class="ft">That is, about 5/8 mile or about 1 kilometer</span></span></span><span class="content"> from the city. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.1.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.1.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.1.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.1.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.1.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">and said, &#8220;Brothers and sisters,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:16 </span><span class="ft">The Greek word for </span><span class="fq">brothers and sisters </span><span class="ft">(<span class="tl">adelphoi</span>) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God&#8217;s family; also in 6:3; 11:29; 12:17; 16:40; 18:18, 27; 21:7, 17; 28:14, 15.</span></span></span><span class="content"> the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.1.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.1.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.1.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">(With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.1.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.1.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.1.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">&#8220;For,&#8221; said Peter, &#8220;it is written in the Book of Psalms:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.1.20"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;May his place be deserted;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.1.20"><span class="content">let there be no one to dwell in it,&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:20 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 69:25</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.1.20"><span class="content">and,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.1.20"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;May another take his place of leadership.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:20 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 109:8</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.1.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.1.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.1.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">beginning from John&#8217;s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.1.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.1.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.1.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Then they prayed, &#8220;Lord, you know everyone&#8217;s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.1.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.1.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch2" data-usfm="ACT.2">
         <div class="label">2</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.2.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.2.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.2.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.2.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">2:4 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">languages</span><span class="ft">; also in verse 11</span></span></span><span class="content"> as the Spirit enabled them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.2.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.2.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.2.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.2.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Utterly amazed, they asked: &#8220;Aren&#8217;t all these who are speaking Galileans? </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.2.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.2.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">2:9 </span><span class="ft">That is, the Roman province by that name</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.2.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.2.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">(both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs&#8212;we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.2.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, &#8220;What does this mean?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.2.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.2.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Some, however, made fun of them and said, &#8220;They have had too much wine.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Peter Addresses the Crowd</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.2.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.2.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: &#8220;Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.2.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It&#8217;s only nine in the morning! </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.2.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.2.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.2.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;In the last days, God says,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.2.17"><span class="content">I will pour out my Spirit on all people.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.2.17"><span class="content">Your sons and daughters will prophesy,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.2.17"><span class="content">your young men will see visions,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.2.17"><span class="content">your old men will dream dreams.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.2.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.2.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Even on my servants, both men and women,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.2.18"><span class="content">I will pour out my Spirit in those days,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.2.18"><span class="content">and they will prophesy.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.2.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.2.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">I will show wonders in the heavens above</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.2.19"><span class="content">and signs on the earth below,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.2.19"><span class="content">blood and fire and billows of smoke.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.2.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.2.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">The sun will be turned to darkness</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.2.20"><span class="content">and the moon to blood</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.2.20"><span class="content">before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.2.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.2.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">And everyone who calls</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.2.21"><span class="content">on the name of the Lord will be saved.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">2:21 </span><span class="ft">Joel 2:28-32</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.2.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.2.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">&#8220;Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.2.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">This man was handed over to you by God&#8217;s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">2:23 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">of those not having the law </span><span class="ft">(that is, Gentiles)</span></span></span><span class="content"> put him to death by nailing him to the cross. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.2.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.2.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">David said about him:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.2.25"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;I saw the Lord always before me.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.2.25"><span class="content">Because he is at my right hand,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.2.25"><span class="content">I will not be shaken.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.2.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.2.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.2.26"><span class="content">my body also will rest in hope,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.2.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.2.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.2.27"><span class="content">you will not let your holy one see decay.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.2.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.2.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">You have made known to me the paths of life;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.2.28"><span class="content">you will fill me with joy in your presence.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">2:28 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 16:8-11 (see Septuagint)</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.2.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.2.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">&#8220;Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.2.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.2.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.2.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.2.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.2.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.2.34"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;The Lord said to my Lord:</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.2.34"><span class="content">&#8220;Sit at my right hand</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.2.34"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.2.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">until I make your enemies</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.2.35"><span class="content">a footstool for your feet.&#8221;&#8198;&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">2:35 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 110:1</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.2.35"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.2.