How to Overcome Temptation

IHCC Daily Bible Reading Plan - July

Week 1: Being Human in the Age of AI

Finding Freedom: With Confidence

Two and a Half Acres of Faith

The Unseen God — Part Two

Building Living Bridges

We're So Blessed: A Fun 5-Day Family Devotional From CAIN

What Do Christians Believe?

A Great Harvest

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 bkJDG">
      <div class="chapter ch18" data-usfm="JDG.18">
         <div class="label">18</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Danites Settle in Laish</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="JDG.18.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">In those days Israel had no king.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="JDG.18.1"><span class="content">And in those days the tribe of the Danites was seeking a place of their own where they might settle, because they had not yet come into an inheritance among the tribes of Israel. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="JDG.18.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">So the Danites sent five of their leading men from Zorah and Eshtaol to spy out the land and explore it. These men represented all the Danites. They told them, &#8220;Go, explore the land.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="JDG.18.2"><span class="content">So they entered the hill country of Ephraim and came to the house of Micah, where they spent the night. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JDG.18.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">When they were near Micah&#8217;s house, they recognized the voice of the young Levite; so they turned in there and asked him, &#8220;Who brought you here? What are you doing in this place? Why are you here?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JDG.18.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JDG.18.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">He told them what Micah had done for him, and said, &#8220;He has hired me and I am his priest.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JDG.18.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="JDG.18.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Then they said to him, &#8220;Please inquire of God to learn whether our journey will be successful.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="JDG.18.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JDG.18.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The priest answered them, &#8220;Go in peace. Your journey has the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">&#8217;s approval.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JDG.18.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JDG.18.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">So the five men left and came to Laish, where they saw that the people were living in safety, like the Sidonians, at peace and secure. And since their land lacked nothing, they were prosperous.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">18:7 </span><span class="ft">The meaning of the Hebrew for this clause is uncertain.</span></span></span><span class="content"> Also, they lived a long way from the Sidonians and had no relationship with anyone else.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">18:7 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew; some Septuagint manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">with the Arameans</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JDG.18.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JDG.18.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">When they returned to Zorah and Eshtaol, their fellow Danites asked them, &#8220;How did you find things?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JDG.18.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="JDG.18.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">They answered, &#8220;Come on, let&#8217;s attack them! We have seen the land, and it is very good. Aren&#8217;t you going to do something? Don&#8217;t hesitate to go there and take it over. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="JDG.18.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">When you get there, you will find an unsuspecting people and a spacious land that God has put into your hands, a land that lacks nothing whatever.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="JDG.18.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="JDG.18.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Then six hundred men of the Danites, armed for battle, set out from Zorah and Eshtaol. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JDG.18.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">On their way they set up camp near Kiriath Jearim in Judah. This is why the place west of Kiriath Jearim is called Mahaneh Dan</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">18:12 </span><span class="fq">Mahaneh Dan </span><span class="ft">means </span><span class="fqa">Dan&#8217;s camp.</span></span></span><span class="content"> to this day. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JDG.18.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">From there they went on to the hill country of Ephraim and came to Micah&#8217;s house.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JDG.18.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="JDG.18.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Then the five men who had spied out the land of Laish said to their fellow Danites, &#8220;Do you know that one of these houses has an ephod, some household gods and an image overlaid with silver? Now you know what to do.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="JDG.18.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">So they turned in there and went to the house of the young Levite at Micah&#8217;s place and greeted him. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="JDG.18.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">The six hundred Danites, armed for battle, stood at the entrance of the gate. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="JDG.18.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">The five men who had spied out the land went inside and took the idol, the ephod and the household gods while the priest and the six hundred armed men stood at the entrance of the gate.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="JDG.18.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JDG.18.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">When the five men went into Micah&#8217;s house and took the idol, the ephod and the household gods, the priest said to them, &#8220;What are you doing?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JDG.18.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="JDG.18.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">They answered him, &#8220;Be quiet! Don&#8217;t say a word. Come with us, and be our father and priest. Isn&#8217;t it better that you serve a tribe and clan in Israel as priest rather than just one man&#8217;s household?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="JDG.18.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">The priest was very pleased. He took the ephod, the household gods and the idol and went along with the people. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JDG.18.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Putting their little children, their livestock and their possessions in front of them, they turned away and left.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JDG.18.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="JDG.18.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">When they had gone some distance from Micah&#8217;s house, the men who lived near Micah were called together and overtook the Danites. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="JDG.18.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">As they shouted after them, the Danites turned and said to Micah, &#8220;What&#8217;s the matter with you that you called out your men to fight?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="JDG.18.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="JDG.18.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">He replied, &#8220;You took the gods I made, and my priest, and went away. What else do I have? How can you ask, &#8216;What&#8217;s the matter with you?&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="JDG.18.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="JDG.18.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">The Danites answered, &#8220;Don&#8217;t argue with us, or some of the men may get angry and attack you, and you and your family will lose your lives.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="JDG.18.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">So the Danites went their way, and Micah, seeing that they were too strong for him, turned around and went back home.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="JDG.18.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="JDG.18.