Podcasts about psalm psalm

Pastor Baker discusses theological distinctions between Law & Gospel. Today's topic of discussion is Sunday's Lectionary for Series A of the Three Year Lectionary. Festival: Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 21) 1st Reading: Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32 Psalm: Psalm 25:1-10 Epistle: Philippians 2:1-4 (5-13) 14-18 Gospel: Matthew 21:23-27 (28-32) Law and Gospel is independently produced by Pastor Tom Baker. Views and opinions expressed on this program may not represent the official position of the management or ownership of KFUO Radio, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. To contact Pastor Tom Baker, email tombaker@brick.net.

Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 4–6 Ecclesiastes 4–6 (Listen) Evil Under the Sun 4 Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. 2 And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. 3 But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun. 4 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity1 and a striving after wind. 5 The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh. 6 Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind. 7 Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8 one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is vanity and an unhappy business. 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. 13 Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice. 14 For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor. 15 I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that2 youth who was to stand in the king's3 place. 16 There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind. 4 Fear God 5 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. 2 5 Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. 3 For a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words. 4 When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. 5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. 6 Let not your mouth lead you6 into sin, and do not say before the messenger7 that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity;8 but9 God is the one you must fear. The Vanity of Wealth and Honor 8 If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. 9 But this is gain for a land in every way: a king committed to cultivated fields.10 10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. 11 When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? 12 Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep. 13 There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, 14 and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. 15 As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand. 16 This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? 17 Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger. 18 Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment11 in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. 19 Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. 20 For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart. 6 There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it lies heavy on mankind: 2 a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity;12 it is a grievous evil. 3 If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not satisfied with life's good things, and he also has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. 4 For it comes in vanity and goes in darkness, and in darkness its name is covered. 5 Moreover, it has not seen the sun or known anything, yet it finds rest rather than he. 6 Even though he should live a thousand years twice over, yet enjoy13 no good—do not all go to the one place? 7 All the toil of man is for his mouth, yet his appetite is not satisfied.14 8 For what advantage has the wise man over the fool? And what does the poor man have who knows how to conduct himself before the living? 9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the appetite: this also is vanity and a striving after wind. 10 Whatever has come to be has already been named, and it is known what man is, and that he is not able to dispute with one stronger than he. 11 The more words, the more vanity, and what is the advantage to man? 12 For who knows what is good for man while he lives the few days of his vain15 life, which he passes like a shadow? For who can tell man what will be after him under the sun? Footnotes [1] 4:4 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verses 7, 8, 16 (see note on 1:2) [2] 4:15 Hebrew the second [3] 4:15 Hebrew his [4] 4:16 Ch 4:17 in Hebrew [5] 5:2 Ch 5:1 in Hebrew [6] 5:6 Hebrew your flesh [7] 5:6 Or angel [8] 5:7 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verse 10 (see note on 1:2) [9] 5:7 Or For when dreams and vanities increase, words also grow many; but [10] 5:9 The meaning of the Hebrew verse is uncertain [11] 5:18 Or and see good [12] 6:2 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verses 4, 9, 11 (see note on 1:2) [13] 6:6 Or see [14] 6:7 Hebrew filled [15] 6:12 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2) (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 77 Psalm 77 (Listen) In the Day of Trouble I Seek the Lord To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph. 77   I cry aloud to God,    aloud to God, and he will hear me.2   In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;    in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying;    my soul refuses to be comforted.3   When I remember God, I moan;    when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah 4   You hold my eyelids open;    I am so troubled that I cannot speak.5   I consider the days of old,    the years long ago.6   I said,1 “Let me remember my song in the night;    let me meditate in my heart.”    Then my spirit made a diligent search:7   “Will the Lord spurn forever,    and never again be favorable?8   Has his steadfast love forever ceased?    Are his promises at an end for all time?9   Has God forgotten to be gracious?    Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah 10   Then I said, “I will appeal to this,    to the years of the right hand of the Most High.”2 11   I will remember the deeds of the LORD;    yes, I will remember your wonders of old.12   I will ponder all your work,    and meditate on your mighty deeds.13   Your way, O God, is holy.    What god is great like our God?14   You are the God who works wonders;    you have made known your might among the peoples.15   You with your arm redeemed your people,    the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah 16   When the waters saw you, O God,    when the waters saw you, they were afraid;    indeed, the deep trembled.17   The clouds poured out water;    the skies gave forth thunder;    your arrows flashed on every side.18   The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;    your lightnings lighted up the world;    the earth trembled and shook.19   Your way was through the sea,    your path through the great waters;    yet your footprints were unseen.320   You led your people like a flock    by the hand of Moses and Aaron. Footnotes [1] 77:6 Hebrew lacks I said [2] 77:10 Or This is my grief: that the right hand of the Most High has changed [3] 77:19 Hebrew unknown (ESV) New Testament: John 19 John 19 (Listen) Jesus Delivered to Be Crucified 19 Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. 2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. 3 They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. 4 Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” 7 The Jews1 answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. 9 He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.” 12 From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” 13 So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic2 Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour.3 He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” 16 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified. The Crucifixion So they took Jesus, 17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,' but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.'” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.” 23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic.4 But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,   “They divided my garments among them,    and for my clothing they cast lots.” So the soldiers did these things, 25 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home. The Death of Jesus 28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Jesus' Side Is Pierced 31 Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. 36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.” Jesus Is Buried 38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus5 by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds6 in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. Footnotes [1] 19:7 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verses 12, 14, 31, 38 [2] 19:13 Or Hebrew; also verses 17, 20 [3] 19:14 That is, about noon [4] 19:23 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin [5] 19:39 Greek him [6] 19:39 Greek one hundred litras; a litra (or Roman pound) was equal to about 11 1/2 ounces or 327 grams (ESV)

Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 4–6 Ecclesiastes 4–6 (Listen) Evil Under the Sun 4 Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. 2 And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. 3 But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun. 4 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanity1 and a striving after wind. 5 The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh. 6 Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind. 7 Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8 one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is vanity and an unhappy business. 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. 13 Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice. 14 For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor. 15 I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that2 youth who was to stand in the king's3 place. 16 There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind. 4 Fear God 5 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. 2 5 Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. 3 For a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words. 4 When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. 5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. 6 Let not your mouth lead you6 into sin, and do not say before the messenger7 that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity;8 but9 God is the one you must fear. The Vanity of Wealth and Honor 8 If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. 9 But this is gain for a land in every way: a king committed to cultivated fields.10 10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. 11 When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? 12 Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep. 13 There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, 14 and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. 15 As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand. 16 This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? 17 Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger. 18 Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment11 in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. 19 Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. 20 For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart. 6 There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it lies heavy on mankind: 2 a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity;12 it is a grievous evil. 3 If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not satisfied with life's good things, and he also has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. 4 For it comes in vanity and goes in darkness, and in darkness its name is covered. 5 Moreover, it has not seen the sun or known anything, yet it finds rest rather than he. 6 Even though he should live a thousand years twice over, yet enjoy13 no good—do not all go to the one place? 7 All the toil of man is for his mouth, yet his appetite is not satisfied.14 8 For what advantage has the wise man over the fool? And what does the poor man have who knows how to conduct himself before the living? 9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the appetite: this also is vanity and a striving after wind. 10 Whatever has come to be has already been named, and it is known what man is, and that he is not able to dispute with one stronger than he. 11 The more words, the more vanity, and what is the advantage to man? 12 For who knows what is good for man while he lives the few days of his vain15 life, which he passes like a shadow? For who can tell man what will be after him under the sun? Footnotes [1] 4:4 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verses 7, 8, 16 (see note on 1:2) [2] 4:15 Hebrew the second [3] 4:15 Hebrew his [4] 4:16 Ch 4:17 in Hebrew [5] 5:2 Ch 5:1 in Hebrew [6] 5:6 Hebrew your flesh [7] 5:6 Or angel [8] 5:7 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verse 10 (see note on 1:2) [9] 5:7 Or For when dreams and vanities increase, words also grow many; but [10] 5:9 The meaning of the Hebrew verse is uncertain [11] 5:18 Or and see good [12] 6:2 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verses 4, 9, 11 (see note on 1:2) [13] 6:6 Or see [14] 6:7 Hebrew filled [15] 6:12 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2) (ESV) New Testament: Philemon 4–7 Philemon 4–7 (Listen) Philemon's Love and Faith 4 I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6 and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.1 7 For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you. Footnotes [1] 1:6 Or for Christ's service (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 77 Psalm 77 (Listen) In the Day of Trouble I Seek the Lord To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph. 77   I cry aloud to God,    aloud to God, and he will hear me.2   In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;    in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying;    my soul refuses to be comforted.3   When I remember God, I moan;    when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah 4   You hold my eyelids open;    I am so troubled that I cannot speak.5   I consider the days of old,    the years long ago.6   I said,1 “Let me remember my song in the night;    let me meditate in my heart.”    Then my spirit made a diligent search:7   “Will the Lord spurn forever,    and never again be favorable?8   Has his steadfast love forever ceased?    Are his promises at an end for all time?9   Has God forgotten to be gracious?    Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah 10   Then I said, “I will appeal to this,    to the years of the right hand of the Most High.”2 11   I will remember the deeds of the LORD;    yes, I will remember your wonders of old.12   I will ponder all your work,    and meditate on your mighty deeds.13   Your way, O God, is holy.    What god is great like our God?14   You are the God who works wonders;    you have made known your might among the peoples.15   You with your arm redeemed your people,    the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah 16   When the waters saw you, O God,    when the waters saw you, they were afraid;    indeed, the deep trembled.17   The clouds poured out water;    the skies gave forth thunder;    your arrows flashed on every side.18   The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;    your lightnings lighted up the world;    the earth trembled and shook.19   Your way was through the sea,    your path through the great waters;    yet your footprints were unseen.320   You led your people like a flock    by the hand of Moses and Aaron. Footnotes [1] 77:6 Hebrew lacks I said [2] 77:10 Or This is my grief: that the right hand of the Most High has changed [3] 77:19 Hebrew unknown (ESV) Proverb: Proverbs 24:7 Proverbs 24:7 (Listen) 7   Wisdom is too high for a fool;    in the gate he does not open his mouth. (ESV)

Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 1–3 Ecclesiastes 1–3 (Listen) All Is Vanity 1 The words of the Preacher,1 the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2   Vanity2 of vanities, says the Preacher,    vanity of vanities! All is vanity.3   What does man gain by all the toil    at which he toils under the sun?4   A generation goes, and a generation comes,    but the earth remains forever.5   The sun rises, and the sun goes down,    and hastens3 to the place where it rises.6   The wind blows to the south    and goes around to the north;  around and around goes the wind,    and on its circuits the wind returns.7   All streams run to the sea,    but the sea is not full;  to the place where the streams flow,    there they flow again.8   All things are full of weariness;    a man cannot utter it;  the eye is not satisfied with seeing,    nor the ear filled with hearing.9   What has been is what will be,    and what has been done is what will be done,    and there is nothing new under the sun.10   Is there a thing of which it is said,    “See, this is new”?  It has been already    in the ages before us.11   There is no remembrance of former things,4    nor will there be any remembrance  of later things5 yet to be    among those who come after. The Vanity of Wisdom 12 I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I applied my heart6 to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 14 I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity7 and a striving after wind.8 15   What is crooked cannot be made straight,    and what is lacking cannot be counted. 16 I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.” 17 And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. 18   For in much wisdom is much vexation,    and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow. The Vanity of Self-Indulgence 2 I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity.9 2 I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” 3 I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. 4 I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. 5 I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. 8 I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines,10 the delight of the sons of man. 9 So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. 10 And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. 11 Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. The Vanity of Living Wisely 12 So I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly. For what can the man do who comes after the king? Only what has already been done. 13 Then I saw that there is more gain in wisdom than in folly, as there is more gain in light than in darkness. 14 The wise person has his eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And yet I perceived that the same event happens to all of them. 15 Then I said in my heart, “What happens to the fool will happen to me also. Why then have I been so very wise?” And I said in my heart that this also is vanity. 16 For of the wise as of the fool there is no enduring remembrance, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How the wise dies just like the fool! 17 So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and a striving after wind. The Vanity of Toil 18 I hated all my toil in which I toil under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me, 19 and who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. 20 So I turned about and gave my heart up to despair over all the toil of my labors under the sun, 21 because sometimes a person who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave everything to be enjoyed by someone who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. 22 What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? 23 For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity. 24 There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment11 in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, 25 for apart from him12 who can eat or who can have enjoyment? 26 For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. A Time for Everything 3 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2   a time to be born, and a time to die;  a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;3   a time to kill, and a time to heal;  a time to break down, and a time to build up;4   a time to weep, and a time to laugh;  a time to mourn, and a time to dance;5   a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;  a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;6   a time to seek, and a time to lose;  a time to keep, and a time to cast away;7   a time to tear, and a time to sew;  a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;8   a time to love, and a time to hate;  a time for war, and a time for peace. The God-Given Task 9 What gain has the worker from his toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; 13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man. 14 I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. 15 That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.13 From Dust to Dust 16 Moreover, I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, even there was wickedness, and in the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness. 17 I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work. 18 I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but beasts. 19 For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity.14 20 All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth? 22 So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Who can bring him to see what will be after him? Footnotes [1] 1:1 Or Convener, or Collector; Hebrew Qoheleth (so throughout Ecclesiastes) [2] 1:2 The Hebrew term hebel, translated vanity or vain, refers concretely to a “mist,” “vapor,” or “mere breath,” and metaphorically to something that is fleeting or elusive (with different nuances depending on the context). It appears five times in this verse and in 29 other verses in Ecclesiastes [3] 1:5 Or and returns panting [4] 1:11 Or former people [5] 1:11 Or later people [6] 1:13 The Hebrew term denotes the center of one's inner life, including mind, will, and emotions [7] 1:14 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2) [8] 1:14 Or a feeding on wind; compare Hosea 12:1 (also in Ecclesiastes 1:17; 2:11, 17, 26; 4:4, 6, 16; 6:9) [9] 2:1 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verses 11, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26 (see note on 1:2) [10] 2:8 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain [11] 2:24 Or and make his soul see good [12] 2:25 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts apart from me [13] 3:15 Hebrew what has been pursued [14] 3:19 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2) (ESV) New Testament: Philemon 1–3 Philemon 1–3 (Listen) Greeting 1 Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker 2 and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house: 3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 76 Psalm 76 (Listen) Who Can Stand Before You? To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of Asaph. A Song. 76   In Judah God is known;    his name is great in Israel.2   His abode has been established in Salem,    his dwelling place in Zion.3   There he broke the flashing arrows,    the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war. Selah 4   Glorious are you, more majestic    than the mountains full of prey.5   The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil;    they sank into sleep;  all the men of war    were unable to use their hands.6   At your rebuke, O God of Jacob,    both rider and horse lay stunned. 7   But you, you are to be feared!    Who can stand before you    when once your anger is roused?8   From the heavens you uttered judgment;    the earth feared and was still,9   when God arose to establish judgment,    to save all the humble of the earth. Selah 10   Surely the wrath of man shall praise you;    the remnant1 of wrath you will put on like a belt.11   Make your vows to the LORD your God and perform them;    let all around him bring gifts    to him who is to be feared,12   who cuts off the spirit of princes,    who is to be feared by the kings of the earth. Footnotes [1] 76:10 Or extremity (ESV) Proverb: Proverbs 24:5–6 Proverbs 24:5–6 (Listen) 5   A wise man is full of strength,    and a man of knowledge enhances his might,6   for by wise guidance you can wage your war,    and in abundance of counselors there is victory. (ESV)