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">&#8220;Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.2.36"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.2.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, &#8220;Brothers, what shall we do?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.2.37"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="ACT.2.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">Peter replied, &#8220;Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.2.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off&#8212;for all whom the Lord our God will call.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.2.39"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="ACT.2.40"><span class="label">40</span><span class="content">With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, &#8220;Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="ACT.2.41"><span class="label">41</span><span class="content">Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Fellowship of the Believers</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="ACT.2.41"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v42" data-usfm="ACT.2.42"><span class="label">42</span><span class="content">They devoted themselves to the apostles&#8217; teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. </span></span><span class="verse v43" data-usfm="ACT.2.43"><span class="label">43</span><span class="content">Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. </span></span><span class="verse v44" data-usfm="ACT.2.44"><span class="label">44</span><span class="content">All the believers were together and had everything in common. </span></span><span class="verse v45" data-usfm="ACT.2.45"><span class="label">45</span><span class="content">They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. </span></span><span class="verse v46" data-usfm="ACT.2.46"><span class="label">46</span><span class="content">Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, </span></span><span class="verse v47" data-usfm="ACT.2.47"><span class="label">47</span><span class="content">praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.</span></span></div>
      </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPRO">
      <div class="chapter ch1" data-usfm="PRO.1">
         <div class="label">1</div><div class="ms1"><span class="heading">Purpose and Theme</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.1.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.1.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.1.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">for gaining wisdom and instruction;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.1.2"><span class="content">for understanding words of insight;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.1.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.1.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.1.3"><span class="content">doing what is right and just and fair;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.1.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.1.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">for giving prudence to those who are simple,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:4 </span><span class="ft">The Hebrew word rendered </span><span class="fq">simple </span><span class="ft">in Proverbs denotes a person who is gullible, without moral direction and inclined to evil.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.1.4"><span class="content">knowledge and discretion to the young&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.1.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.1.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">let the wise listen and add to their learning,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.1.5"><span class="content">and let the discerning get guidance&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.1.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.1.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">for understanding proverbs and parables,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.1.6"><span class="content">the sayings and riddles of the wise.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:6 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">understanding a proverb, namely, a parable, / and the sayings of the wise, their riddles</span></span></span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.1.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.1.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">The fear of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> is the beginning of knowledge,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.1.7"><span class="content">but fools</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:7 </span><span class="ft">The Hebrew words rendered </span><span class="fq">fool </span><span class="ft">in Proverbs, and often elsewhere in the Old Testament, denote a person who is morally deficient.</span></span></span><span class="content"> despise wisdom and instruction.</span></span></div><div class="ms1"><span class="heading">Prologue: Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom</span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Warning Against the Invitation of Sinful Men</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.1.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.1.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Listen, my son, to your father&#8217;s instruction</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.1.8"><span class="content">and do not forsake your mother&#8217;s teaching.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.1.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.1.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">They are a garland to grace your head</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.1.9"><span class="content">and a chain to adorn your neck.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.1.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.1.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">My son, if sinful men entice you,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.1.10"><span class="content">do not give in to them.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.1.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.1.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">If they say, &#8220;Come along with us;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.1.11"><span class="content">let&#8217;s lie in wait for innocent blood,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.1.11"><span class="content">let&#8217;s ambush some harmless soul;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.1.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.1.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">let&#8217;s swallow them alive, like the grave,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.1.12"><span class="content">and whole, like those who go down to the pit;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.1.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.1.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">we will get all sorts of valuable things</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.1.13"><span class="content">and fill our houses with plunder;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.1.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.1.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">cast lots with us;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.1.14"><span class="content">we will all share the loot&#8221;&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.1.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.1.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">my son, do not go along with them,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.1.15"><span class="content">do not set foot on their paths;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.1.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.1.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">for their feet rush into evil,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.1.16"><span class="content">they are swift to shed blood.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.1.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.1.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">How useless to spread a net</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.1.17"><span class="content">where every bird can see it!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.1.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.1.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">These men lie in wait for their own blood;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.1.18"><span class="content">they ambush only themselves!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.1.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.1.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.1.19"><span class="content">it takes away the life of those who get it.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Wisdom&#8217;s Rebuke</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.1.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.1.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Out in the open wisdom calls aloud,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.1.20"><span class="content">she raises her voice in the public square;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.1.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.1.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">on top of the wall</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:21 </span><span class="ft">Septuagint; Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">/ at noisy street corners</span></span></span><span class="content"> she cries out,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.1.21"><span class="content">at the city gate she makes her speech:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.1.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.1.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">&#8220;How long will you who are simple love your simple ways?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.1.22"><span class="content">How long will mockers delight in mockery</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.1.22"><span class="content">and fools hate knowledge?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.1.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.1.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Repent at my rebuke!