Isa.8.11

GOD spoke strongly to me, grabbed me with both hands and warned me not to go along with this people. He said:

Isa.8.11

The LORD spoke to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people. He said:

Isa.8.11

For the LORD spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying:

Isa.8.11

The LORD has said to me in the strongest terms: "Do not think like everyone else does.

Isa.8.12

"Don't be like this people, always afraid somebody is plotting against them. Don't fear what they fear. Don't take on their worries.

Isa.8.12

"Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it.

Isa.8.12

"Do not say, "A conspiracy,' Concerning all that this people call a conspiracy, Nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.

Isa.8.12

Do not be afraid that some plan conceived behind closed doors will be the end of you.

Isa.8.13

If you're going to worry, worry about The Holy. Fear GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies.

Isa.8.13

The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread,

Isa.8.13

The LORD of hosts, Him you shall hallow; Let Him be your fear, And let Him be your dread.

Isa.8.13

Do not fear anything except the LORD Almighty. He alone is the Holy One. If you fear him, you need fear nothing else.

Isa.8.14

The Holy can be either a Hiding Place or a Boulder blocking your way, The Rock standing in the willful way of both houses of Israel, A barbed-wire Fence preventing trespass to the citizens of Jerusalem.

Isa.8.14

and he will be a sanctuary; but for both houses of Israel he will be a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare.

Isa.8.14

He will be as a sanctuary, But a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense To both the houses of Israel, As a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

Isa.8.14

He will keep you safe. But to Israel and Judah he will be a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap that entangles them.

Isa.8.15

Many of them are going to run into that Rock and get their bones broken, Get tangled up in that barbed wire and not get free of it." [JC]

Isa.8.15

Many of them will stumble; they will fall and be broken, they will be snared and captured."

Isa.8.15

And many among them shall stumble; They shall fall and be broken, Be snared and taken."

Isa.8.15

Many of them will stumble and fall, never to rise again. Many will be captured."

Isa.8.16

Gather up the testimony, preserve the teaching for my followers,

Isa.8.16

Bind up the testimony and seal up the law among my disciples.

Isa.8.16

Bind up the testimony, Seal the law among my disciples.

Isa.8.16

I will write down all these things as a testimony of what the LORD will do. I will entrust it to my disciples, who will pass it down to future generations.

Isa.8.17

While I wait for GOD as long as he remains in hiding, while I wait and hope for him.

Isa.8.17

I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in him.

Isa.8.17

And I will wait on the LORD, Who hides His face from the house of Jacob; And I will hope in Him.

Isa.8.17

I will wait for the LORD to help us, though he has turned away from the people of Israel. My only hope is in him.

Isa.8.18

I stand my ground and hope, I and the children GOD gave me as signs to Israel, Warning signs and hope signs from GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, who makes his home in Mount Zion.

Isa.8.18

Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me. We are signs and symbols in Israel from the LORD Almighty, who dwells on Mount Zion.

Isa.8.18

Here am I and the children whom the LORD has given me! We are for signs and wonders in Israel From the LORD of hosts, Who dwells in Mount Zion.

Isa.8.18

I and the children the LORD has given me have names that reveal the plans the LORD Almighty has for his people.

Isa.8.19

When people tell you, "Try out the fortunetellers. Consult the spiritualists. Why not tap into the spirit--world, get in touch with the dead?"

Isa.8.19

When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?

Isa.8.19

And when they say to you, "Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter," should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living?

Isa.8.19

So why are you trying to find out the future by consulting mediums and psychics? Do not listen to their whisperings and mutterings. Can the living find out the future from the dead? Why not ask your God?

Isa.8.20

Tell them, "No, we're going to study the Scriptures." People who try the other ways get nowhere--a dead end!

Isa.8.20

To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.

Isa.8.20

To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

Isa.8.20

"Check their predictions against my testimony," says the LORD. "If their predictions are different from mine, it is because there is no light or truth in them.

Isa.8.21

Frustrated and famished, they try one thing after another. When nothing works out they get angry, cursing first this god and then that one, Looking this way and that,

Isa.8.21

Distressed and hungry, they will roam through the land; when they are famished, they will become enraged and, looking upward, will curse their king and their God.

Isa.8.21

They will pass through it hard-pressed and hungry; and it shall happen, when they are hungry, that they will be enraged and curse their king and their God, and look upward.

Isa.8.21

My people will be led away as captives, weary and hungry. And because they are hungry, they will rage and shake their fists at heaven and curse their king and their God.

Isa.8.22

up, down, and sideways--and seeing nothing, A blank wall, an empty hole. They end up in the dark with nothing.

Isa.8.22

Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness.

Isa.8.22

Then they will look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and they will be driven into darkness.

Isa.8.22

Wherever they look, there will be trouble and anguish and dark despair. They will be thrown out into the darkness."

