Dan.3.13

Furious, King Nebuchadnezzar ordered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be brought in. When the men were brought in,

Dan.3.13

Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king,

Dan.3.13

Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king.

Dan.3.13

Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be brought before him. When they were brought in,

Dan.3.14

Nebuchadnezzar asked, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you don't respect my gods and refuse to worship the gold statue that I have set up?

Dan.3.14

and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up?

Dan.3.14

Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up?

Dan.3.14

Nebuchadnezzar said to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up?

Dan.3.15

I'm giving you a second chance--but from now on, when the big band strikes up you must go to your knees and worship the statue I have made. If you don't worship it, you will be pitched into a roaring furnace, no questions asked. Who is the god who can rescue you from my power?"

Dan.3.15

Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?"

Dan.3.15

Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?"

Dan.3.15

I will give you one more chance. If you bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments, all will be well. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. What god will be able to rescue you from my power then?"

Dan.3.16

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, "Your threat means nothing to us.

Dan.3.16

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.

Dan.3.16

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.

Dan.3.16

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you.

Dan.3.17

If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king.

Dan.3.17

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king.

Dan.3.17

If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.

Dan.3.17

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.

Dan.3.18

But even if he doesn't, it wouldn't make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn't serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up."

Dan.3.18

But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

Dan.3.18

But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."

Dan.3.18

But even if he doesn't, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up."

Dan.3.19

Nebuchadnezzar, his face purple with anger, cut off Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace fired up seven times hotter than usual.

Dan.3.19

Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual

Dan.3.19

Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated.

Dan.3.19

Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual.

Dan.3.20

He ordered some strong men from the army to tie them up, hands and feet, and throw them into the roaring furnace.

Dan.3.20

and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.

Dan.3.20

And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

Dan.3.20

Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.

Dan.3.21

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, bound hand and foot, fully dressed from head to toe, were pitched into the roaring fire.

Dan.3.21

So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace.

Dan.3.21

Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

Dan.3.21

So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully clothed.

Dan.3.22

Because the king was in such a hurry and the furnace was so hot, flames from the furnace killed the men who carried Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to it,

Dan.3.22

The king's command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego,

Dan.3.22

Therefore, because the king's command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego.

Dan.3.22

And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames leaped out and killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in!

Dan.3.23

while the fire raged around Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Dan.3.23

and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.

Dan.3.23

And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

Dan.3.23

So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell down into the roaring flames.

Dan.3.24

Suddenly King Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in alarm and said, "Didn't we throw three men, bound hand and foot, into the fire?That's right, O king," they said.

Dan.3.24

Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?" They replied, "Certainly, O king."

Dan.3.24

Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?" They answered and said to the king, "True, O king."

Dan.3.24

But suddenly, as he was watching, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, "Didn't we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?Yes," they said, "we did indeed, Your Majesty."

Dan.3.25

"But look!" he said. "I see four men, walking around freely in the fire, completely unharmed! And the fourth man looks like a son of the gods!"

Dan.3.25

He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods."

Dan.3.25

"Look!" he answered, "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."

Dan.3.25

"Look!" Nebuchadnezzar shouted. "I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire. They aren't even hurt by the flames! And the fourth looks like a divine being!"

Dan.3.26

Nebuchadnezzar went to the door of the roaring furnace and called in, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the High God, come out here!" Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walked out of the fire.

Dan.3.26

Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire,

Dan.3.26

Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here." Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire.

Dan.3.26

Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire.

Dan.3.27

All the important people, the government leaders and king's counselors, gathered around to examine them and discovered that the fire hadn't so much as touched the three men--not a hair singed, not a scorch mark on their clothes, not even the smell of fire on them!

Dan.3.27

and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.

Dan.3.27

And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king's counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.

Dan.3.27

Then the princes, prefects, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn't even smell of smoke!

Dan.3.28

Nebuchadnezzar said, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel and rescued his servants who trusted in him! They ignored the king's orders and laid their bodies on the line rather than serve or worship any god but their own.

Dan.3.28

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

Dan.3.28

Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God!

Dan.3.28

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king's command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.

Dan.3.29

"Therefore I issue this decree: Anyone anywhere, of any race, color, or creed, who says anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego will be ripped to pieces, limb from limb, and their houses torn down. There has never been a god who can pull off a rescue like this."

Dan.3.29

Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way."

Dan.3.29

Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this."

Dan.3.29

Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be crushed into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!"

Dan.3.30

Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

Dan.3.30

Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

Dan.3.30

Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon.

Dan.3.30

Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon.