</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.1.23"><span class="content">Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.1.23"><span class="content">I will make known to you my teachings.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.1.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.1.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">But since you refuse to listen when I call</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.1.24"><span class="content">and no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.1.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.1.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">since you disregard all my advice</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.1.25"><span class="content">and do not accept my rebuke,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.1.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.1.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">I in turn will laugh when disaster strikes you;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.1.26"><span class="content">I will mock when calamity overtakes you&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.1.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.1.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">when calamity overtakes you like a storm,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.1.27"><span class="content">when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.1.27"><span class="content">when distress and trouble overwhelm you.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.1.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.1.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">&#8220;Then they will call to me but I will not answer;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.1.28"><span class="content">they will look for me but will not find me,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.1.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.1.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">since they hated knowledge</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.1.29"><span class="content">and did not choose to fear the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.1.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.1.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Since they would not accept my advice</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.1.30"><span class="content">and spurned my rebuke,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.1.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.1.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">they will eat the fruit of their ways</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.1.31"><span class="content">and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.1.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.1.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.1.32"><span class="content">and the complacency of fools will destroy them;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.1.32"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.1.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">but whoever listens to me will live in safety</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.1.33"><span class="content">and be at ease, without fear of harm.&#8221;</span></span></div>
      </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPRO">
      <div class="chapter ch2" data-usfm="PRO.2">
         <div class="label">2</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Moral Benefits of Wisdom</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.2.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">My son, if you accept my words</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.2.1"><span class="content">and store up my commands within you,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.2.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.2.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">turning your ear to wisdom</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.2.2"><span class="content">and applying your heart to understanding&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.2.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.2.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">indeed, if you call out for insight</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.2.3"><span class="content">and cry aloud for understanding,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.2.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.2.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">and if you look for it as for silver</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.2.4"><span class="content">and search for it as for hidden treasure,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.2.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.2.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">then you will understand the fear of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.2.5"><span class="content">and find the knowledge of God.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.2.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.2.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">For the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> gives wisdom;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.2.6"><span class="content">from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.2.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.2.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">He holds success in store for the upright,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.2.7"><span class="content">he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.2.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.2.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">for he guards the course of the just</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.2.8"><span class="content">and protects the way of his faithful ones.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.2.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.2.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Then you will understand what is right and just</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.2.9"><span class="content">and fair&#8212;every good path.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.2.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.2.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">For wisdom will enter your heart,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.2.10"><span class="content">and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.2.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.2.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Discretion will protect you,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.2.11"><span class="content">and understanding will guard you.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.2.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.2.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.2.12"><span class="content">from men whose words are perverse,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.2.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.2.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">who have left the straight paths</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.2.13"><span class="content">to walk in dark ways,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.2.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.2.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">who delight in doing wrong</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.2.14"><span class="content">and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.2.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.2.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">whose paths are crooked</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.2.15"><span class="content">and who are devious in their ways.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.2.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.2.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Wisdom will save you also from the adulterous woman,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.2.16"><span class="content">from the wayward woman with her seductive words,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.2.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.2.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">who has left the partner of her youth</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.2.17"><span class="content">and ignored the covenant she made before God.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">2:17 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">covenant of her God</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.2.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.2.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Surely her house leads down to death</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.2.18"><span class="content">and her paths to the spirits of the dead.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.2.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.2.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">None who go to her return</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.2.19"><span class="content">or attain the paths of life.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.2.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.2.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Thus you will walk in the ways of the good</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.2.20"><span class="content">and keep to the paths of the righteous.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.2.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.2.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">For the upright will live in the land,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.2.21"><span class="content">and the blameless will remain in it;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.2.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.2.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">but the wicked will be cut off from the land,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.2.22"><span class="content">and the unfaithful will be torn from it.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
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A Church Alive: 21 Days of Reading + PrayerSample

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