“So the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God for our good always and for our survival, as it is today” (Deuteronomy 6:24).It is clear to us that today's world is filled with problems. Satan, as the “ruler of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30) has succeeded in diluting the minds and corrupting the hearts.Meanwhile, God has been active in providing answers and solutions to today's ills. He gives us the wisdom we need in order to succeed and even prosper. Sadly, many people see the Bible as an old, antiquated, out-of-date collection of worthless nonsense. Yet to those willing to invest in a study of the Bible will soon realize the timeless wisdom it contains. The book of Psalms is appropriately classified as one of the “Wisdom Literature” books. Indeed, such a classification fits. This year's study of the Psalms taps into this divine and eternal wisdom. It is a study that shows how modern man can benefit from this ancient source.What Moses told the Israelites applies. What God gives us is “for our good” and “for our survival.” Also notice the last clause “as it is today.” God gave them those commandments years ago, but the benefits of following those commandments is for “today.” The book of Psalms is a book that will help us and help us today. The Bear Valley Lectures is a work of the Bear Valley Bible Institute International, under the oversight of the elders of the Bear Valley church of Christ in Denver, Colorado. The Bible Institute has been training preachers for work in the Lord's church since 1965 with our graduates working all over the world. For more information about our programs of study visit our website at WeTrainPreachers.com.

“So the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God for our good always and for our survival, as it is today” (Deuteronomy 6:24).It is clear to us that today's world is filled with problems. Satan, as the “ruler of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30) has succeeded in diluting the minds and corrupting the hearts.Meanwhile, God has been active in providing answers and solutions to today's ills. He gives us the wisdom we need in order to succeed and even prosper. Sadly, many people see the Bible as an old, antiquated, out-of-date collection of worthless nonsense. Yet to those willing to invest in a study of the Bible will soon realize the timeless wisdom it contains. The book of Psalms is appropriately classified as one of the “Wisdom Literature” books. Indeed, such a classification fits. This year's study of the Psalms taps into this divine and eternal wisdom. It is a study that shows how modern man can benefit from this ancient source.What Moses told the Israelites applies. What God gives us is “for our good” and “for our survival.” Also notice the last clause “as it is today.” God gave them those commandments years ago, but the benefits of following those commandments is for “today.” The book of Psalms is a book that will help us and help us today. The Bear Valley Lectures is a work of the Bear Valley Bible Institute International, under the oversight of the elders of the Bear Valley church of Christ in Denver, Colorado. The Bible Institute has been training preachers for work in the Lord's church since 1965 with our graduates working all over the world. For more information about our programs of study visit our website at WeTrainPreachers.com.

Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 1–3 Ecclesiastes 1–3 (Listen) All Is Vanity 1 The words of the Preacher,1 the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2   Vanity2 of vanities, says the Preacher,    vanity of vanities! All is vanity.3   What does man gain by all the toil    at which he toils under the sun?4   A generation goes, and a generation comes,    but the earth remains forever.5   The sun rises, and the sun goes down,    and hastens3 to the place where it rises.6   The wind blows to the south    and goes around to the north;  around and around goes the wind,    and on its circuits the wind returns.7   All streams run to the sea,    but the sea is not full;  to the place where the streams flow,    there they flow again.8   All things are full of weariness;    a man cannot utter it;  the eye is not satisfied with seeing,    nor the ear filled with hearing.9   What has been is what will be,    and what has been done is what will be done,    and there is nothing new under the sun.10   Is there a thing of which it is said,    “See, this is new”?  It has been already    in the ages before us.11   There is no remembrance of former things,4    nor will there be any remembrance  of later things5 yet to be    among those who come after. The Vanity of Wisdom 12 I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I applied my heart6 to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 14 I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity7 and a striving after wind.8 15   What is crooked cannot be made straight,    and what is lacking cannot be counted. 16 I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.” 17 And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. 18   For in much wisdom is much vexation,    and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow. The Vanity of Self-Indulgence 2 I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity.9 2 I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” 3 I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. 4 I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. 5 I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. 8 I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines,10 the delight of the sons of man. 9 So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. 10 And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. 11 Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. The Vanity of Living Wisely 12 So I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly. For what can the man do who comes after the king? Only what has already been done. 13 Then I saw that there is more gain in wisdom than in folly, as there is more gain in light than in darkness. 14 The wise person has his eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And yet I perceived that the same event happens to all of them. 15 Then I said in my heart, “What happens to the fool will happen to me also. Why then have I been so very wise?” And I said in my heart that this also is vanity. 16 For of the wise as of the fool there is no enduring remembrance, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How the wise dies just like the fool! 17 So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and a striving after wind. The Vanity of Toil 18 I hated all my toil in which I toil under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me, 19 and who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. 20 So I turned about and gave my heart up to despair over all the toil of my labors under the sun, 21 because sometimes a person who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave everything to be enjoyed by someone who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. 22 What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? 23 For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity. 24 There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment11 in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, 25 for apart from him12 who can eat or who can have enjoyment? 26 For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind. A Time for Everything 3 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: 2   a time to be born, and a time to die;  a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;3   a time to kill, and a time to heal;  a time to break down, and a time to build up;4   a time to weep, and a time to laugh;  a time to mourn, and a time to dance;5   a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;  a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;6   a time to seek, and a time to lose;  a time to keep, and a time to cast away;7   a time to tear, and a time to sew;  a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;8   a time to love, and a time to hate;  a time for war, and a time for peace. The God-Given Task 9 What gain has the worker from his toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; 13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man. 14 I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. 15 That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.13 From Dust to Dust 16 Moreover, I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, even there was wickedness, and in the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness. 17 I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work. 18 I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but beasts. 19 For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity.14 20 All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth? 22 So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Who can bring him to see what will be after him? Footnotes [1] 1:1 Or Convener, or Collector; Hebrew Qoheleth (so throughout Ecclesiastes) [2] 1:2 The Hebrew term hebel, translated vanity or vain, refers concretely to a “mist,” “vapor,” or “mere breath,” and metaphorically to something that is fleeting or elusive (with different nuances depending on the context). It appears five times in this verse and in 29 other verses in Ecclesiastes [3] 1:5 Or and returns panting [4] 1:11 Or former people [5] 1:11 Or later people [6] 1:13 The Hebrew term denotes the center of one's inner life, including mind, will, and emotions [7] 1:14 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2) [8] 1:14 Or a feeding on wind; compare Hosea 12:1 (also in Ecclesiastes 1:17; 2:11, 17, 26; 4:4, 6, 16; 6:9) [9] 2:1 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verses 11, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26 (see note on 1:2) [10] 2:8 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain [11] 2:24 Or and make his soul see good [12] 2:25 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts apart from me [13] 3:15 Hebrew what has been pursued [14] 3:19 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2) (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 76 Psalm 76 (Listen) Who Can Stand Before You? To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of Asaph. A Song. 76   In Judah God is known;    his name is great in Israel.2   His abode has been established in Salem,    his dwelling place in Zion.3   There he broke the flashing arrows,    the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war. Selah 4   Glorious are you, more majestic    than the mountains full of prey.5   The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil;    they sank into sleep;  all the men of war    were unable to use their hands.6   At your rebuke, O God of Jacob,    both rider and horse lay stunned. 7   But you, you are to be feared!    Who can stand before you    when once your anger is roused?8   From the heavens you uttered judgment;    the earth feared and was still,9   when God arose to establish judgment,    to save all the humble of the earth. Selah 10   Surely the wrath of man shall praise you;    the remnant1 of wrath you will put on like a belt.11   Make your vows to the LORD your God and perform them;    let all around him bring gifts    to him who is to be feared,12   who cuts off the spirit of princes,    who is to be feared by the kings of the earth. Footnotes [1] 76:10 Or extremity (ESV) New Testament: John 18 John 18 (Listen) Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus 18 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.”1 Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When Jesus2 said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servant3 and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?” Jesus Faces Annas and Caiaphas 12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the Jews4 arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people. Peter Denies Jesus 15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servants5 and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself. The High Priest Questions Jesus 19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. Peter Denies Jesus Again 25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed. Jesus Before Pilate 28 Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor's headquarters.6 It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor's headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” 32 This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die. My Kingdom Is Not of This World 33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. 39 But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40 They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.7 Footnotes [1] 18:5 Greek I am; also verses 6, 8 [2] 18:6 Greek he [3] 18:10 Or bondservant; twice in this verse [4] 18:12 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verses 14, 31, 36, 38 [5] 18:18 Or bondservants; also verse 26 [6] 18:28 Greek the praetorium [7] 18:40 Or an insurrectionist (ESV)

Opening Song: East/West (Psalm 103) (https://open.spotify.com/track/2bYNLyfRMf66WeEpoMVUbs?si=b08e8ac4b8c54831) by Paul Zach Lyrics: Bless the Lord O my soul All that is within me bless His name He's forgives all our sin He is slow to anger, full of grace As high as the heavens are up above So is the greatness of his love As far as the east is from the west He removes our sin from us As far as the east is from the west As far as the east is from the west For the lord knows our frame Short our days from dust to dust we fade But His love will remain Merciful to those who fear his name The steadfast love of the Lord Is from everlasting to everlasting Passage: 1 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 5 who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The LORD works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the people of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. 13 As a father shows compassion to his children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear him. 14 For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust. (Psalm 103:1–14 ESV) Musical Reflection: Harp Meditation No. 2 by Gretchen Kirby Reflection Notes: This modal meditation centers around an intervallic pattern in the right hand that is anchored by deep bass octaves in the left hand and occasional supportive harmonies. Though somewhat haunting, the melodic motif provokes reflection. Prayer: We beg you, Master, be our help and strength. Save those among us who are oppressed, have pity on the lowly, and lift up the fallen. Heal the sick, bring back the straying, and feed the hungry. Release those in prison, lift up those who falter, and strengthen the fainthearted. Let all nations come to know you the one God, with your Son Jesus Christ, and us your people and the sheep of your pasture. [Amen.] -Clement of Rome