Dan.4.1

King Nebuchadnezzar to everyone, everywhere--every race, color, and creed: "Peace and prosperity to all!

Dan.4.1

King Nebuchadnezzar, To the peoples, nations and men of every language, who live in all the world: May you prosper greatly!

Dan.4.1

Nebuchadnezzar the king, To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you.

Dan.4.1

King Nebuchadnezzar sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world: "Peace and prosperity to you!

Dan.4.2

It is my privilege to report to you the gracious miracles that the High God has done for me.

Dan.4.2

It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.

Dan.4.2

I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me.

Dan.4.2

"I want you all to know about the miraculous signs and wonders the Most High God has performed for me.

Dan.4.3

"His miracles are staggering, his wonders are surprising. His kingdom lasts and lasts, his sovereign rule goes on forever.

Dan.4.3

How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation.

Dan.4.3

How great are His signs, And how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And His dominion is from generation to generation.

Dan.4.3

How great are his signs, how powerful his wonders! His kingdom will last forever, his rule through all generations.

Dan.4.4

"I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home taking it easy in my palace, without a care in the world.

Dan.4.4

I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous.

Dan.4.4

I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace.

Dan.4.4

"I, Nebuchadnezzar, was living in my palace in comfort and prosperity.

Dan.4.5

But as I was stretched out on my bed I had a dream that scared me--a nightmare that shook me.

Dan.4.5

I had a dream that made me afraid. As I was lying in my bed, the images and visions that passed through my mind terrified me.

Dan.4.5

I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

Dan.4.5

But one night I had a dream that greatly frightened me; I saw visions that terrified me as I lay in my bed.

Dan.4.6

I sent for all the wise men of Babylon so that they could interpret the dream for me.

Dan.4.6

So I commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me.

Dan.4.6

Therefore I issued a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream.

Dan.4.6

So I issued an order calling in all the wise men of Babylon, so they could tell me what my dream meant.

Dan.4.7

When they were all assembled--magicians, enchanters, fortunetellers, witches--I told them the dream. None could tell me what it meant.

Dan.4.7

When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners came, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me.

Dan.4.7

Then the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers came in, and I told them the dream; but they did not make known to me its interpretation.

Dan.4.7

When all the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and fortune-tellers came in, I told them the dream, but they could not tell me what it meant.

Dan.4.8

"And then Daniel came in. His Babylonian name is Belteshazzar, named after my god, a man full of the divine Holy Spirit. I told him my dream.

Dan.4.8

Finally, Daniel came into my presence and I told him the dream. (He is called Belteshazzar, after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.)

Dan.4.8

But at last Daniel came before me (his name is Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god; in him is the Spirit of the Holy God), and I told the dream before him, saying:

Dan.4.8

At last Daniel came in before me, and I told him the dream. (He was named Belteshazzar after my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.)

Dan.4.9

Belteshazzar,' I said, "chief of the magicians, I know that you are a man full of the divine Holy Spirit and that there is no mystery that you can't solve. Listen to this dream that I had and interpret it for me.

Dan.4.9

I said, "Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you. Here is my dream; interpret it for me.

Dan.4.9

"Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, because I know that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you, and no secret troubles you, explain to me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation.

Dan.4.9

"I said to him, `O Belteshazzar, master magician, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you and that no mystery is too great for you to solve. Now tell me what my dream means.

Dan.4.10

This is what I saw as I was stretched out on my bed. I saw a big towering tree at the center of the world.

Dan.4.10

These are the visions I saw while lying in my bed: I looked, and there before me stood a tree in the middle of the land. Its height was enormous.

Dan.4.10

"These were the visions of my head while on my bed: I was looking, and behold, A tree in the midst of the earth, And its height was great.

Dan.4.10

" `While I was lying in my bed, this is what I dreamed. I saw a large tree in the middle of the earth.

Dan.4.11

As I watched, the tree grew huge and strong. Its top reached the sky and it could be seen from the four corners of the earth.

Dan.4.11

The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth.

Dan.4.11

The tree grew and became strong; Its height reached to the heavens, And it could be seen to the ends of all the earth.

Dan.4.11

The tree grew very tall and strong, reaching high into the heavens for all the world to see.

Dan.4.12

Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant--enough food for everyone! Wild animals found shelter under it, birds nested in its branches, everything living was fed and sheltered by it.

Dan.4.12

Its leaves were beautiful, its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the beasts of the field found shelter, and the birds of the air lived in its branches; from it every creature was fed.

Dan.4.12

Its leaves were lovely, Its fruit abundant, And in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, The birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches, And all flesh was fed from it.