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">Then they took what Micah had made, and his priest, and went on to Laish, against a people at peace and secure. They attacked them with the sword and burned down their city. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="JDG.18.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">There was no one to rescue them because they lived a long way from Sidon and had no relationship with anyone else. The city was in a valley near Beth Rehob.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="JDG.18.28"><span class="content">The Danites rebuilt the city and settled there. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="JDG.18.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">They named it Dan after their ancestor Dan, who was born to Israel&#8212;though the city used to be called Laish. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="JDG.18.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">There the Danites set up for themselves the idol, and Jonathan son of Gershom, the son of Moses,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">18:30 </span><span class="ft">Many Hebrew manuscripts, some Septuagint manuscripts and Vulgate; many other Hebrew manuscripts and some other Septuagint manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">Manasseh</span></span></span><span class="content"> and his sons were priests for the tribe of Dan until the time of the captivity of the land. </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="JDG.18.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">They continued to use the idol Micah had made, all the time the house of God was in Shiloh.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkJDG">
      <div class="chapter ch19" data-usfm="JDG.19">
         <div class="label">19</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">A Levite and His Concubine</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="JDG.19.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">In those days Israel had no king.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="JDG.19.1"><span class="content">Now a Levite who lived in a remote area in the hill country of Ephraim took a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="JDG.19.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">But she was unfaithful to him. She left him and went back to her parents&#8217; home in Bethlehem, Judah. After she had been there four months, </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JDG.19.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">her husband went to her to persuade her to return. He had with him his servant and two donkeys. She took him into her parents&#8217; home, and when her father saw him, he gladly welcomed him. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JDG.19.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">His father-in-law, the woman&#8217;s father, prevailed on him to stay; so he remained with him three days, eating and drinking, and sleeping there.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JDG.19.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="JDG.19.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">On the fourth day they got up early and he prepared to leave, but the woman&#8217;s father said to his son-in-law, &#8220;Refresh yourself with something to eat; then you can go.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JDG.19.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">So the two of them sat down to eat and drink together. Afterward the woman&#8217;s father said, &#8220;Please stay tonight and enjoy yourself.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JDG.19.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">And when the man got up to go, his father-in-law persuaded him, so he stayed there that night. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JDG.19.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">On the morning of the fifth day, when he rose to go, the woman&#8217;s father said, &#8220;Refresh yourself. Wait till afternoon!&#8221; So the two of them ate together.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JDG.19.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="JDG.19.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Then when the man, with his concubine and his servant, got up to leave, his father-in-law, the woman&#8217;s father, said, &#8220;Now look, it&#8217;s almost evening. Spend the night here; the day is nearly over. Stay and enjoy yourself. Early tomorrow morning you can get up and be on your way home.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="JDG.19.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">But, unwilling to stay another night, the man left and went toward Jebus (that is, Jerusalem), with his two saddled donkeys and his concubine.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="JDG.19.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="JDG.19.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">When they were near Jebus and the day was almost gone, the servant said to his master, &#8220;Come, let&#8217;s stop at this city of the Jebusites and spend the night.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="JDG.19.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JDG.19.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">His master replied, &#8220;No. We won&#8217;t go into any city whose people are not Israelites. We will go on to Gibeah.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JDG.19.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">He added, &#8220;Come, let&#8217;s try to reach Gibeah or Ramah and spend the night in one of those places.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="JDG.19.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">So they went on, and the sun set as they neared Gibeah in Benjamin. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="JDG.19.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">There they stopped to spend the night. They went and sat in the city square, but no one took them in for the night.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="JDG.19.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="JDG.19.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">That evening an old man from the hill country of Ephraim, who was living in Gibeah (the inhabitants of the place were Benjamites), came in from his work in the fields. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="JDG.19.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">When he looked and saw the traveler in the city square, the old man asked, &#8220;Where are you going? Where did you come from?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="JDG.19.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JDG.19.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">He answered, &#8220;We are on our way from Bethlehem in Judah to a remote area in the hill country of Ephraim where I live. I have been to Bethlehem in Judah and now I am going to the house of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">19:18 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew, Vulgate, Syriac and Targum; Septuagint </span><span class="fqa">going home</span></span></span><span class="content"> No one has taken me in for the night. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="JDG.19.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">We have both straw and fodder for our donkeys and bread and wine for ourselves your servants&#8212;me, the woman and the young man with us. We don&#8217;t need anything.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="JDG.19.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="JDG.19.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">&#8220;You are welcome at my house,&#8221; the old man said. &#8220;Let me supply whatever you need. Only don&#8217;t spend the night in the square.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JDG.19.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">So he took him into his house and fed his donkeys. After they had washed their feet, they had something to eat and drink.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JDG.19.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="JDG.19.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">While they were enjoying themselves, some of the wicked men of the city surrounded the house. Pounding on the door, they shouted to the old man who owned the house, &#8220;Bring out the man who came to your house so we can have sex with him.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="JDG.19.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="JDG.19.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">The owner of the house went outside and said to them, &#8220;No, my friends, don&#8217;t be so vile. Since this man is my guest, don&#8217;t do this outrageous thing. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="JDG.19.