Old Testament: Proverbs 29–31 Proverbs 29–31 (Listen) 29   He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,    will suddenly be broken beyond healing.2   When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,    but when the wicked rule, the people groan.3   He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,    but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.4   By justice a king builds up the land,    but he who exacts gifts1 tears it down.5   A man who flatters his neighbor    spreads a net for his feet.6   An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,    but a righteous man sings and rejoices.7   A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;    a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.8   Scoffers set a city aflame,    but the wise turn away wrath.9   If a wise man has an argument with a fool,    the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.10   Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless    and seek the life of the upright.211   A fool gives full vent to his spirit,    but a wise man quietly holds it back.12   If a ruler listens to falsehood,    all his officials will be wicked.13   The poor man and the oppressor meet together;    the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.14   If a king faithfully judges the poor,    his throne will be established forever.15   The rod and reproof give wisdom,    but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.16   When the wicked increase, transgression increases,    but the righteous will look upon their downfall.17   Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;    he will give delight to your heart.18   Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,3    but blessed is he who keeps the law.19   By mere words a servant is not disciplined,    for though he understands, he will not respond.20   Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?    There is more hope for a fool than for him.21   Whoever pampers his servant from childhood    will in the end find him his heir.422   A man of wrath stirs up strife,    and one given to anger causes much transgression.23   One's pride will bring him low,    but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.24   The partner of a thief hates his own life;    he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.25   The fear of man lays a snare,    but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.26   Many seek the face of a ruler,    but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice.27   An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,    but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked. The Words of Agur 30 The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle.5   The man declares, I am weary, O God;    I am weary, O God, and worn out.62   Surely I am too stupid to be a man.    I have not the understanding of a man.3   I have not learned wisdom,    nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.4   Who has ascended to heaven and come down?    Who has gathered the wind in his fists?  Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?    Who has established all the ends of the earth?  What is his name, and what is his son's name?    Surely you know! 5   Every word of God proves true;    he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.6   Do not add to his words,    lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. 7   Two things I ask of you;    deny them not to me before I die:8   Remove far from me falsehood and lying;    give me neither poverty nor riches;    feed me with the food that is needful for me,9   lest I be full and deny you    and say, “Who is the LORD?”  or lest I be poor and steal    and profane the name of my God. 10   Do not slander a servant to his master,    lest he curse you, and you be held guilty. 11   There are those7 who curse their fathers    and do not bless their mothers.12   There are those who are clean in their own eyes    but are not washed of their filth.13   There are those—how lofty are their eyes,    how high their eyelids lift!14   There are those whose teeth are swords,    whose fangs are knives,  to devour the poor from off the earth,    the needy from among mankind. 15   The leech has two daughters:    Give and Give.8  Three things are never satisfied;    four never say, “Enough”:16   Sheol, the barren womb,    the land never satisfied with water,    and the fire that never says, “Enough.” 17   The eye that mocks a father    and scorns to obey a mother  will be picked out by the ravens of the valley    and eaten by the vultures. 18   Three things are too wonderful for me;    four I do not understand:19   the way of an eagle in the sky,    the way of a serpent on a rock,  the way of a ship on the high seas,    and the way of a man with a virgin. 20   This is the way of an adulteress:    she eats and wipes her mouth    and says, “I have done no wrong.” 21   Under three things the earth trembles;    under four it cannot bear up:22   a slave when he becomes king,    and a fool when he is filled with food;23   an unloved woman when she gets a husband,    and a maidservant when she displaces her mistress. 24   Four things on earth are small,    but they are exceedingly wise:25   the ants are a people not strong,    yet they provide their food in the summer;26   the rock badgers are a people not mighty,    yet they make their homes in the cliffs;27   the locusts have no king,    yet all of them march in rank;28   the lizard you can take in your hands,    yet it is in kings' palaces. 29   Three things are stately in their tread;    four are stately in their stride:30   the lion, which is mightiest among beasts    and does not turn back before any;31   the strutting rooster,9 the he-goat,    and a king whose army is with him.10 32   If you have been foolish, exalting yourself,    or if you have been devising evil,    put your hand on your mouth.33   For pressing milk produces curds,    pressing the nose produces blood,    and pressing anger produces strife. The Words of King Lemuel 31 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him: 2   What are you doing, my son?11 What are you doing, son of my womb?    What are you doing, son of my vows?3   Do not give your strength to women,    your ways to those who destroy kings.4   It is not for kings, O Lemuel,    it is not for kings to drink wine,    or for rulers to take strong drink,5   lest they drink and forget what has been decreed    and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.6   Give strong drink to the one who is perishing,    and wine to those in bitter distress;127   let them drink and forget their poverty    and remember their misery no more.8   Open your mouth for the mute,    for the rights of all who are destitute.139   Open your mouth, judge righteously,    defend the rights of the poor and needy. The Woman Who Fears the Lord 10   14 An excellent wife who can find?    She is far more precious than jewels.11   The heart of her husband trusts in her,    and he will have no lack of gain.12   She does him good, and not harm,    all the days of her life.13   She seeks wool and flax,    and works with willing hands.14   She is like the ships of the merchant;    she brings her food from afar.15   She rises while it is yet night    and provides food for her household    and portions for her maidens.16   She considers a field and buys it;    with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.17   She dresses herself15 with strength    and makes her arms strong.18   She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.    Her lamp does not go out at night.19   She puts her hands to the distaff,    and her hands hold the spindle.20   She opens her hand to the poor    and reaches out her hands to the needy.21   She is not afraid of snow for her household,    for all her household are clothed in scarlet.1622   She makes bed coverings for herself;    her clothing is fine linen and purple.23   Her husband is known in the gates    when he sits among the elders of the land.24   She makes linen garments and sells them;    she delivers sashes to the merchant.25   Strength and dignity are her clothing,    and she laughs at the time to come.26   She opens her mouth with wisdom,    and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.27   She looks well to the ways of her household    and does not eat the bread of idleness.28   Her children rise up and call her blessed;    her husband also, and he praises her:29   “Many women have done excellently,    but you surpass them all.”30   Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,    but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.31   Give her of the fruit of her hands,    and let her works praise her in the gates. Footnotes [1] 29:4 Or who taxes heavily [2] 29:10 Or but the upright seek his soul [3] 29:18 Or the people are discouraged [4] 29:21 The meaning of the Hebrew word rendered his heir is uncertain [5] 30:1 Or Jakeh, the man of Massa [6] 30:1 Revocalization; Hebrew The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal [7] 30:11 Hebrew There is a generation; also verses 12, 13, 14 [8] 30:15 Or “Give, give,” they cry [9] 30:31 Or the magpie, or the greyhound; Hebrew girt-of-loins [10] 30:31 Or against whom there is no rising up [11] 31:2 Hebrew What, my son? [12] 31:6 Hebrew those bitter in soul [13] 31:8 Hebrew are sons of passing away [14] 31:10 Verses 10–31 are an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet [15] 31:17 Hebrew She girds her loins [16] 31:21 Or in double thickness (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 75 Psalm 75 (Listen) God Will Judge with Equity To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Psalm of Asaph. A Song. 75   We give thanks to you, O God;    we give thanks, for your name is near.  We1 recount your wondrous deeds. 2   “At the set time that I appoint    I will judge with equity.3   When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants,    it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah4   I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,'    and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn;5   do not lift up your horn on high,    or speak with haughty neck.'” 6   For not from the east or from the west

Old Testament: Proverbs 29–31 Proverbs 29–31 (Listen) 29   He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,    will suddenly be broken beyond healing.2   When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,    but when the wicked rule, the people groan.3   He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,    but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.4   By justice a king builds up the land,    but he who exacts gifts1 tears it down.5   A man who flatters his neighbor    spreads a net for his feet.6   An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,    but a righteous man sings and rejoices.7   A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;    a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.8   Scoffers set a city aflame,    but the wise turn away wrath.9   If a wise man has an argument with a fool,    the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.10   Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless    and seek the life of the upright.211   A fool gives full vent to his spirit,    but a wise man quietly holds it back.12   If a ruler listens to falsehood,    all his officials will be wicked.13   The poor man and the oppressor meet together;    the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.14   If a king faithfully judges the poor,    his throne will be established forever.15   The rod and reproof give wisdom,    but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.16   When the wicked increase, transgression increases,    but the righteous will look upon their downfall.17   Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;    he will give delight to your heart.18   Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,3    but blessed is he who keeps the law.19   By mere words a servant is not disciplined,    for though he understands, he will not respond.20   Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?    There is more hope for a fool than for him.21   Whoever pampers his servant from childhood    will in the end find him his heir.422   A man of wrath stirs up strife,    and one given to anger causes much transgression.23   One's pride will bring him low,    but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.24   The partner of a thief hates his own life;    he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.25   The fear of man lays a snare,    but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.26   Many seek the face of a ruler,    but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice.27   An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,    but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked. The Words of Agur 30 The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle.5   The man declares, I am weary, O God;    I am weary, O God, and worn out.62   Surely I am too stupid to be a man.    I have not the understanding of a man.3   I have not learned wisdom,    nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.4   Who has ascended to heaven and come down?    Who has gathered the wind in his fists?  Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?    Who has established all the ends of the earth?  What is his name, and what is his son's name?    Surely you know! 5   Every word of God proves true;    he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.6   Do not add to his words,    lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. 7   Two things I ask of you;    deny them not to me before I die:8   Remove far from me falsehood and lying;    give me neither poverty nor riches;    feed me with the food that is needful for me,9   lest I be full and deny you    and say, “Who is the LORD?”  or lest I be poor and steal    and profane the name of my God. 10   Do not slander a servant to his master,    lest he curse you, and you be held guilty. 11   There are those7 who curse their fathers    and do not bless their mothers.12   There are those who are clean in their own eyes    but are not washed of their filth.13   There are those—how lofty are their eyes,    how high their eyelids lift!14   There are those whose teeth are swords,    whose fangs are knives,  to devour the poor from off the earth,    the needy from among mankind. 15   The leech has two daughters:    Give and Give.8  Three things are never satisfied;    four never say, “Enough”:16   Sheol, the barren womb,    the land never satisfied with water,    and the fire that never says, “Enough.” 17   The eye that mocks a father    and scorns to obey a mother  will be picked out by the ravens of the valley    and eaten by the vultures. 18   Three things are too wonderful for me;    four I do not understand:19   the way of an eagle in the sky,    the way of a serpent on a rock,  the way of a ship on the high seas,    and the way of a man with a virgin. 20   This is the way of an adulteress:    she eats and wipes her mouth    and says, “I have done no wrong.” 21   Under three things the earth trembles;    under four it cannot bear up:22   a slave when he becomes king,    and a fool when he is filled with food;23   an unloved woman when she gets a husband,    and a maidservant when she displaces her mistress. 24   Four things on earth are small,    but they are exceedingly wise:25   the ants are a people not strong,    yet they provide their food in the summer;26   the rock badgers are a people not mighty,    yet they make their homes in the cliffs;27   the locusts have no king,    yet all of them march in rank;28   the lizard you can take in your hands,    yet it is in kings' palaces. 29   Three things are stately in their tread;    four are stately in their stride:30   the lion, which is mightiest among beasts    and does not turn back before any;31   the strutting rooster,9 the he-goat,    and a king whose army is with him.10 32   If you have been foolish, exalting yourself,    or if you have been devising evil,    put your hand on your mouth.33   For pressing milk produces curds,    pressing the nose produces blood,    and pressing anger produces strife. The Words of King Lemuel 31 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him: 2   What are you doing, my son?11 What are you doing, son of my womb?    What are you doing, son of my vows?3   Do not give your strength to women,    your ways to those who destroy kings.4   It is not for kings, O Lemuel,    it is not for kings to drink wine,    or for rulers to take strong drink,5   lest they drink and forget what has been decreed    and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.6   Give strong drink to the one who is perishing,    and wine to those in bitter distress;127   let them drink and forget their poverty    and remember their misery no more.8   Open your mouth for the mute,    for the rights of all who are destitute.139   Open your mouth, judge righteously,    defend the rights of the poor and needy. The Woman Who Fears the Lord 10   14 An excellent wife who can find?    She is far more precious than jewels.11   The heart of her husband trusts in her,    and he will have no lack of gain.12   She does him good, and not harm,    all the days of her life.13   She seeks wool and flax,    and works with willing hands.14   She is like the ships of the merchant;    she brings her food from afar.15   She rises while it is yet night    and provides food for her household    and portions for her maidens.16   She considers a field and buys it;    with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.17   She dresses herself15 with strength    and makes her arms strong.18   She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.    Her lamp does not go out at night.19   She puts her hands to the distaff,    and her hands hold the spindle.20   She opens her hand to the poor    and reaches out her hands to the needy.21   She is not afraid of snow for her household,    for all her household are clothed in scarlet.1622   She makes bed coverings for herself;    her clothing is fine linen and purple.23   Her husband is known in the gates    when he sits among the elders of the land.24   She makes linen garments and sells them;    she delivers sashes to the merchant.25   Strength and dignity are her clothing,    and she laughs at the time to come.26   She opens her mouth with wisdom,    and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.27   She looks well to the ways of her household    and does not eat the bread of idleness.28   Her children rise up and call her blessed;    her husband also, and he praises her:29   “Many women have done excellently,    but you surpass them all.”30   Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,    but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.31   Give her of the fruit of her hands,    and let her works praise her in the gates. Footnotes [1] 29:4 Or who taxes heavily [2] 29:10 Or but the upright seek his soul [3] 29:18 Or the people are discouraged [4] 29:21 The meaning of the Hebrew word rendered his heir is uncertain [5] 30:1 Or Jakeh, the man of Massa [6] 30:1 Revocalization; Hebrew The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal [7] 30:11 Hebrew There is a generation; also verses 12, 13, 14 [8] 30:15 Or “Give, give,” they cry [9] 30:31 Or the magpie, or the greyhound; Hebrew girt-of-loins [10] 30:31 Or against whom there is no rising up [11] 31:2 Hebrew What, my son? [12] 31:6 Hebrew those bitter in soul [13] 31:8 Hebrew are sons of passing away [14] 31:10 Verses 10–31 are an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet [15] 31:17 Hebrew She girds her loins [16] 31:21 Or in double thickness (ESV) New Testament: Titus 3:12–15 Titus 3:12–15 (Listen) Final Instructions and Greetings 12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing. 14 And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful. 15 All who are with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 75 Psalm 75 (Listen) God Will Judge with Equity To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Psalm of Asaph. A Song. 75   We give thanks to you, O God;    we give thanks, for your name is near.  We1 recount your wondrous deeds. 2   “At the set time that I appoint    I will judge with equity.&l