Dan.4.12

It had fresh green leaves, and it was loaded with fruit for all to eat. Wild animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches. All the world was fed from this tree.

Dan.4.13

And this also is what I saw as I was stretched out on my bed. I saw a holy watchman descend from heaven,

Dan.4.13

"In the visions I saw while lying in my bed, I looked, and there before me was a messenger, a holy one, coming down from heaven.

Dan.4.13

"I saw in the visions of my head while on my bed, and there was a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven.

Dan.4.13

" `Then as I lay there dreaming, I saw a messenger, a holy one, coming down from heaven.

Dan.4.14

and call out: Chop down the tree, lop off its branches, strip its leaves and scatter its fruit. Chase the animals from beneath it and shoo the birds from its branches.

Dan.4.14

He called in a loud voice: 'Cut down the tree and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the birds from its branches.

Dan.4.14

He cried aloud and said thus: "Chop down the tree and cut off its branches, Strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit. Let the beasts get out from under it, And the birds from its branches.

Dan.4.14

The messenger shouted, "Cut down the tree; lop off its branches! Shake off its leaves, and scatter its fruit! Chase the animals from its shade and the birds from its branches.

Dan.4.15

But leave the stump and roots in the ground, belted with a strap of iron and bronze in the grassy meadow. Let him be soaked in heaven's dew and take his meals with the animals that graze.

Dan.4.15

But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field. "'Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth.

Dan.4.15

Nevertheless leave the stump and roots in the earth, Bound with a band of iron and bronze, In the tender grass of the field. Let it be wet with the dew of heaven, And let him graze with the beasts On the grass of the earth.

Dan.4.15

But leave the stump and the roots in the ground, bound with a band of iron and bronze and surrounded by tender grass. Now let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live like an animal among the plants of the fields.

Dan.4.16

Let him lose his mind and get an animal's mind in exchange, And let this go on for seven seasons.

Dan.4.16

Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times pass by for him.

Dan.4.16

Let his heart be changed from that of a man, Let him be given the heart of a beast, And let seven times pass over him.

Dan.4.16

For seven periods of time, let him have the mind of an animal instead of a human.

Dan.4.17

The angels announce this decree, the holy watchmen bring this sentence, So that everyone living will know that the High God rules human kingdoms. He arranges kingdom affairs however he wishes, and makes leaders out of losers. [JC]

Dan.4.17

"'The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men.'

Dan.4.17

"This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men.'

Dan.4.17

For this has been decreed by the messengers; it is commanded by the holy ones. The purpose of this decree is that the whole world may understand that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world and gives them to anyone he chooses--even to the lowliest of humans."

Dan.4.18

This is what I, King Nebuchadnezzar, dreamed. It's your turn, Belteshazzar--interpret it for me. None of the wise men of Babylon could make heads or tails of it, but I'm sure you can do it. You're full of the divine Holy Spirit.'"

Dan.4.18

"This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you."

Dan.4.18

"This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you, Belteshazzar, declare its interpretation, since all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for the Spirit of the Holy God is in you."

Dan.4.18

" `O Belteshazzar, that was the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now tell me what it means, for no one else can help me. All the wisest men of my kingdom have failed me. But you can tell me because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.'

2Pet.2.1

But there were also lying prophets among the people then, just as there will be lying religious teachers among you. They'll smuggle in destructive divisions, pitting you against each other--biting the hand of the One who gave them a chance to have their lives back! They've put themselves on a fast downhill slide to destruction,

2Pet.2.1

But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves.

2Pet.2.1

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.

2Pet.2.1

But there were also false prophets in Israel, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach their destructive heresies about God and even turn against their Master who bought them. Theirs will be a swift and terrible end.

2Pet.2.2

but not before they recruit a crowd of mixed-up followers who can't tell right from wrong. They give the way of truth a bad name.

2Pet.2.2

Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute.

2Pet.2.2

And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.

2Pet.2.2

Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of them, Christ and his true way will be slandered.

2Pet.2.3

They're only out for themselves. They'll say anything, anything, that sounds good to exploit you. They won't, of course, get by with it. They'll come to a bad end, for God has never just stood by and let that kind of thing go on.

2Pet.2.3

In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

2Pet.2.3

By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber.

2Pet.2.3

In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction is on the way.

2Pet.2.4

God didn't let the rebel angels off the hook, but jailed them in hell till Judgment Day.

2Pet.2.4

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment;

2Pet.2.4

For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment;

2Pet.2.4

For God did not spare even the angels when they sinned; he threw them into hell, in gloomy caves and darkness until the judgment day.