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Look, here is my virgin daughter, and his concubine. I will bring them out to you now, and you can use them and do to them whatever you wish. But as for this man, don&#8217;t do such an outrageous thing.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="JDG.19.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="JDG.19.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">But the men would not listen to him. So the man took his concubine and sent her outside to them, and they raped her and abused her throughout the night, and at dawn they let her go. </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="JDG.19.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">At daybreak the woman went back to the house where her master was staying, fell down at the door and lay there until daylight.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="JDG.19.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="JDG.19.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">When her master got up in the morning and opened the door of the house and stepped out to continue on his way, there lay his concubine, fallen in the doorway of the house, with her hands on the threshold. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="JDG.19.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">He said to her, &#8220;Get up; let&#8217;s go.&#8221; But there was no answer. Then the man put her on his donkey and set out for home.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="JDG.19.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="JDG.19.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">When he reached home, he took a knife and cut up his concubine, limb by limb, into twelve parts and sent them into all the areas of Israel. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="JDG.19.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Everyone who saw it was saying to one another, &#8220;Such a thing has never been seen or done, not since the day the Israelites came up out of Egypt. Just imagine! We must do something! So speak up!&#8221;</span></span></div>
      </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPSA">
      <div class="chapter ch103" data-usfm="PSA.103">
         <div class="label">103</div><div class="cl"><span class="heading">Psalm 103</span></div><div class="d"><span class="content">Of David.</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.103.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Praise the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, my soul;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.103.1"><span class="content">all my inmost being, praise his holy name.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.103.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.103.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Praise the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, my soul,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.103.2"><span class="content">and forget not all his benefits&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.103.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.103.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">who forgives all your sins</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.103.3"><span class="content">and heals all your diseases,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.103.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.103.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">who redeems your life from the pit</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.103.4"><span class="content">and crowns you with love and compassion,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.103.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.103.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">who satisfies your desires with good things</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.103.5"><span class="content">so that your youth is renewed like the eagle&#8217;s.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.103.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.103.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> works righteousness</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.103.6"><span class="content">and justice for all the oppressed.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.103.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.103.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">He made known his ways to Moses,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.103.7"><span class="content">his deeds to the people of Israel:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.103.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.103.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> is compassionate and gracious,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.103.8"><span class="content">slow to anger, abounding in love.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.103.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.103.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">He will not always accuse,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.103.9"><span class="content">nor will he harbor his anger forever;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.103.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.103.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">he does not treat us as our sins deserve</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.103.10"><span class="content">or repay us according to our iniquities.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.103.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.103.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">For as high as the heavens are above the earth,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.103.11"><span class="content">so great is his love for those who fear him;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.103.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.103.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">as far as the east is from the west,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.103.12"><span class="content">so far has he removed our transgressions from us.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.103.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.103.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">As a father has compassion on his children,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.103.13"><span class="content">so the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> has compassion on those who fear him;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.103.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.103.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">for he knows how we are formed,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.103.14"><span class="content">he remembers that we are dust.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.103.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.103.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">The life of mortals is like grass,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.103.15"><span class="content">they flourish like a flower of the field;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.103.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.103.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">the wind blows over it and it is gone,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.103.16"><span class="content">and its place remembers it no more.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.103.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PSA.103.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">But from everlasting to everlasting</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PSA.103.17"><span class="content">the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">&#8217;s love is with those who fear him,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PSA.103.17"><span class="content">and his righteousness with their children&#8217;s children&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PSA.103.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PSA.103.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">with those who keep his covenant</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PSA.103.18"><span class="content">and remember to obey his precepts.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PSA.103.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PSA.103.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> has established his throne in heaven,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PSA.103.19"><span class="content">and his kingdom rules over all.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PSA.103.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PSA.103.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Praise the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, you his angels,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PSA.103.20"><span class="content">you mighty ones who do his bidding,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PSA.103.20"><span class="content">who obey his word.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PSA.103.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PSA.103.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Praise the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, all his heavenly hosts,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PSA.103.21"><span class="content">you his servants who do his will.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PSA.103.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PSA.103.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Praise the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, all his works</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PSA.103.22"><span class="content">everywhere in his dominion.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PSA.103.22"><span class="content">Praise the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, my soul.</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>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk2CO">