Old Testament: Proverbs 27–28 Proverbs 27–28 (Listen) 27   Do not boast about tomorrow,    for you do not know what a day may bring.2   Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;    a stranger, and not your own lips.3   A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty,    but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.4   Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,    but who can stand before jealousy?5   Better is open rebuke    than hidden love.6   Faithful are the wounds of a friend;    profuse are the kisses of an enemy.7   One who is full loathes honey,    but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.8   Like a bird that strays from its nest    is a man who strays from his home.9   Oil and perfume make the heart glad,    and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.110   Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend,    and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity.  Better is a neighbor who is near    than a brother who is far away.11   Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,    that I may answer him who reproaches me.12   The prudent sees danger and hides himself,    but the simple go on and suffer for it.13   Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger,    and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an adulteress.214   Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice,    rising early in the morning,    will be counted as cursing.15   A continual dripping on a rainy day    and a quarrelsome wife are alike;16   to restrain her is to restrain the wind    or to grasp3 oil in one's right hand.17   Iron sharpens iron,    and one man sharpens another.418   Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,    and he who guards his master will be honored.19   As in water face reflects face,    so the heart of man reflects the man.20   Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,    and never satisfied are the eyes of man.21   The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,    and a man is tested by his praise.22   Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle    along with crushed grain,    yet his folly will not depart from him. 23   Know well the condition of your flocks,    and give attention to your herds,24   for riches do not last forever;    and does a crown endure to all generations?25   When the grass is gone and the new growth appears    and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,26   the lambs will provide your clothing,    and the goats the price of a field.27   There will be enough goats' milk for your food,    for the food of your household    and maintenance for your girls.28   The wicked flee when no one pursues,    but the righteous are bold as a lion.2   When a land transgresses, it has many rulers,    but with a man of understanding and knowledge,    its stability will long continue.3   A poor man who oppresses the poor    is a beating rain that leaves no food.4   Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,    but those who keep the law strive against them.5   Evil men do not understand justice,    but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.6   Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity    than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.7   The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding,    but a companion of gluttons shames his father.8   Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit5    gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.9   If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,    even his prayer is an abomination.10   Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way    will fall into his own pit,    but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.11   A rich man is wise in his own eyes,    but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.12   When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,    but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.13   Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,    but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.14   Blessed is the one who fears the LORD6 always,    but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.15   Like a roaring lion or a charging bear    is a wicked ruler over a poor people.16   A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,    but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.17   If one is burdened with the blood of another,    he will be a fugitive until death;7    let no one help him.18   Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered,    but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.19   Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,    but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.20   A faithful man will abound with blessings,    but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.21   To show partiality is not good,    but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.22   A stingy man8 hastens after wealth    and does not know that poverty will come upon him.23   Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor    than he who flatters with his tongue.24   Whoever robs his father or his mother    and says, “That is no transgression,”    is a companion to a man who destroys.25   A greedy man stirs up strife,    but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.26   Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,    but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.27   Whoever gives to the poor will not want,    but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.28   When the wicked rise, people hide themselves,    but when they perish, the righteous increase. Footnotes [1] 27:9 Or and so does the sweetness of a friend that comes from his earnest counsel [2] 27:13 Hebrew a foreign woman; a slight emendation yields (compare Vulgate; see also 20:16) foreigners [3] 27:16 Hebrew to meet with [4] 27:17 Hebrew sharpens the face of another [5] 28:8 That is, profit that comes from charging interest to the poor [6] 28:14 Hebrew lacks the Lord [7] 28:17 Hebrew until the pit [8] 28:22 Hebrew A man whose eye is evil (ESV) New Testament: Titus 3:8–11 Titus 3:8–11 (Listen) 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. 10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned. (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 74 Psalm 74 (Listen) Arise, O God, Defend Your Cause A Maskil1 of Asaph. 74   O God, why do you cast us off forever?    Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture?2   Remember your congregation, which you have purchased of old,    which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage!    Remember Mount Zion, where you have dwelt.3   Direct your steps to the perpetual ruins;    the enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary! 4   Your foes have roared in the midst of your meeting place;    they set up their own signs for signs.5   They were like those who swing axes    in a forest of trees.26   And all its carved wood    they broke down with hatchets and hammers.7   They set your sanctuary on fire;    they profaned the dwelling place of your name,    bringing it down to the ground.8   They said to themselves, “We will utterly subdue them”;    they burned all the meeting places of God in the land. 9   We do not see our signs;    there is no longer any prophet,    and there is none among us who knows how long.10   How long, O God, is the foe to scoff?    Is the enemy to revile your name forever?11   Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?    Take it from the fold of your garment3 and destroy them! 12   Yet God my King is from of old,    working salvation in the midst of the earth.13   You divided the sea by your might;    you broke the heads of the sea monsters4 on the waters.14   You crushed the heads of Leviathan;    you gave him as food for the creatures of the wilderness.15   You split open springs and brooks;    you dried up ever-flowing streams.16   Yours is the day, yours also the night;    you have established the heavenly lights and the sun.17   You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth;    you have made summer and winter. 18   Remember this, O LORD, how the enemy scoffs,    and a foolish people reviles your name.19   Do not deliver the soul of your dove to the wild beasts;    do not forget the life of your poor forever. 20   Have regard for the covenant,    for the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence.21   Let not the downtrodden turn back in shame;    let the poor and needy praise your name. 22   Arise, O God, defend your cause;    remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day!23   Do not forget the clamor of your foes,    the uproar of those who rise against you, which goes up continually! Footnotes [1] 74:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term [2] 74:5 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain [3] 74:11 Hebrew from your bosom [4] 74:13 Or the great sea creatures (ESV) Proverb: Proverbs 24:1–2 Proverbs 24:1–2 (Listen) 24   Be not envious of evil men,    nor desire to be with them,2   for their hearts devise violence,    and their lips talk of trouble. (ESV)

Old Testament: Proverbs 27–28 Proverbs 27–28 (Listen) 27   Do not boast about tomorrow,    for you do not know what a day may bring.2   Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;    a stranger, and not your own lips.3   A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty,    but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.4   Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,    but who can stand before jealousy?5   Better is open rebuke    than hidden love.6   Faithful are the wounds of a friend;    profuse are the kisses of an enemy.7   One who is full loathes honey,    but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.8   Like a bird that strays from its nest    is a man who strays from his home.9   Oil and perfume make the heart glad,    and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.110   Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend,    and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity.  Better is a neighbor who is near    than a brother who is far away.11   Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,    that I may answer him who reproaches me.12   The prudent sees danger and hides himself,    but the simple go on and suffer for it.13   Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger,    and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an adulteress.214   Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice,    rising early in the morning,    will be counted as cursing.15   A continual dripping on a rainy day    and a quarrelsome wife are alike;16   to restrain her is to restrain the wind    or to grasp3 oil in one's right hand.17   Iron sharpens iron,    and one man sharpens another.418   Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,    and he who guards his master will be honored.19   As in water face reflects face,    so the heart of man reflects the man.20   Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,    and never satisfied are the eyes of man.21   The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,    and a man is tested by his praise.22   Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle    along with crushed grain,    yet his folly will not depart from him. 23   Know well the condition of your flocks,    and give attention to your herds,24   for riches do not last forever;    and does a crown endure to all generations?25   When the grass is gone and the new growth appears    and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,26   the lambs will provide your clothing,    and the goats the price of a field.27   There will be enough goats' milk for your food,    for the food of your household    and maintenance for your girls.28   The wicked flee when no one pursues,    but the righteous are bold as a lion.2   When a land transgresses, it has many rulers,    but with a man of understanding and knowledge,    its stability will long continue.3   A poor man who oppresses the poor    is a beating rain that leaves no food.4   Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,    but those who keep the law strive against them.5   Evil men do not understand justice,    but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.6   Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity    than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.7   The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding,    but a companion of gluttons shames his father.8   Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profit5    gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.9   If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,    even his prayer is an abomination.10   Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way    will fall into his own pit,    but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.11   A rich man is wise in his own eyes,    but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.12   When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,    but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.13   Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,    but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.14   Blessed is the one who fears the LORD6 always,    but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.15   Like a roaring lion or a charging bear    is a wicked ruler over a poor people.16   A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,    but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.17   If one is burdened with the blood of another,    he will be a fugitive until death;7    let no one help him.18   Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered,    but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.19   Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,    but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.20   A faithful man will abound with blessings,    but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.21   To show partiality is not good,    but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.22   A stingy man8 hastens after wealth    and does not know that poverty will come upon him.23   Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor    than he who flatters with his tongue.24   Whoever robs his father or his mother    and says, “That is no transgression,”    is a companion to a man who destroys.25   A greedy man stirs up strife,    but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.26   Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,    but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.27   Whoever gives to the poor will not want,    but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.28   When the wicked rise, people hide themselves,    but when they perish, the righteous increase. Footnotes [1] 27:9 Or and so does the sweetness of a friend that comes from his earnest counsel [2] 27:13 Hebrew a foreign woman; a slight emendation yields (compare Vulgate; see also 20:16) foreigners [3] 27:16 Hebrew to meet with [4] 27:17 Hebrew sharpens the face of another [5] 28:8 That is, profit that comes from charging interest to the poor [6] 28:14 Hebrew lacks the Lord [7] 28:17 Hebrew until the pit [8] 28:22 Hebrew A man whose eye is evil (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 74 Psalm 74 (Listen) Arise, O God, Defend Your Cause A Maskil1 of Asaph. 74   O God, why do you cast us off forever?    Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture?2   Remember your congregation, which you have purchased of old,    which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage!    Remember Mount Zion, where you have dwelt.3   Direct your steps to the perpetual ruins;    the enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary! 4   Your foes have roared in the midst of your meeting place;    they set up their own signs for signs.5   They were like those who swing axes    in a forest of trees.26   And all its carved wood    they broke down with hatchets and hammers.7   They set your sanctuary on fire;    they profaned the dwelling place of your name,    bringing it down to the ground.8   They said to themselves, “We will utterly subdue them”;    they burned all the meeting places of God in the land. 9   We do not see our signs;    there is no longer any prophet,    and there is none among us who knows how long.10   How long, O God, is the foe to scoff?    Is the enemy to revile your name forever?11   Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?    Take it from the fold of your garment3 and destroy them! 12   Yet God my King is from of old,    working salvation in the midst of the earth.13   You divided the sea by your might;    you broke the heads of the sea monsters4 on the waters.14   You crushed the heads of Leviathan;    you gave him as food for the creatures of the wilderness.15   You split open springs and brooks;    you dried up ever-flowing streams.16   Yours is the day, yours also the night;    you have established the heavenly lights and the sun.17   You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth;    you have made summer and winter. 18   Remember this, O LORD, how the enemy scoffs,    and a foolish people reviles your name.19   Do not deliver the soul of your dove to the wild beasts;    do not forget the life of your poor forever. 20   Have regard for the covenant,    for the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence.21   Let not the downtrodden turn back in shame;    let the poor and needy praise your name. 22   Arise, O God, defend your cause;    remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day!23   Do not forget the clamor of your foes,    the uproar of those who rise against you, which goes up continually! Footnotes [1] 74:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term [2] 74:5 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain [3] 74:11 Hebrew from your bosom [4] 74:13 Or the great sea creatures (ESV) New Testament: John 16 John 16 (Listen) 16 “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. The Work of the Holy Spirit “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?' 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you. Your Sorrow Will Turn into Joy 16 “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me'; and, ‘because I am going to the Father'?” 18 So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while'? We do not know what he is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me'? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. I Have Overcome the World 25 “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.1 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” 29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Footnotes [1] 16:27 Some manuscripts from the Father (ESV)

Old Testament: Proverbs 25–26 Proverbs 25–26 (Listen) More Proverbs of Solomon 25 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied. 2   It is the glory of God to conceal things,    but the glory of kings is to search things out.3   As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,    so the heart of kings is unsearchable.4   Take away the dross from the silver,    and the smith has material for a vessel;5   take away the wicked from the presence of the king,    and his throne will be established in righteousness.6   Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence    or stand in the place of the great,7   for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”    than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.   What your eyes have seen8     do not hastily bring into court,1  for2 what will you do in the end,    when your neighbor puts you to shame?9   Argue your case with your neighbor himself,    and do not reveal another's secret,10   lest he who hears you bring shame upon you,    and your ill repute have no end. 11   A word fitly spoken    is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.12   Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold    is a wise reprover to a listening ear.13   Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest    is a faithful messenger to those who send him;    he refreshes the soul of his masters.14   Like clouds and wind without rain    is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give. 15   With patience a ruler may be persuaded,    and a soft tongue will break a bone.16   If you have found honey, eat only enough for you,    lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.17   Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house,    lest he have his fill of you and hate you.18   A man who bears false witness against his neighbor    is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.19   Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble    is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.20   Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart    is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day,    and like vinegar on soda.21   If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,    and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,22   for you will heap burning coals on his head,    and the LORD will reward you.23   The north wind brings forth rain,    and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.24   It is better to live in a corner of the housetop    than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.25   Like cold water to a thirsty soul,    so is good news from a far country.26   Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain    is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.27   It is not good to eat much honey,    nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory.328   A man without self-control    is like a city broken into and left without walls.26   Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,    so honor is not fitting for a fool.2   Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying,    a curse that is causeless does not alight.3   A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,    and a rod for the back of fools.4   Answer not a fool according to his folly,    lest you be like him yourself.5   Answer a fool according to his folly,    lest he be wise in his own eyes.6   Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool    cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.7   Like a lame man's legs, which hang useless,    is a proverb in the mouth of fools.8   Like one who binds the stone in the sling    is one who gives honor to a fool.9   Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard    is a proverb in the mouth of fools.10   Like an archer who wounds everyone    is one who hires a passing fool or drunkard.411   Like a dog that returns to his vomit    is a fool who repeats his folly.12   Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?    There is more hope for a fool than for him.13   The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road!    There is a lion in the streets!”14   As a door turns on its hinges,    so does a sluggard on his bed.15   The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;    it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth.16   The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes    than seven men who can answer sensibly.17   Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own    is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.18   Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death19   is the man who deceives his neighbor    and says, “I am only joking!”20   For lack of wood the fire goes out,    and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.21   As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,    so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.22   The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;    they go down into the inner parts of the body.23   Like the glaze5 covering an earthen vessel    are fervent lips with an evil heart.24   Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips    and harbors deceit in his heart;25   when he speaks graciously, believe him not,    for there are seven abominations in his heart;26   though his hatred be covered with deception,    his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.27   Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,    and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.28   A lying tongue hates its victims,    and a flattering mouth works ruin. Footnotes [1] 25:8 Or presence of a noble, as your eyes have seen. 8Do not go hastily out to court [2] 25:8 Hebrew or else [3] 25:27 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [4] 26:10 Or hires a fool or passersby [5] 26:23 By revocalization; Hebrew silver of dross (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 73 Psalm 73 (Listen) Book Three God Is My Strength and Portion Forever A Psalm of Asaph. 73   Truly God is good to Israel,    to those who are pure in heart.2   But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,    my steps had nearly slipped.3   For I was envious of the arrogant    when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4   For they have no pangs until death;    their bodies are fat and sleek.5   They are not in trouble as others are;    they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.6   Therefore pride is their necklace;    violence covers them as a garment.7   Their eyes swell out through fatness;    their hearts overflow with follies.8   They scoff and speak with malice;    loftily they threaten oppression.9   They set their mouths against the heavens,    and their tongue struts through the earth.10   Therefore his people turn back to them,    and find no fault in them.111   And they say, “How can God know?    Is there knowledge in the Most High?”12   Behold, these are the wicked;    always at ease, they increase in riches.13   All in vain have I kept my heart clean    and washed my hands in innocence.14   For all the day long I have been stricken    and rebuked every morning.15   If I had said, “I will speak thus,”    I would have betrayed the generation of your children. 16   But when I thought how to understand this,    it seemed to me a wearisome task,17   until I went into the sanctuary of God;    then I discerned their end. 18   Truly you set them in slippery places;    you make them fall to ruin.19   How they are destroyed in a moment,    swept away utterly by terrors!20   Like a dream when one awakes,    O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms.21   When my soul was embittered,    when I was pricked in heart,22   I was brutish and ignorant;    I was like a beast toward you. 23   Nevertheless, I am continually with you;    you hold my right hand.24   You guide me with your counsel,    and afterward you will receive me to glory.25   Whom have I in heaven but you?    And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.26   My flesh and my heart may fail,    but God is the strength2 of my heart and my portion forever. 27   For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;    you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.28   But for me it is good to be near God;    I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,    that I may tell of all your works. Footnotes [1] 73:10 Probable reading; Hebrew the waters of a full cup are drained by them [2] 73:26 Hebrew rock (ESV) New Testament: John 15 John 15 (Listen) I Am the True Vine 15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants,1 for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another. The Hatred of the World 18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin,2 but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.' 26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning. Footnotes [1] 15:15 Or bondservants, or slaves (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface); likewise for servant later in this verse and in verse 20 [2] 15:22 Greek they would not have sin; also verse 24 (ESV)