2Pet.2.5

Neither did he let the ancient ungodly world off. He wiped it out with a flood, rescuing only eight people--Noah, the sole voice of righteousness, was one of them.

2Pet.2.5

if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others;

2Pet.2.5

and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly;

2Pet.2.5

And God did not spare the ancient world--except for Noah and his family of seven. Noah warned the world of God's righteous judgment. Then God destroyed the whole world of ungodly people with a vast flood.

2Pet.2.6

God decreed destruction for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. A mound of ashes was all that was left--grim warning to anyone bent on an ungodly life.

2Pet.2.6

if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly;

2Pet.2.6

and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly;

2Pet.2.6

Later, he turned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into heaps of ashes and swept them off the face of the earth. He made them an example of what will happen to ungodly people.

2Pet.2.7

But that good man Lot, driven nearly out of his mind by the sexual filth and perversity, was rescued.

2Pet.2.7

and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men

2Pet.2.7

and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked

2Pet.2.7

But at the same time, God rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a good man who was sick of all the immorality and wickedness around him.

2Pet.2.8

Surrounded by moral rot day after day after day, that righteous man was in constant torment.

2Pet.2.8

(for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)--

2Pet.2.8

(for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)--

2Pet.2.8

Yes, he was a righteous man who was distressed by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day.

2Pet.2.9

So God knows how to rescue the godly from evil trials. And he knows how to hold the feet of the wicked to the fire until Judgment Day.

2Pet.2.9

if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.

2Pet.2.9

then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment,

2Pet.2.9

So you see, the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while punishing the wicked right up until the day of judgment.

2Pet.2.10

God is especially incensed against these "teachers" who live by lust, addicted to a filthy existence. They despise interference from true authority, preferring to indulge in self-rule. Insolent egotists, they don't hesitate to speak evil against the most splendid of creatures.

2Pet.2.10

This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority.

2Pet.2.10

and especially those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise authority. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries,

2Pet.2.10

He is especially hard on those who follow their own evil, lustful desires and who despise authority. These people are proud and arrogant, daring even to scoff at the glorious ones without so much as trembling.

2Pet.2.11

Even angels, their superiors in every way, wouldn't think of throwing their weight around like that, trying to slander others before God.

2Pet.2.11

Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord.

2Pet.2.11

whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord.

2Pet.2.11

But the angels, even though they are far greater in power and strength than these false teachers, never speak out disrespectfully against the glorious ones.

2Pet.2.12

These people are nothing but brute beasts, born in the wild, predators on the prowl. In the very act of bringing down others with their ignorant blasphemies, they themselves will be brought down, losers in the end.

2Pet.2.12

But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish.

2Pet.2.12

But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption,

2Pet.2.12

These false teachers are like unthinking animals, creatures of instinct, who are born to be caught and killed. They laugh at the terrifying powers they know so little about, and they will be destroyed along with them.

2Pet.2.13

Their evil will boomerang on them. They're so despicable and addicted to pleasure that they indulge in wild parties, carousing in broad daylight.

2Pet.2.13

They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you.

2Pet.2.13

and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you,

2Pet.2.13

Their destruction is their reward for the harm they have done. They love to indulge in evil pleasures in broad daylight. They are a disgrace and a stain among you. They revel in deceitfulness while they feast with you.

2Pet.2.14

They're obsessed with adultery, compulsive in sin, seducing every vulnerable soul they come upon. Their specialty is greed, and they're experts at it. Dead souls!

2Pet.2.14

With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed--an accursed brood!

2Pet.2.14

having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, enticing unstable souls. They have a heart trained in covetous practices, and are accursed children.

2Pet.2.14

They commit adultery with their eyes, and their lust is never satisfied. They make a game of luring unstable people into sin. They train themselves to be greedy; they are doomed and cursed.

2Pet.2.15

They've left the main road and are directionless, having taken the way of Balaam, son of Beor, the prophet who turned profiteer, a connoisseur of evil.

2Pet.2.15

They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness.

2Pet.2.15

They have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

2Pet.2.15

They have wandered off the right road and followed the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved to earn money by doing wrong.

2Pet.2.16

But Balaam was stopped in his wayward tracks: A dumb animal spoke in a human voice and prevented the prophet's craziness.

2Pet.2.16

But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey--a beast without speech--who spoke with a man's voice and restrained the prophet's madness.