Isa.9.1

But there'll be no darkness for those who were in trouble. Earlier he did bring the lands of Zebulun and Naphtali into disrepute, but the time is coming when he'll make that whole area glorious--the road along the Sea, the country past the Jordan, international Galilee.

Isa.9.1

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the Gentiles, by the way of the sea, along the Jordan-

Isa.9.1

Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, As when at first He lightly esteemed The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, And afterward more heavily oppressed her, By the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, In Galilee of the Gentiles.

Isa.9.1

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will soon be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.

Isa.9.2

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows--light! sunbursts of light!

Isa.9.2

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

Isa.9.2

The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.

Isa.9.2

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light--a light that will shine on all who live in the land where death casts its shadow.

Isa.9.3

You repopulated the nation, you expanded its joy. Oh, they're so glad in your presence! Festival joy! The joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.

Isa.9.3

You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as men rejoice when dividing the plunder.

Isa.9.3

You have multiplied the nation And increased its joy; They rejoice before You According to the joy of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

Isa.9.3

Israel will again be great, and its people will rejoice as people rejoice at harvesttime. They will shout with joy like warriors dividing the plunder.

Isa.9.4

The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants--all their whips and cudgels and curses--Is gone, done away with, a deliverance as surprising and sudden as Gideon's old victory over Midian.

Isa.9.4

For as in the day of Midian's defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.

Isa.9.4

For You have broken the yoke of his burden And the staff of his shoulder, The rod of his oppressor, As in the day of Midian.

Isa.9.4

For God will break the chains that bind his people and the whip that scourges them, just as he did when he destroyed the army of Midian with Gideon's little band.

Isa.9.5

The boots of all those invading troops, along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood, Will be piled in a heap and burned, a fire that will burn for days!

Isa.9.5

Every warrior's boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.

Isa.9.5

For every warrior's sandal from the noisy battle, And garments rolled in blood, Will be used for burning and fuel of fire.

Isa.9.5

In that day of peace, battle gear will no longer be issued. Never again will uniforms be bloodstained by war. All such equipment will be burned.

Isa.9.6

For a child has been born--for us! the gift of a son--for us! He'll take over the running of the world. His names will be: Amazing Counselor, Strong God, Eternal Father, Prince of Wholeness.

Isa.9.6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isa.9.6

For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isa.9.6

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isa.9.7

His ruling authority will grow, and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He'll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom. He'll put that kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going With fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. The zeal of GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this.

Isa.9.7

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Isa.9.7

Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Isa.9.7

His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the LORD Almighty will guarantee this!

Isa.9.8

The Master sent a message against Jacob. It landed right on Israel's doorstep.

Isa.9.8

The Lord has sent a message against Jacob; it will fall on Israel.

Isa.9.8

The LORD sent a word against Jacob, And it has fallen on Israel.

Isa.9.8

The Lord has spoken out against that braggart Israel,

Isa.9.9

All the people soon heard the message, Ephraim and the citizens of Samaria. But they were a proud and arrogant bunch. They dismissed the message, saying,

Isa.9.9

All the people will know it- Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria- who say with pride and arrogance of heart,

Isa.9.9

All the people will know-- Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria-- Who say in pride and arrogance of heart:

Isa.9.9

and the people of Israel and Samaria will soon discover it. In their pride and arrogance they say,

Isa.9.10

"Things aren't that bad. We can handle anything that comes. If our buildings are knocked down, we'll rebuild them bigger and finer. If our forests are cut down, we'll replant them with finer trees."

Isa.9.10

"The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with dressed stone; the fig trees have been felled, but we will replace them with cedars."

Isa.9.10

"The bricks have fallen down, But we will rebuild with hewn stones; The sycamores are cut down, But we will replace them with cedars."

Isa.9.10

"Our land lies in ruins now, but we will rebuild it better than before. We will replace the broken bricks with cut stone, the fallen sycamore trees with cedars."

Isa.9.11

So GOD incited their adversaries against them, stirred up their enemies to attack:

Isa.9.11

But the LORD has strengthened Rezin's foes against them and has spurred their enemies on.

Isa.9.11

Therefore the LORD shall set up The adversaries of Rezin against him, And spur his enemies on,

Isa.9.11

The LORD will reply to their bragging by bringing Rezin's enemies, the Assyrians, against them--

Isa.9.12

From the east, Arameans; from the west, Philistines. They made hash of Israel. But even after that, he was still angry, his fist still raised, ready to hit them again.

Isa.9.12

Arameans from the east and Philistines from the west have devoured Israel with open mouth. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised.

Isa.9.12

The Syrians before and the Philistines behind; And they shall devour Israel with an open mouth. For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still.

Isa.9.12

along with Arameans from the east and Philistines from the west. With bared fangs, they will devour Israel. But even then the LORD's anger will not be satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike.

Isa.9.13

But the people paid no mind to him who hit them, didn't seek GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies.

Isa.9.13

But the people have not returned to him who struck them, nor have they sought the LORD Almighty.