Old Testament: Proverbs 25–26 Proverbs 25–26 (Listen) More Proverbs of Solomon 25 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied. 2   It is the glory of God to conceal things,    but the glory of kings is to search things out.3   As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,    so the heart of kings is unsearchable.4   Take away the dross from the silver,    and the smith has material for a vessel;5   take away the wicked from the presence of the king,    and his throne will be established in righteousness.6   Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence    or stand in the place of the great,7   for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”    than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.   What your eyes have seen8     do not hastily bring into court,1  for2 what will you do in the end,    when your neighbor puts you to shame?9   Argue your case with your neighbor himself,    and do not reveal another's secret,10   lest he who hears you bring shame upon you,    and your ill repute have no end. 11   A word fitly spoken    is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.12   Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold    is a wise reprover to a listening ear.13   Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest    is a faithful messenger to those who send him;    he refreshes the soul of his masters.14   Like clouds and wind without rain    is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give. 15   With patience a ruler may be persuaded,    and a soft tongue will break a bone.16   If you have found honey, eat only enough for you,    lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.17   Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house,    lest he have his fill of you and hate you.18   A man who bears false witness against his neighbor    is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.19   Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble    is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.20   Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart    is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day,    and like vinegar on soda.21   If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,    and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,22   for you will heap burning coals on his head,    and the LORD will reward you.23   The north wind brings forth rain,    and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.24   It is better to live in a corner of the housetop    than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.25   Like cold water to a thirsty soul,    so is good news from a far country.26   Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain    is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.27   It is not good to eat much honey,    nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory.328   A man without self-control    is like a city broken into and left without walls.26   Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,    so honor is not fitting for a fool.2   Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying,    a curse that is causeless does not alight.3   A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,    and a rod for the back of fools.4   Answer not a fool according to his folly,    lest you be like him yourself.5   Answer a fool according to his folly,    lest he be wise in his own eyes.6   Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool    cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.7   Like a lame man's legs, which hang useless,    is a proverb in the mouth of fools.8   Like one who binds the stone in the sling    is one who gives honor to a fool.9   Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard    is a proverb in the mouth of fools.10   Like an archer who wounds everyone    is one who hires a passing fool or drunkard.411   Like a dog that returns to his vomit    is a fool who repeats his folly.12   Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?    There is more hope for a fool than for him.13   The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road!    There is a lion in the streets!”14   As a door turns on its hinges,    so does a sluggard on his bed.15   The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;    it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth.16   The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes    than seven men who can answer sensibly.17   Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own    is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.18   Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death19   is the man who deceives his neighbor    and says, “I am only joking!”20   For lack of wood the fire goes out,    and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.21   As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,    so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.22   The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;    they go down into the inner parts of the body.23   Like the glaze5 covering an earthen vessel    are fervent lips with an evil heart.24   Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips    and harbors deceit in his heart;25   when he speaks graciously, believe him not,    for there are seven abominations in his heart;26   though his hatred be covered with deception,    his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.27   Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,    and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.28   A lying tongue hates its victims,    and a flattering mouth works ruin. Footnotes [1] 25:8 Or presence of a noble, as your eyes have seen. 8Do not go hastily out to court [2] 25:8 Hebrew or else [3] 25:27 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain [4] 26:10 Or hires a fool or passersby [5] 26:23 By revocalization; Hebrew silver of dross (ESV) New Testament: Titus 3:1–8 Titus 3:1–8 (Listen) Be Ready for Every Good Work 3 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people. (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 73 Psalm 73 (Listen) Book Three God Is My Strength and Portion Forever A Psalm of Asaph. 73   Truly God is good to Israel,    to those who are pure in heart.2   But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,    my steps had nearly slipped.3   For I was envious of the arrogant    when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4   For they have no pangs until death;    their bodies are fat and sleek.5   They are not in trouble as others are;    they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.6   Therefore pride is their necklace;    violence covers them as a garment.7   Their eyes swell out through fatness;    their hearts overflow with follies.8   They scoff and speak with malice;    loftily they threaten oppression.9   They set their mouths against the heavens,    and their tongue struts through the earth.10   Therefore his people turn back to them,    and find no fault in them.111   And they say, “How can God know?    Is there knowledge in the Most High?”12   Behold, these are the wicked;    always at ease, they increase in riches.13   All in vain have I kept my heart clean    and washed my hands in innocence.14   For all the day long I have been stricken    and rebuked every morning.15   If I had said, “I will speak thus,”    I would have betrayed the generation of your children. 16   But when I thought how to understand this,    it seemed to me a wearisome task,17   until I went into the sanctuary of God;    then I discerned their end. 18   Truly you set them in slippery places;    you make them fall to ruin.19   How they are destroyed in a moment,    swept away utterly by terrors!20   Like a dream when one awakes,    O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms.21   When my soul was embittered,    when I was pricked in heart,22   I was brutish and ignorant;    I was like a beast toward you. 23   Nevertheless, I am continually with you;    you hold my right hand.24   You guide me with your counsel,    and afterward you will receive me to glory.25   Whom have I in heaven but you?    And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.26   My flesh and my heart may fail,    but God is the strength2 of my heart and my portion forever. 27   For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;    you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.28   But for me it is good to be near God;    I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,    that I may tell of all your works. Footnotes [1] 73:10 Probable reading; Hebrew the waters of a full cup are drained by them [2] 73:26 Hebrew rock (ESV) Proverb: Proverbs 23:29–35 Proverbs 23:29–35 (Listen) 29   Who has woe? Who has sorrow?    Who has strife? Who has complaining?  Who has wounds without cause?    Who has redness of eyes?30   Those who tarry long over wine;    those who go to try mixed wine.31   Do not look at wine when it is red,    when it sparkles in the cup    and goes down smoothly.32   In the end it bites like a serpent    and stings like an adder.33   Your eyes will see strange things,    and your heart utter perverse things.34   You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,    like one who lies on the top of a mast.135   “They struck me,” you will say,2 “but I was not hurt;    they beat me, but I did not feel it.  When shall I awake?    I must have another drink.” Footnotes [1] 23:34 Or of the rigging [2] 23:35 Hebrew lacks you will say (ESV)

Pastor Baker discusses theological distinctions between Law & Gospel. Today's topic of discussion is Sunday's Lectionary for Series A of the Three Year Lectionary. Festival: Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20) 1st Reading: Isaiah 55:6-9 Psalm: Psalm 27:1-9 Epistle: Philippians 1:12-14, 19-30 Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16 Law and Gospel is independently produced by Pastor Tom Baker. Views and opinions expressed on this program may not represent the official position of the management or ownership of KFUO Radio, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. To contact Pastor Tom Baker, email tombaker@brick.net.

Old Testament: Proverbs 23–24 Proverbs 23–24 (Listen) 23   When you sit down to eat with a ruler,    observe carefully what1 is before you,2   and put a knife to your throat    if you are given to appetite.3   Do not desire his delicacies,    for they are deceptive food.4   Do not toil to acquire wealth;    be discerning enough to desist.5   When your eyes light on it, it is gone,    for suddenly it sprouts wings,    flying like an eagle toward heaven.6   Do not eat the bread of a man who is stingy;2    do not desire his delicacies,7   for he is like one who is inwardly calculating.3    “Eat and drink!” he says to you,    but his heart is not with you.8   You will vomit up the morsels that you have eaten,    and waste your pleasant words.9   Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,    for he will despise the good sense of your words.10   Do not move an ancient landmark    or enter the fields of the fatherless,11   for their Redeemer is strong;    he will plead their cause against you.12   Apply your heart to instruction    and your ear to words of knowledge.13   Do not withhold discipline from a child;    if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.14   If you strike him with the rod,    you will save his soul from Sheol.15   My son, if your heart is wise,    my heart too will be glad.16   My inmost being4 will exult    when your lips speak what is right.17   Let not your heart envy sinners,    but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day.18   Surely there is a future,    and your hope will not be cut off. 19   Hear, my son, and be wise,    and direct your heart in the way.20   Be not among drunkards5    or among gluttonous eaters of meat,21   for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,    and slumber will clothe them with rags. 22   Listen to your father who gave you life,    and do not despise your mother when she is old.23   Buy truth, and do not sell it;    buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.24   The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice;    he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.25   Let your father and mother be glad;    let her who bore you rejoice. 26   My son, give me your heart,    and let your eyes observe6 my ways.27   For a prostitute is a deep pit;    an adulteress7 is a narrow well.28   She lies in wait like a robber    and increases the traitors among mankind. 29   Who has woe? Who has sorrow?    Who has strife? Who has complaining?  Who has wounds without cause?    Who has redness of eyes?30   Those who tarry long over wine;    those who go to try mixed wine.31   Do not look at wine when it is red,    when it sparkles in the cup    and goes down smoothly.32   In the end it bites like a serpent    and stings like an adder.33   Your eyes will see strange things,    and your heart utter perverse things.34   You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,    like one who lies on the top of a mast.835   “They struck me,” you will say,9 “but I was not hurt;    they beat me, but I did not feel it.  When shall I awake?    I must have another drink.”24   Be not envious of evil men,    nor desire to be with them,2   for their hearts devise violence,    and their lips talk of trouble. 3   By wisdom a house is built,    and by understanding it is established;4   by knowledge the rooms are filled    with all precious and pleasant riches.5   A wise man is full of strength,    and a man of knowledge enhances his might,6   for by wise guidance you can wage your war,    and in abundance of counselors there is victory.7   Wisdom is too high for a fool;    in the gate he does not open his mouth. 8   Whoever plans to do evil    will be called a schemer.9   The devising10 of folly is sin,    and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind. 10   If you faint in the day of adversity,    your strength is small.11   Rescue those who are being taken away to death;    hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.12   If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,”    does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?  Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it,    and will he not repay man according to his work? 13   My son, eat honey, for it is good,    and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.14   Know that wisdom is such to your soul;    if you find it, there will be a future,    and your hope will not be cut off. 15   Lie not in wait as a wicked man against the dwelling of the righteous;    do no violence to his home;16   for the righteous falls seven times and rises again,    but the wicked stumble in times of calamity. 17   Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,    and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,18   lest the LORD see it and be displeased,    and turn away his anger from him. 19   Fret not yourself because of evildoers,    and be not envious of the wicked,20   for the evil man has no future;    the lamp of the wicked will be put out. 21   My son, fear the LORD and the king,    and do not join with those who do otherwise,22   for disaster will arise suddenly from them,    and who knows the ruin that will come from them both? More Sayings of the Wise 23 These also are sayings of the wise.   Partiality in judging is not good.24   Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”    will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,25   but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,    and a good blessing will come upon them.26   Whoever gives an honest answer    kisses the lips. 27   Prepare your work outside;    get everything ready for yourself in the field,    and after that build your house. 28   Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause,    and do not deceive with your lips.29   Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;    I will pay the man back for what he has done.” 30   I passed by the field of a sluggard,    by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,31   and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;    the ground was covered with nettles,    and its stone wall was broken down.32   Then I saw and considered it;    I looked and received instruction.33   A little sleep, a little slumber,    a little folding of the hands to rest,34   and poverty will come upon you like a robber,    and want like an armed man. Footnotes [1] 23:1 Or who [2] 23:6 Hebrew whose eye is evil [3] 23:7 Or for as he calculates in his soul, so is he [4] 23:16 Hebrew My kidneys [5] 23:20 Hebrew those who drink too much wine [6] 23:26 Or delight in [7] 23:27 Hebrew a foreign woman [8] 23:34 Or of the rigging [9] 23:35 Hebrew lacks you will say [10] 24:9 Or scheming (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 72 Psalm 72 (Listen) Give the King Your Justice Of Solomon. 72   Give the king your justice, O God,    and your righteousness to the royal son!2   May he judge your people with righteousness,    and your poor with justice!3   Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,    and the hills, in righteousness!4   May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,    give deliverance to the children of the needy,    and crush the oppressor! 5   May they fear you1 while the sun endures,    and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!6   May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,    like showers that water the earth!7   In his days may the righteous flourish,    and peace abound, till the moon be no more! 8   May he have dominion from sea to sea,    and from the River2 to the ends of the earth!9   May desert tribes bow down before him,    and his enemies lick the dust!10   May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands    render him tribute;  may the kings of Sheba and Seba    bring gifts!11   May all kings fall down before him,    all nations serve him! 12   For he delivers the needy when he calls,    the poor and him who has no helper.13   He has pity on the weak and the needy,    and saves the lives of the needy.14   From oppression and violence he redeems their life,    and precious is their blood in his sight. 15   Long may he live;    may gold of Sheba be given to him!  May prayer be made for him continually,    and blessings invoked for him all the day!16   May there be abundance of grain in the land;    on the tops of the mountains may it wave;    may its fruit be like Lebanon;  and may people blossom in the cities    like the grass of the field!17   May his name endure forever,    his fame continue as long as the sun!  May people be blessed in him,    all nations call him blessed! 18   Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,    who alone does wondrous things.19   Blessed be his glorious name forever;    may the whole earth be filled with his glory!      Amen and Amen! 20   The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended. Footnotes [1] 72:5 Septuagint He shall endure [2] 72:8 That is, the Euphrates (ESV) New Testament: John 14 John 14 (Listen) I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life 14 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;1 believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?2 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”3 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.4 From now on you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father'? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. 12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me5 anything in my name, I will do it. Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,6 to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be7 in you. 18 