      <div class="chapter ch10" data-usfm="2CO.10">
         <div class="label">10</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul&#8217;s Defense of His Ministry</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2CO.10.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">By the humility and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you&#8212;I, Paul, who am &#8220;timid&#8221; when face to face with you, but &#8220;bold&#8221; toward you when away! </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2CO.10.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">I beg you that when I come I may not have to be as bold as I expect to be toward some people who think that we live by the standards of this world. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2CO.10.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2CO.10.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2CO.10.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2CO.10.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">And we will be ready to punish every act of disobedience, once your obedience is complete.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2CO.10.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2CO.10.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">You are judging by appearances.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">10:7 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">Look at the obvious facts</span></span></span><span class="content"> If anyone is confident that they belong to Christ, they should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as they do. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2CO.10.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">So even if I boast somewhat freely about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed of it. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2CO.10.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2CO.10.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">For some say, &#8220;His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2CO.10.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2CO.10.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2CO.10.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2CO.10.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2CO.10.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2CO.10.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2CO.10.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else&#8217;s territory. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2CO.10.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">But, &#8220;Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">10:17 </span><span class="ft">Jer. 9:24</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="2CO.10.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.</span></span></div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk2CO">
      <div class="chapter ch11" data-usfm="2CO.11">
         <div class="label">11</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul and the False Apostles</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2CO.11.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">I hope you will put up with me in a little foolishness. Yes, please put up with me! </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2CO.11.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to him. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2CO.11.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent&#8217;s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2CO.11.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2CO.11.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2CO.11.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">I do not think I am in the least inferior to those &#8220;super-apostles.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">11:5 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">to the most eminent apostles</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2CO.11.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">I may indeed be untrained as a speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2CO.11.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2CO.11.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2CO.11.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">And when I was with you and needed something, I was not a burden to anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied what I needed. I have kept myself from being a burden to you in any way, and will continue to do so. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2CO.11.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, nobody in the regions of Achaia will stop this boasting of mine. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2CO.11.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2CO.11.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2CO.11.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2CO.11.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2CO.11.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2CO.11.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Paul Boasts About His Sufferings</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2CO.11.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2CO.11.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">I repeat: Let no one take me for a fool. But if you do, then tolerate me just as you would a fool, so that I may do a little boasting. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2CO.11.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">In this self-confident boasting I am not talking as the Lord would, but as a fool. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="2CO.11.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Since many are boasting in the way the world does, I too will boast. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="2CO.11.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">You gladly put up with fools since you are so wise! </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2CO.11.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">In fact, you even put up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you or takes advantage of you or puts on airs or slaps you in the face. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="2CO.11.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that!</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="2CO.11.21"><span class="content">Whatever anyone else dares to boast about&#8212;I am speaking as a fool&#8212;I also dare to boast about. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2CO.11.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they Abraham&#8217;s descendants? So am I. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="2CO.11.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="2CO.11.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="2CO.11.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="2CO.11.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="2CO.11.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="2CO.11.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="2CO.11.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="2CO.11.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="2CO.11.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="2CO.11.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="2CO.11.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="2CO.11.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands.</span></span></div>
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New International Version

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkTIT">
      <div class="chapter ch3" data-usfm="TIT.3.5">
         <div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="TIT.3.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, </span></span></div>
      </div>
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