2Pet.2.16

but he was rebuked for his iniquity: a dumb donkey speaking with a man's voice restrained the madness of the prophet.

2Pet.2.16

But Balaam was stopped from his mad course when his donkey rebuked him with a human voice.

2Pet.2.17

There's nothing to these people--they're dried-up fountains, storm-scattered clouds, headed for a black hole in hell.

2Pet.2.17

These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.

2Pet.2.17

These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.

2Pet.2.17

These people are as useless as dried-up springs of water or as clouds blown away by the wind--promising much and delivering nothing. They are doomed to blackest darkness.

2Pet.2.18

They are loudmouths, full of hot air, but still they're dangerous. Men and women who have recently escaped from a deviant life are most susceptible to their brand of seduction.

2Pet.2.18

For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error.

2Pet.2.18

For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error.

2Pet.2.18

They brag about themselves with empty, foolish boasting. With lustful desire as their bait, they lure back into sin those who have just escaped from such wicked living.

2Pet.2.19

They promise these newcomers freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption, for if they're addicted to corruption--and they are--they're enslaved.

2Pet.2.19

They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity--for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.

2Pet.2.19

While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.

2Pet.2.19

They promise freedom, but they themselves are slaves to sin and corruption. For you are a slave to whatever controls you.

2Pet.2.20

If they've escaped from the slum of sin by experiencing our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ, and then slid back into that same old life again, they're worse than if they had never left.

2Pet.2.20

If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning.

2Pet.2.20

For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning.

2Pet.2.20

And when people escape from the wicked ways of the world by learning about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and then get tangled up with sin and become its slave again, they are worse off than before.

2Pet.2.21

Better not to have started out on the straight road to God than to start out and then turn back, repudiating the experience and the holy command.

2Pet.2.21

It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.

2Pet.2.21

For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.

2Pet.2.21

It would be better if they had never known the right way to live than to know it and then reject the holy commandments that were given to them.

2Pet.2.22

They prove the point of the proverbs, "A dog goes back to its own vomit," and, "A scrubbed-up pig heads for the mud."

2Pet.2.22

Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud."

2Pet.2.22

But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: "A dog returns to his own vomit," and, "a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire."

2Pet.2.22

They make these proverbs come true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and "A washed pig returns to the mud."

Prov.29.1

For people who hate discipline and only get more stubborn, There'll come a day when life tumbles in and they break, but by then it'll be too late to help them.

Prov.29.1

A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed-without remedy.

Prov.29.1

He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Prov.29.1

Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be broken beyond repair.

Prov.29.2

When good people run things, everyone is glad, but when the ruler is bad, everyone groans.

Prov.29.2

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Prov.29.2

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan.

Prov.29.2

When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.

Prov.29.3

If you love wisdom, you'll delight your parents, but you'll destroy their trust if you run with whores.

Prov.29.3

A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

Prov.29.3

Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes his wealth.

Prov.29.3

The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted.

Prov.29.4

A leader of good judgment gives stability; an exploiting leader leaves a trail of waste.

Prov.29.4

By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.

Prov.29.4

The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it.

Prov.29.4

A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it.

Prov.29.5

A flattering neighbor is up to no good; he's probably planning to take advantage of you.

Prov.29.5

Whoever flatters his neighbor is spreading a net for his feet.

Prov.29.5

A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.

Prov.29.5

To flatter people is to lay a trap for their feet.

Prov.29.6

Evil people fall into their own traps; good people run the other way, glad to escape.

Prov.29.6

An evil man is snared by his own sin, but a righteous one can sing and be glad.

Prov.29.6

By transgression an evil man is snared, But the righteous sings and rejoices.

Prov.29.6

Evil people are trapped by sin, but the righteous escape, shouting for joy.

Prov.29.7

The good-hearted understand what it's like to be poor; the hardhearted haven't the faintest idea.

Prov.29.7

The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.

Prov.29.7

The righteous considers the cause of the poor, But the wicked does not understand such knowledge.

Prov.29.7

The godly know the rights of the poor; the wicked don't care to know.

Prov.29.8

A gang of cynics can upset a whole city; a group of sages can calm everyone down.

Prov.29.8

Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.

Prov.29.8

Scoffers set a city aflame, But wise men turn away wrath.

Prov.29.8

Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but those who are wise will calm anger.

Prov.29.9

A sage trying to work things out with a fool gets only scorn and sarcasm for his trouble.

Prov.29.9

If a wise man goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

Prov.29.9

If a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether the fool rages or laughs, there is no peace.

Prov.29.9

If a wise person takes a fool to court, there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.