Old Testament: Proverbs 23–24 Proverbs 23–24 (Listen) 23   When you sit down to eat with a ruler,    observe carefully what1 is before you,2   and put a knife to your throat    if you are given to appetite.3   Do not desire his delicacies,    for they are deceptive food.4   Do not toil to acquire wealth;    be discerning enough to desist.5   When your eyes light on it, it is gone,    for suddenly it sprouts wings,    flying like an eagle toward heaven.6   Do not eat the bread of a man who is stingy;2    do not desire his delicacies,7   for he is like one who is inwardly calculating.3    “Eat and drink!” he says to you,    but his heart is not with you.8   You will vomit up the morsels that you have eaten,    and waste your pleasant words.9   Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,    for he will despise the good sense of your words.10   Do not move an ancient landmark    or enter the fields of the fatherless,11   for their Redeemer is strong;    he will plead their cause against you.12   Apply your heart to instruction    and your ear to words of knowledge.13   Do not withhold discipline from a child;    if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.14   If you strike him with the rod,    you will save his soul from Sheol.15   My son, if your heart is wise,    my heart too will be glad.16   My inmost being4 will exult    when your lips speak what is right.17   Let not your heart envy sinners,    but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day.18   Surely there is a future,    and your hope will not be cut off. 19   Hear, my son, and be wise,    and direct your heart in the way.20   Be not among drunkards5    or among gluttonous eaters of meat,21   for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,    and slumber will clothe them with rags. 22   Listen to your father who gave you life,    and do not despise your mother when she is old.23   Buy truth, and do not sell it;    buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.24   The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice;    he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.25   Let your father and mother be glad;    let her who bore you rejoice. 26   My son, give me your heart,    and let your eyes observe6 my ways.27   For a prostitute is a deep pit;    an adulteress7 is a narrow well.28   She lies in wait like a robber    and increases the traitors among mankind. 29   Who has woe? Who has sorrow?    Who has strife? Who has complaining?  Who has wounds without cause?    Who has redness of eyes?30   Those who tarry long over wine;    those who go to try mixed wine.31   Do not look at wine when it is red,    when it sparkles in the cup    and goes down smoothly.32   In the end it bites like a serpent    and stings like an adder.33   Your eyes will see strange things,    and your heart utter perverse things.34   You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,    like one who lies on the top of a mast.835   “They struck me,” you will say,9 “but I was not hurt;    they beat me, but I did not feel it.  When shall I awake?    I must have another drink.”24   Be not envious of evil men,    nor desire to be with them,2   for their hearts devise violence,    and their lips talk of trouble. 3   By wisdom a house is built,    and by understanding it is established;4   by knowledge the rooms are filled    with all precious and pleasant riches.5   A wise man is full of strength,    and a man of knowledge enhances his might,6   for by wise guidance you can wage your war,    and in abundance of counselors there is victory.7   Wisdom is too high for a fool;    in the gate he does not open his mouth. 8   Whoever plans to do evil    will be called a schemer.9   The devising10 of folly is sin,    and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind. 10   If you faint in the day of adversity,    your strength is small.11   Rescue those who are being taken away to death;    hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.12   If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,”    does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?  Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it,    and will he not repay man according to his work? 13   My son, eat honey, for it is good,    and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.14   Know that wisdom is such to your soul;    if you find it, there will be a future,    and your hope will not be cut off. 15   Lie not in wait as a wicked man against the dwelling of the righteous;    do no violence to his home;16   for the righteous falls seven times and rises again,    but the wicked stumble in times of calamity. 17   Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,    and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,18   lest the LORD see it and be displeased,    and turn away his anger from him. 19   Fret not yourself because of evildoers,    and be not envious of the wicked,20   for the evil man has no future;    the lamp of the wicked will be put out. 21   My son, fear the LORD and the king,    and do not join with those who do otherwise,22   for disaster will arise suddenly from them,    and who knows the ruin that will come from them both? More Sayings of the Wise 23 These also are sayings of the wise.   Partiality in judging is not good.24   Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”    will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,25   but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,    and a good blessing will come upon them.26   Whoever gives an honest answer    kisses the lips. 27   Prepare your work outside;    get everything ready for yourself in the field,    and after that build your house. 28   Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause,    and do not deceive with your lips.29   Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;    I will pay the man back for what he has done.” 30   I passed by the field of a sluggard,    by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,31   and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;    the ground was covered with nettles,    and its stone wall was broken down.32   Then I saw and considered it;    I looked and received instruction.33   A little sleep, a little slumber,    a little folding of the hands to rest,34   and poverty will come upon you like a robber,    and want like an armed man. Footnotes [1] 23:1 Or who [2] 23:6 Hebrew whose eye is evil [3] 23:7 Or for as he calculates in his soul, so is he [4] 23:16 Hebrew My kidneys [5] 23:20 Hebrew those who drink too much wine [6] 23:26 Or delight in [7] 23:27 Hebrew a foreign woman [8] 23:34 Or of the rigging [9] 23:35 Hebrew lacks you will say [10] 24:9 Or scheming (ESV) New Testament: Titus 2 Titus 2 (Listen) Teach Sound Doctrine 2 But as for you, teach what accords with sound1 doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us. 9 Bondservants2 are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior. 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. 15 Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you. Footnotes [1] 2:1 Or healthy; also verses 2, 8 [2] 2:9 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 72 Psalm 72 (Listen) Give the King Your Justice Of Solomon. 72   Give the king your justice, O God,    and your righteousness to the royal son!2   May he judge your people with righteousness,    and your poor with justice!3   Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,    and the hills, in righteousness!4   May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,    give deliverance to the children of the needy,    and crush the oppressor! 5   May they fear you1 while the sun endures,    and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!6   May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,    like showers that water the earth!7   In his days may the righteous flourish,    and peace abound, till the moon be no more! 8   May he have dominion from sea to sea,    and from the River2 to the ends of the earth!9   May desert tribes bow down before him,    and his enemies lick the dust!10   May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands    render him tribute;  may the kings of Sheba and Seba    bring gifts!11   May all kings fall down before him,    all nations serve him! 12   For he delivers the needy when he calls,    the poor and him who has no helper.13   He has pity on the weak and the needy,    and saves the lives of the needy.14   From oppression and violence he redeems their life,    and precious is their blood in his sight. 15   Long may he live;    may gold of Sheba be given to him!  May prayer be made for him continually,    and blessings invoked for him all the day!16   May there be abundance of grain in the land;    on the tops of the mountains may it wave;    may its fruit be like Lebanon;  and may people blossom in the cities    like the grass of the field!17   May his name endure forever,    his fame continue as long as the sun!  May people be blessed in him,    all nations call him blessed! 18   Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,    who alone does wondrous things.19   Blessed be his glorious name forever;    may the whole earth be filled with his glory!      Amen and Amen! 20   The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended. Footnotes [1] 72:5 Septuagint He shall endure [2] 72:8 That is, the Euphrates (ESV) Proverb: Proverbs 23:26–28 Proverbs 23:26–28 (Listen) 26   My son, give me your heart,    and let your eyes observe1 my ways.27   For a prostitute is a deep pit;    an adulteress2 is a narrow well.28   She lies in wait like a robber

Old Testament: Proverbs 21–22 Proverbs 21–22 (Listen) 21   The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD;    he turns it wherever he will.2   Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,    but the LORD weighs the heart.3   To do righteousness and justice    is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.4   Haughty eyes and a proud heart,    the lamp1 of the wicked, are sin.5   The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,    but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.6   The getting of treasures by a lying tongue    is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.27   The violence of the wicked will sweep them away,    because they refuse to do what is just.8   The way of the guilty is crooked,    but the conduct of the pure is upright.9   It is better to live in a corner of the housetop    than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.10   The soul of the wicked desires evil;    his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.11   When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;    when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.12   The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked;    he throws the wicked down to ruin.13   Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor    will himself call out and not be answered.14   A gift in secret averts anger,    and a concealed bribe,3 strong wrath.15   When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous    but terror to evildoers.16   One who wanders from the way of good sense    will rest in the assembly of the dead.17   Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man;    he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.18   The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,    and the traitor for the upright.19   It is better to live in a desert land    than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.20   Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling,    but a foolish man devours it.21   Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness    will find life, righteousness, and honor.22   A wise man scales the city of the mighty    and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.23   Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue    keeps himself out of trouble.24   “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man    who acts with arrogant pride.25   The desire of the sluggard kills him,    for his hands refuse to labor.26   All day long he craves and craves,    but the righteous gives and does not hold back.27   The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;    how much more when he brings it with evil intent.28   A false witness will perish,    but the word of a man who hears will endure.29   A wicked man puts on a bold face,    but the upright gives thought to4 his ways.30   No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel    can avail against the LORD.31   The horse is made ready for the day of battle,    but the victory belongs to the LORD.22   A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,    and favor is better than silver or gold.2   The rich and the poor meet together;    the LORD is the Maker of them all.3   The prudent sees danger and hides himself,    but the simple go on and suffer for it.4   The reward for humility and fear of the LORD    is riches and honor and life.55   Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked;    whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.6   Train up a child in the way he should go;    even when he is old he will not depart from it.7   The rich rules over the poor,    and the borrower is the slave of the lender.8   Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,    and the rod of his fury will fail.9   Whoever has a bountiful6 eye will be blessed,    for he shares his bread with the poor.10   Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,    and quarreling and abuse will cease.11   He who loves purity of heart,    and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.12   The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge,    but he overthrows the words of the traitor.13   The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!    I shall be killed in the streets!”14   The mouth of forbidden7 women is a deep pit;    he with whom the LORD is angry will fall into it.15   Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,    but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.16   Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,    or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty. Words of the Wise 17   Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,    and apply your heart to my knowledge,18   for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,    if all of them are ready on your lips.19   That your trust may be in the LORD,    I have made them known to you today, even to you.20   Have I not written for you thirty sayings    of counsel and knowledge,21   to make you know what is right and true,    that you may give a true answer to those who sent you? 22   Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,    or crush the afflicted at the gate,23   for the LORD will plead their cause    and rob of life those who rob them.24   Make no friendship with a man given to anger,    nor go with a wrathful man,25   lest you learn his ways    and entangle yourself in a snare.26   Be not one of those who give pledges,    who put up security for debts.27   If you have nothing with which to pay,    why should your bed be taken from under you?28   Do not move the ancient landmark    that your fathers have set.29   Do you see a man skillful in his work?    He will stand before kings;    he will not stand before obscure men. Footnotes [1] 21:4 Or the plowing [2] 21:6 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Latin; most Hebrew manuscripts vapor for those who seek death [3] 21:14 Hebrew a bribe in the bosom [4] 21:29 Or establishes [5] 22:4 Or The reward for humility is the fear of the Lord, riches and honor and life [6] 22:9 Hebrew good [7] 22:14 Hebrew strange (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 71 Psalm 71 (Listen) Forsake Me Not When My Strength Is Spent 71   In you, O LORD, do I take refuge;    let me never be put to shame!2   In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;    incline your ear to me, and save me!3   Be to me a rock of refuge,    to which I may continually come;  you have given the command to save me,    for you are my rock and my fortress. 4   Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,    from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man.5   For you, O Lord, are my hope,    my trust, O LORD, from my youth.6   Upon you I have leaned from before my birth;    you are he who took me from my mother's womb.  My praise is continually of you. 7   I have been as a portent to many,    but you are my strong refuge.8   My mouth is filled with your praise,    and with your glory all the day.9   Do not cast me off in the time of old age;    forsake me not when my strength is spent.10   For my enemies speak concerning me;    those who watch for my life consult together11   and say, “God has forsaken him;    pursue and seize him,    for there is none to deliver him.” 12   O God, be not far from me;    O my God, make haste to help me!13   May my accusers be put to shame and consumed;    with scorn and disgrace may they be covered    who seek my hurt.14   But I will hope continually    and will praise you yet more and more.15   My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,    of your deeds of salvation all the day,    for their number is past my knowledge.16   With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come;    I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone. 17   O God, from my youth you have taught me,    and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.18   So even to old age and gray hairs,    O God, do not forsake me,  until I proclaim your might to another generation,    your power to all those to come.19   Your righteousness, O God,    reaches the high heavens.  You who have done great things,    O God, who is like you?20   You who have made me see many troubles and calamities    will revive me again;  from the depths of the earth    you will bring me up again.21   You will increase my greatness    and comfort me again. 22   I will also praise you with the harp    for your faithfulness, O my God;  I will sing praises to you with the lyre,    O Holy One of Israel.23   My lips will shout for joy,    when I sing praises to you;    my soul also, which you have redeemed.24   And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long,  for they have been put to shame and disappointed    who sought to do me hurt. (ESV) New Testament: John 13 John 13 (Listen) Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet 13 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet,1 but is completely clean. And you2 are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.” 12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant3 is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled,4 ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.' 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” One of You Will Betray Me 21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus' side,5 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask Jesus6 of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night. A New Commandment 31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.' 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial 36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” 37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times. Footnotes [1] 13:10 Some manuscripts omit except for his feet [2] 13:10 The Greek words for you in this verse are plural [3] 13:16 Or bondservant, or slave (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface) [4] 13:18 Greek But in order that the Scripture may be fulfilled [5] 13:23 Greek in the bosom of Jesus [6] 13:24 Greek lacks

Old Testament: Proverbs 21–22 Proverbs 21–22 (Listen) 21   The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD;    he turns it wherever he will.2   Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,    but the LORD weighs the heart.3   To do righteousness and justice    is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.4   Haughty eyes and a proud heart,    the lamp1 of the wicked, are sin.5   The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,    but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.6   The getting of treasures by a lying tongue    is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.27   The violence of the wicked will sweep them away,    because they refuse to do what is just.8   The way of the guilty is crooked,    but the conduct of the pure is upright.9   It is better to live in a corner of the housetop    than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.10   The soul of the wicked desires evil;    his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.11   When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;    when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.12   The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked;    he throws the wicked down to ruin.13   Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor    will himself call out and not be answered.14   A gift in secret averts anger,    and a concealed bribe,3 strong wrath.15   When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous    but terror to evildoers.16   One who wanders from the way of good sense    will rest in the assembly of the dead.17   Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man;    he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.18   The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,    and the traitor for the upright.19   It is better to live in a desert land    than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.20   Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling,    but a foolish man devours it.21   Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness    will find life, righteousness, and honor.22   A wise man scales the city of the mighty    and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.23   Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue    keeps himself out of trouble.24   “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man    who acts with arrogant pride.25   The desire of the sluggard kills him,    for his hands refuse to labor.26   All day long he craves and craves,    but the righteous gives and does not hold back.27   The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;    how much more when he brings it with evil intent.28   A false witness will perish,    but the word of a man who hears will endure.29   A wicked man puts on a bold face,    but the upright gives thought to4 his ways.30   No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel    can avail against the LORD.31   The horse is made ready for the day of battle,    but the victory belongs to the LORD.22   A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,    and favor is better than silver or gold.2   The rich and the poor meet together;    the LORD is the Maker of them all.3   The prudent sees danger and hides himself,    but the simple go on and suffer for it.4   The reward for humility and fear of the LORD    is riches and honor and life.55   Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked;    whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.6   Train up a child in the way he should go;    even when he is old he will not depart from it.7   The rich rules over the poor,    and the borrower is the slave of the lender.8   Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,    and the rod of his fury will fail.9   Whoever has a bountiful6 eye will be blessed,    for he shares his bread with the poor.10   Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,    and quarreling and abuse will cease.11   He who loves purity of heart,    and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.12   The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge,    but he overthrows the words of the traitor.13   The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!    I shall be killed in the streets!”14   The mouth of forbidden7 women is a deep pit;    he with whom the LORD is angry will fall into it.15   Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,    but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.16   Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,    or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty. Words of the Wise 17   Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,    and apply your heart to my knowledge,18   for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,    if all of them are ready on your lips.19   That your trust may be in the LORD,    I have made them known to you today, even to you.20   Have I not written for you thirty sayings    of counsel and knowledge,21   to make you know what is right and true,    that you may give a true answer to those who sent you? 22   Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,    or crush the afflicted at the gate,23   for the LORD will plead their cause    and rob of life those who rob them.24   Make no friendship with a man given to anger,    nor go with a wrathful man,25   lest you learn his ways    and entangle yourself in a snare.26   Be not one of those who give pledges,    who put up security for debts.27   If you have nothing with which to pay,    why should your bed be taken from under you?28   Do not move the ancient landmark    that your fathers have set.29   Do you see a man skillful in his work?    He will stand before kings;    he will not stand before obscure men. Footnotes [1] 21:4 Or the plowing [2] 21:6 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Latin; most Hebrew manuscripts vapor for those who seek death [3] 21:14 Hebrew a bribe in the bosom [4] 21:29 Or establishes [5] 22:4 Or The reward for humility is the fear of the Lord, riches and honor and life [6] 22:9 Hebrew good [7] 22:14 Hebrew strange (ESV) New Testament: Titus 1:5–16 Titus 1:5–16 (Listen) Qualifications for Elders 5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife,1 and his children are believers2 and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer,3 as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound4 doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. 10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party.5 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. 12 One of the Cretans,6 a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.”7 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work. Footnotes [1] 1:6 Or a man of one woman [2] 1:6 Or are faithful [3] 1:7 Or bishop; Greek episkopos [4] 1:9 Or healthy; also verse 13 [5] 1:10 Or especially those of the circumcision [6] 1:12 Greek One of them [7] 1:12 Probably from Epimenides of Crete (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 71 Psalm 71 (Listen) Forsake Me Not When My Strength Is Spent 71   In you, O LORD, do I take refuge;    let me never be put to shame!2   In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;    incline your ear to me, and save me!3   Be to me a rock of refuge,    to which I may continually come;  you have given the command to save me,    for you are my rock and my fortress. 4   Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,    from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man.5   For you, O Lord, are my hope,    my trust, O LORD, from my youth.6   Upon you I have leaned from before my birth;    you are he who took me from my mother's womb.  My praise is continually of you. 7   I have been as a portent to many,    but you are my strong refuge.8   My mouth is filled with your praise,    and with your glory all the day.9   Do not cast me off in the time of old age;    forsake me not when my strength is spent.10   For my enemies speak concerning me;    those who watch for my life consult together11   and say, “God has forsaken him;    pursue and seize him,    for there is none to deliver him.” 12   O God, be not far from me;    O my God, make haste to help me!13   May my accusers be put to shame and consumed;    with scorn and disgrace may they be covered    who seek my hurt.14   But I will hope continually    and will praise you yet more and more.15   My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,    of your deeds of salvation all the day,    for their number is past my knowledge.16   With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come;    I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone. 17   O God, from my youth you have taught me,    and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.18   So even to old age and gray hairs,    O God, do not forsake me,  until I proclaim your might to another generation,    your power to all those to come.19   Your righteousness, O God,    reaches the high heavens.  You who have done great things,    O God, who is like you?20   You who have made me see many troubles and calamities    will revive me again;  from the depths of the earth    you will bring me up again.21   You will increase my greatness    and comfort me again. 22   I will also praise you with the harp    for your faithfulness, O my God;  I will sing praises to you with the lyre,    O Holy One of Israel.23   My lips will shout for joy,    when I sing praises to you;    my soul also, which you have redeemed.24   And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long,  for they have been put to shame and disappointed    who sought to do me hurt. (ESV) Proverb: Proverbs 23:22–25 Proverbs 23:22–25 (Listen) 22   Listen to your father who gave you life,    and do not despise your mother when she is old.23   Buy truth, and do not sell it;    buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.24   The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice;    he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.25   Let your father and mother be glad;    let her who bore you rejoice. (ESV)

Old Testament: Proverbs 19–20 Proverbs 19–20 (Listen) 19   Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity    than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.2   Desire1 without knowledge is not good,    and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.3   When a man's folly brings his way to ruin,    his heart rages against the LORD.4   Wealth brings many new friends,    but a poor man is deserted by his friend.5   A false witness will not go unpunished,    and he who breathes out lies will not escape.6   Many seek the favor of a generous man,2    and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.7   All a poor man's brothers hate him;    how much more do his friends go far from him!  He pursues them with words, but does not have them.38   Whoever gets sense loves his own soul;    he who keeps understanding will discover good.9   A false witness will not go unpunished,    and he who breathes out lies will perish.10   It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury,    much less for a slave to rule over princes.11   Good sense makes one slow to anger,    and it is his glory to overlook an offense.12   A king's wrath is like the growling of a lion,    but his favor is like dew on the grass.13   A foolish son is ruin to his father,    and a wife's quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.14   House and wealth are inherited from fathers,    but a prudent wife is from the LORD.15   Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep,    and an idle person will suffer hunger.16   Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life;    he who despises his ways will die.17   Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD,    and he will repay him for his deed.18   Discipline your son, for there is hope;    do not set your heart on putting him to death.19   A man of great wrath will pay the penalty,    for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.20   Listen to advice and accept instruction,    that you may gain wisdom in the future.21   Many are the plans in the mind of a man,    but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.22   What is desired in a man is steadfast love,    and a poor man is better than a liar.23   The fear of the LORD leads to life,    and whoever has it rests satisfied;    he will not be visited by harm.24   The sluggard buries his hand in the dish    and will not even bring it back to his mouth.25   Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;    reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.26   He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother    is a son who brings shame and reproach.27   Cease to hear instruction, my son,    and you will stray from the words of knowledge.28   A worthless witness mocks at justice,    and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.29   Condemnation is ready for scoffers,    and beating for the backs of fools.20   Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,    and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.42   The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion;    whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.3   It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,    but every fool will be quarreling.4   The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;    he will seek at harvest and have nothing.5   The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water,    but a man of understanding will draw it out.6   Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,    but a faithful man who can find?7   The righteous who walks in his integrity—    blessed are his children after him!8   A king who sits on the throne of judgment    winnows all evil with his eyes.9   Who can say, “I have made my heart pure;    I am clean from my sin”?10   Unequal5 weights and unequal measures    are both alike an abomination to the LORD.11   Even a child makes himself known by his acts,    by whether his conduct is pure and upright.612   The hearing ear and the seeing eye,    the LORD has made them both.13   Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty;    open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.14   “Bad, bad,” says the buyer,    but when he goes away, then he boasts.15   There is gold and abundance of costly stones,    but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.16   Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger,    and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners.717   Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,    but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.18   Plans are established by counsel;    by wise guidance wage war.19   Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets;    therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.820   If one curses his father or his mother,    his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.21   An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning    will not be blessed in the end.22   Do not say, “I will repay evil”;    wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.23   Unequal weights are an abomination to the LORD,    and false scales are not good.24   A man's steps are from the LORD;    how then can man understand his way?25   It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,”    and to reflect only after making vows.26   A wise king winnows the wicked    and drives the wheel over them.27   The spirit9 of man is the lamp of the LORD,    searching all his innermost parts.28   Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king,    and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.29   The glory of young men is their strength,    but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.30   Blows that wound cleanse away evil;    strokes make clean the innermost parts. Footnotes [1] 19:2 Or A soul [2] 19:6 Or of a noble [3] 19:7 The meaning of the Hebrew sentence is uncertain [4] 20:1 Or will not become wise [5] 20:10 Or Two kinds of; also verse 23 [6] 20:11 Or Even a child can dissemble in his actions, though his conduct seems pure and upright [7] 20:16 Or for an adulteress (compare 27:13) [8] 20:19 Hebrew with one who is simple in his lips [9] 20:27 Hebrew breath (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 70 Psalm 70 (Listen) O Lord, Do Not Delay To the choirmaster. Of David, for the memorial offering. 70   Make haste, O God, to deliver me!    O LORD, make haste to help me!2   Let them be put to shame and confusion    who seek my life!  Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor    who delight in my hurt!3   Let them turn back because of their shame    who say, “Aha, Aha!” 4   May all who seek you    rejoice and be glad in you!  May those who love your salvation    say evermore, “God is great!”5   But I am poor and needy;    hasten to me, O God!  You are my help and my deliverer;    O LORD, do not delay! (ESV) New Testament: John 12 John 12 (Listen) Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany 12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound1 of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii2 and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it3 for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” The Plot to Kill Lazarus 9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus4 was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. The Triumphal Entry 12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, 15   “Fear not, daughter of Zion;  behold, your king is coming,    sitting on a donkey's colt!” 16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. 17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. 18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.” Some Greeks Seek Jesus 20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up 27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour'? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” The Unbelief of the People When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. 37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, 38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:   “Lord, who has believed what he heard from us,    and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said, 40   “He has blinded their eyes    and hardened their heart,  lest they see with their eyes,    and understand with their heart, and turn,    and I would heal them.” 41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. 42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. Jesus Came to Save the World 44 And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.” Footnotes [1] 12:3 Greek litra; a litra (or Roman pound) was equal to about 11 1/2 ounces or 327 grams [2] 12:5 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer [3] 12:7 Or Leave her alone; she intended to keep it [4] 12:9 Greek he (ESV)

Old Testament: Proverbs 19–20 Proverbs 19–20 (Listen) 19   Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity    than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.2   Desire1 without knowledge is not good,    and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.3   When a man's folly brings his way to ruin,    his heart rages against the LORD.4   Wealth brings many new friends,    but a poor man is deserted by his friend.5   A false witness will not go unpunished,    and he who breathes out lies will not escape.6   Many seek the favor of a generous man,2    and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.7   All a poor man's brothers hate him;    how much more do his friends go far from him!  He pursues them with words, but does not have them.38   Whoever gets sense loves his own soul;    he who keeps understanding will discover good.9   A false witness will not go unpunished,    and he who breathes out lies will perish.10   It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury,    much less for a slave to rule over princes.11   Good sense makes one slow to anger,    and it is his glory to overlook an offense.12   A king's wrath is like the growling of a lion,    but his favor is like dew on the grass.13   A foolish son is ruin to his father,    and a wife's quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.14   House and wealth are inherited from fathers,    but a prudent wife is from the LORD.15   Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep,    and an idle person will suffer hunger.16   Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life;    he who despises his ways will die.17   Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD,    and he will repay him for his deed.18   Discipline your son, for there is hope;    do not set your heart on putting him to death.19   A man of great wrath will pay the penalty,    for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.20   Listen to advice and accept instruction,    that you may gain wisdom in the future.21   Many are the plans in the mind of a man,    but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.22   What is desired in a man is steadfast love,    and a poor man is better than a liar.23   The fear of the LORD leads to life,    and whoever has it rests satisfied;    he will not be visited by harm.24   The sluggard buries his hand in the dish    and will not even bring it back to his mouth.25   Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;    reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.26   He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother    is a son who brings shame and reproach.27   Cease to hear instruction, my son,    and you will stray from the words of knowledge.28   A worthless witness mocks at justice,    and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.29   Condemnation is ready for scoffers,    and beating for the backs of fools.20   Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,    and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.42   The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion;    whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.3   It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,    but every fool will be quarreling.4   The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;    he will seek at harvest and have nothing.5   The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water,    but a man of understanding will draw it out.6   Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,    but a faithful man who can find?7   The righteous who walks in his integrity—    blessed are his children after him!8   A king who sits on the throne of judgment    winnows all evil with his eyes.9   Who can say, “I have made my heart pure;    I am clean from my sin”?10   Unequal5 weights and unequal measures    are both alike an abomination to the LORD.11   Even a child makes himself known by his acts,    by whether his conduct is pure and upright.612   The hearing ear and the seeing eye,    the LORD has made them both.13   Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty;    open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.14   “Bad, bad,” says the buyer,    but when he goes away, then he boasts.15   There is gold and abundance of costly stones,    but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.16   Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger,    and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners.717   Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,    but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.18   Plans are established by counsel;    by wise guidance wage war.19   Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets;    therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.820   If one curses his father or his mother,    his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.21   An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning    will not be blessed in the end.22   Do not say, “I will repay evil”;    wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.23   Unequal weights are an abomination to the LORD,    and false scales are not good.24   A man's steps are from the LORD;    how then can man understand his way?25   It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,”    and to reflect only after making vows.26   A wise king winnows the wicked    and drives the wheel over them.27   The spirit9 of man is the lamp of the LORD,    searching all his innermost parts.28   Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king,    and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.29   The glory of young men is their strength,    but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.30   Blows that wound cleanse away evil;    strokes make clean the innermost parts. Footnotes [1] 19:2 Or A soul [2] 19:6 Or of a noble [3] 19:7 The meaning of the Hebrew sentence is uncertain [4] 20:1 Or will not become wise [5] 20:10 Or Two kinds of; also verse 23 [6] 20:11 Or Even a child can dissemble in his actions, though his conduct seems pure and upright [7] 20:16 Or for an adulteress (compare 27:13) [8] 20:19 Hebrew with one who is simple in his lips [9] 20:27 Hebrew breath (ESV) New Testament: Titus 1:1–4 Titus 1:1–4 (Listen) Greeting 1 Paul, a servant1 of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began2 3 and at the proper time manifested in his word3 through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior; 4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. Footnotes [1] 1:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface [2] 1:2 Greek before times eternal [3] 1:3 Or manifested his word (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 70 Psalm 70 (Listen) O Lord, Do Not Delay To the choirmaster. Of David, for the memorial offering. 70   Make haste, O God, to deliver me!    O LORD, make haste to help me!2   Let them be put to shame and confusion    who seek my life!  Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor    who delight in my hurt!3   Let them turn back because of their shame    who say, “Aha, Aha!” 4   May all who seek you    rejoice and be glad in you!  May those who love your salvation    say evermore, “God is great!”5   But I am poor and needy;    hasten to me, O God!  You are my help and my deliverer;    O LORD, do not delay! (ESV) Proverb: Proverbs 23:19–21 Proverbs 23:19–21 (Listen) 19   Hear, my son, and be wise,    and direct your heart in the way.20   Be not among drunkards1    or among gluttonous eaters of meat,21   for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,    and slumber will clothe them with rags. Footnotes [1] 23:20 Hebrew those who drink too much wine (ESV)

Old Testament: Proverbs 17–18 Proverbs 17–18 (Listen) 17   Better is a dry morsel with quiet    than a house full of feasting1 with strife.2   A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully    and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.3   The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,    and the LORD tests hearts.4   An evildoer listens to wicked lips,    and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.5   Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker;    he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.6   Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,    and the glory of children is their fathers.7   Fine speech is not becoming to a fool;    still less is false speech to a prince.8   A bribe is like a magic2 stone in the eyes of the one who gives it;    wherever he turns he prospers.9   Whoever covers an offense seeks love,    but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.10   A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding    than a hundred blows into a fool.11   An evil man seeks only rebellion,    and a cruel messenger will be sent against him.12   Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs    rather than a fool in his folly.13   If anyone returns evil for good,    evil will not depart from his house.14   The beginning of strife is like letting out water,    so quit before the quarrel breaks out.15   He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous    are both alike an abomination to the LORD.16   Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom    when he has no sense?17   A friend loves at all times,    and a brother is born for adversity.18   One who lacks sense gives a pledge    and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.19   Whoever loves transgression loves strife;    he who makes his door high seeks destruction.20   A man of crooked heart does not discover good,    and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity.21   He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow,    and the father of a fool has no joy.22   A joyful heart is good medicine,    but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.23   The wicked accepts a bribe in secret3    to pervert the ways of justice.24   The discerning sets his face toward wisdom,    but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.25   A foolish son is a grief to his father    and bitterness to her who bore him.26   To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good,    nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.27   Whoever restrains his words has knowledge,    and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.28   Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise;    when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.18   Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;    he breaks out against all sound judgment.2   A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,    but only in expressing his opinion.3   When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,    and with dishonor comes disgrace.4   The words of a man's mouth are deep waters;    the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.5   It is not good to be partial to4 the wicked    or to deprive the righteous of justice.6   A fool's lips walk into a fight,    and his mouth invites a beating.7   A fool's mouth is his ruin,    and his lips are a snare to his soul.8   The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;    they go down into the inner parts of the body.9   Whoever is slack in his work    is a brother to him who destroys.10   The name of the LORD is a strong tower;    the righteous man runs into it and is safe.11   A rich man's wealth is his strong city,    and like a high wall in his imagination.12   Before destruction a man's heart is haughty,    but humility comes before honor.13   If one gives an answer before he hears,    it is his folly and shame.14   A man's spirit will endure sickness,    but a crushed spirit who can bear?15   An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,    and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.16   A man's gift makes room for him    and brings him before the great.17   The one who states his case first seems right,    until the other comes and examines him.18   The lot puts an end to quarrels    and decides between powerful contenders.19   A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,    and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.20   From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied;    he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.21   Death and life are in the power of the tongue,    and those who love it will eat its fruits.22   He who finds a wife finds a good thing    and obtains favor from the LORD.23   The poor use entreaties,    but the rich answer roughly.24   A man of many companions may come to ruin,    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Footnotes [1] 17:1 Hebrew sacrifices [2] 17:8 Or precious [3] 17:23 Hebrew a bribe from the bosom [4] 18:5 Hebrew to lift the face of (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 69:19–36 Psalm 69:19–36 (Listen) 19   You know my reproach,    and my shame and my dishonor;    my foes are all known to you.20   Reproaches have broken my heart,    so that I am in despair.  I looked for pity, but there was none,    and for comforters, but I found none.21   They gave me poison for food,    and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink. 22   Let their own table before them become a snare;    and when they are at peace, let it become a trap.123   Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see,    and make their loins tremble continually.24   Pour out your indignation upon them,    and let your burning anger overtake them.25   May their camp be a desolation;    let no one dwell in their tents.26   For they persecute him whom you have struck down,    and they recount the pain of those you have wounded.27   Add to them punishment upon punishment;    may they have no acquittal from you.228   Let them be blotted out of the book of the living;    let them not be enrolled among the righteous. 29   But I am afflicted and in pain;    let your salvation, O God, set me on high! 30   I will praise the name of God with a song;    I will magnify him with thanksgiving.31   This will please the LORD more than an ox    or a bull with horns and hoofs.32   When the humble see it they will be glad;    you who seek God, let your hearts revive.33   For the LORD hears the needy    and does not despise his own people who are prisoners. 34   Let heaven and earth praise him,    the seas and everything that moves in them.35   For God will save Zion    and build up the cities of Judah,  and people shall dwell there and possess it;36     the offspring of his servants shall inherit it,    and those who love his name shall dwell in it. Footnotes [1] 69:22 Hebrew; a slight revocalization yields (compare Septuagint, Syriac, Jerome) a snare, and retribution and a trap [2] 69:27 Hebrew may they not come into your righteousness (ESV) New Testament: John 11 John 11 (Listen) The Death of Lazarus 11 Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. 3 So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” 4 But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So, when he heard that Lazarus1 was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. 7 Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” 11 After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” 12 The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” 13 Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. 14 Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, 15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 So Thomas, called the Twin,2 said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” I Am the Resurrection and the Life 17 Now when Jesus came, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. 18 Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles3 off, 19 and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them concerning their brother. 20 So when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary remained seated in the house. 21 Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.4 Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” Jesus Weeps 28 When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary, saying in private, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” 29 And when she heard it, she rose quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still in the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary rise quickly and go out, they followed her, supposing that she was going to the tomb to weep there. 32 Now when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet, saying to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved5 in his spirit and greatly troubled. 34 And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man also have kept this man from dying?” Jesus Raises Lazarus 38 Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?” 41 So they took away the stone. And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said these things, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out.” 44 The man who had died came out, his hands and feet bound with linen strips, and his face wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” The Plot to Kill Jesus 45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what he did, believed in him, 46 but some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the council and said, “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49 But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all. 50 Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 He did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad. 53 So from that day on they made plans to put him to death. 54 Jesus therefore no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there to the region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim, and there he stayed with the disciples. 55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 They were looking for6 Jesus and saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? That he will not come to the feast at all?” 57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where he was, he should let them know, so that they might arrest him. Footnotes [1] 11:6 Greek he; also verse 17 [2] 11:16 Greek Didymus [3] 11:18 Greek fifteen stadia; a stadion was about 607 feet or 185 meters [4] 11:25 Some manuscripts omit and the life [5] 11:33 Or was indignant; also verse 38 [6] 11:56 Greek were seeking for (ESV)

Old Testament: Proverbs 17–18 Proverbs 17–18 (Listen) 17   Better is a dry morsel with quiet    than a house full of feasting1 with strife.2   A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who acts shamefully    and will share the inheritance as one of the brothers.3   The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,    and the LORD tests hearts.4   An evildoer listens to wicked lips,    and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.5   Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker;    he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.6   Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,    and the glory of children is their fathers.7   Fine speech is not becoming to a fool;    still less is false speech to a prince.8   A bribe is like a magic2 stone in the eyes of the one who gives it;    wherever he turns he prospers.9   Whoever covers an offense seeks love,    but he who repeats a matter separates close friends.10   A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding    than a hundred blows into a fool.11   An evil man seeks only rebellion,    and a cruel messenger will be sent against him.12   Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs    rather than a fool in his folly.13   If anyone returns evil for good,    evil will not depart from his house.14   The beginning of strife is like letting out water,    so quit before the quarrel breaks out.15   He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous    are both alike an abomination to the LORD.16   Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom    when he has no sense?17   A friend loves at all times,    and a brother is born for adversity.18   One who lacks sense gives a pledge    and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.19   Whoever loves transgression loves strife;    he who makes his door high seeks destruction.20   A man of crooked heart does not discover good,    and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity.21   He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow,    and the father of a fool has no joy.22   A joyful heart is good medicine,    but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.23   The wicked accepts a bribe in secret3    to pervert the ways of justice.24   The discerning sets his face toward wisdom,    but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth.25   A foolish son is a grief to his father    and bitterness to her who bore him.26   To impose a fine on a righteous man is not good,    nor to strike the noble for their uprightness.27   Whoever restrains his words has knowledge,    and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.28   Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise;    when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.18   Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire;    he breaks out against all sound judgment.2   A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,    but only in expressing his opinion.3   When wickedness comes, contempt comes also,    and with dishonor comes disgrace.4   The words of a man's mouth are deep waters;    the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.5   It is not good to be partial to4 the wicked    or to deprive the righteous of justice.6   A fool's lips walk into a fight,    and his mouth invites a beating.7   A fool's mouth is his ruin,    and his lips are a snare to his soul.8   The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;    they go down into the inner parts of the body.9   Whoever is slack in his work    is a brother to him who destroys.10   The name of the LORD is a strong tower;    the righteous man runs into it and is safe.11   A rich man's wealth is his strong city,    and like a high wall in his imagination.12   Before destruction a man's heart is haughty,    but humility comes before honor.13   If one gives an answer before he hears,    it is his folly and shame.14   A man's spirit will endure sickness,    but a crushed spirit who can bear?15   An intelligent heart acquires knowledge,    and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.16   A man's gift makes room for him    and brings him before the great.17   The one who states his case first seems right,    until the other comes and examines him.18   The lot puts an end to quarrels    and decides between powerful contenders.19   A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city,    and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.20   From the fruit of a man's mouth his stomach is satisfied;    he is satisfied by the yield of his lips.21   Death and life are in the power of the tongue,    and those who love it will eat its fruits.22   He who finds a wife finds a good thing    and obtains favor from the LORD.23   The poor use entreaties,    but the rich answer roughly.24   A man of many companions may come to ruin,    but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Footnotes [1] 17:1 Hebrew sacrifices [2] 17:8 Or precious [3] 17:23 Hebrew a bribe from the bosom [4] 18:5 Hebrew to lift the face of (ESV) New Testament: 2 Timothy 4:9–22 2 Timothy 4:9–22 (Listen) Personal Instructions 9 Do your best to come to me soon. 10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia,1 Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. 16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Final Greetings 19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. 21 Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers.2 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.3 Footnotes [1] 4:10 Some manuscripts Gaul [2] 4:21 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters [3] 4:22 The Greek for you is plural (ESV) Psalm: Psalm 69:19–36 Psalm 69:19–36 (Listen) 19   You know my reproach,    and my shame and my dishonor;    my foes are all known to you.20   Reproaches have broken my heart,    so that I am in despair.  I looked for pity, but there was none,    and for comforters, but I found none.21   They gave me poison for food,    and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink. 22   Let their own table before them become a snare;    and when they are at peace, let it become a trap.123   Let their eyes be darkened, so that they cannot see,    and make their loins tremble continually.24   Pour out your indignation upon them,    and let your burning anger overtake them.25   May their camp be a desolation;    let no one dwell in their tents.26   For they persecute him whom you have struck down,    and they recount the pain of those you have wounded.27   Add to them punishment upon punishment;    may they have no acquittal from you.228   Let them be blotted out of the book of the living;    let them not be enrolled among the righteous. 29   But I am afflicted and in pain;    let your salvation, O God, set me on high! 30   I will praise the name of God with a song;    I will magnify him with thanksgiving.31   This will please the LORD more than an ox    or a bull with horns and hoofs.32   When the humble see it they will be glad;    you who seek God, let your hearts revive.33   For the LORD hears the needy    and does not despise his own people who are prisoners. 34   Let heaven and earth praise him,    the seas and everything that moves in them.35   For God will save Zion    and build up the cities of Judah,  and people shall dwell there and possess it;36     the offspring of his servants shall inherit it,    and those who love his name shall dwell in it. Footnotes [1] 69:22 Hebrew; a slight revocalization yields (compare Septuagint, Syriac, Jerome) a snare, and retribution and a trap [2] 69:27 Hebrew may they not come into your righteousness (ESV) Proverb: Proverbs 23:17–18 Proverbs 23:17–18 (Listen) 17   Let not your heart envy sinners,    but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day.18   Surely there is a future,    and your hope will not be cut off. (ESV)