Isa.9.13

For the people do not turn to Him who strikes them, Nor do they seek the LORD of hosts.

Isa.9.13

For after all this punishment, the people will still not repent and turn to the LORD Almighty.

Isa.9.14

So GOD hacked off Israel's head and tail, palm branch and reed, both on the same day.

Isa.9.14

So the LORD will cut off from Israel both head and tail, both palm branch and reed in a single day;

Isa.9.14

Therefore the LORD will cut off head and tail from Israel, Palm branch and bulrush in one day.

Isa.9.14

Therefore, in a single day, the LORD will destroy both the head and the tail, the palm branch and the reed.

Isa.9.15

The big-head elders were the head, the lying prophets were the tail.

Isa.9.15

the elders and prominent men are the head, the prophets who teach lies are the tail.

Isa.9.15

The elder and honorable, he is the head; The prophet who teaches lies, he is the tail.

Isa.9.15

The leaders of Israel are the head, and the lying prophets are the tail.

Isa.9.16

Those who were supposed to lead this people led them down blind alleys, And those who followed the leaders ended up lost and confused.

Isa.9.16

Those who guide this people mislead them, and those who are guided are led astray.

Isa.9.16

For the leaders of this people cause them to err, And those who are led by them are destroyed.

Isa.9.16

For the leaders of the people have led them down the path of destruction.

Isa.9.17

That's why the Master lost interest in the young men, had no feeling for their orphans and widows. All of them were godless and evil, talking filth and folly. And even after that, he was still angry, his fist still raised, ready to hit them again.

Isa.9.17

Therefore the Lord will take no pleasure in the young men, nor will he pity the fatherless and widows, for everyone is ungodly and wicked, every mouth speaks vileness. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised.

Isa.9.17

Therefore the Lord will have no joy in their young men, Nor have mercy on their fatherless and widows; For everyone is a hypocrite and an evildoer, And every mouth speaks folly. For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still.

Isa.9.17

That is why the Lord has no joy in the young men and no mercy on even the widows and orphans. For they are all hypocrites, speaking wickedness with lies. But even then the LORD's anger will not be satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike.

Isa.9.18

Their wicked lives raged like an out--of-control fire, the kind that burns everything in its path--Trees and bushes, weeds and grasses--filling the skies with smoke.

Isa.9.18

Surely wickedness burns like a fire; it consumes briers and thorns, it sets the forest thickets ablaze, so that it rolls upward in a column of smoke.

Isa.9.18

For wickedness burns as the fire; It shall devour the briers and thorns, And kindle in the thickets of the forest; They shall mount up like rising smoke.

Isa.9.18

This wickedness is like a brushfire. It burns not only briers and thorns but the forests, too. Its burning sends up vast clouds of smoke.

Isa.9.19

GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies answered fire with fire, set the whole country on fire, Turned the people into consuming fires, consuming one another in their lusts--

Isa.9.19

By the wrath of the LORD Almighty the land will be scorched and the people will be fuel for the fire; no one will spare his brother.

Isa.9.19

Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts The land is burned up, And the people shall be as fuel for the fire; No man shall spare his brother.

Isa.9.19

The land is blackened by the fury of the LORD Almighty. The people are fuel for the fire, and no one spares anyone else.

Isa.9.20

Appetites insatiable, stuffing and gorging themselves left and right with people and things. But still they starved. Not even their children were safe from their rapacious hunger.

Isa.9.20

On the right they will devour, but still be hungry; on the left they will eat, but not be satisfied. Each will feed on the flesh of his own offspring:

Isa.9.20

And he shall snatch on the right hand And be hungry; He shall devour on the left hand And not be satisfied; Every man shall eat the flesh of his own arm.

Isa.9.20

They fight against their own neighbors to steal food, but they will still be hungry. In the end they will even eat their own children.

Isa.9.21

Manasseh ate Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh, and then the two ganged up against Judah. And after that, he was still angry, his fist still raised, ready to hit them again. [JC]

Isa.9.21

Manasseh will feed on Ephraim, and Ephraim on Manasseh; together they will turn against Judah. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised.

Isa.9.21

Manasseh shall devour Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh; Together they shall be against Judah. For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still.

Isa.9.21

Manasseh will feed on Ephraim, Ephraim will feed on Manasseh, and both will devour Judah. But even then the LORD's anger will not be satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike.

Isa.10.1

Doom to you who legislate evil, who make laws that make victims--

Isa.10.1

Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees,

Isa.10.1

"Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, Who write misfortune, Which they have prescribed

Isa.10.1

Destruction is certain for the unjust judges, for those who issue unfair laws.

Isa.10.2

Laws that make misery for the poor, that rob my destitute people of dignity, Exploiting defenseless widows, taking advantage of homeless children.

Isa.10.2

to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless.

Isa.10.2

To rob the needy of justice, And to take what is right from the poor of My people, That widows may be their prey, And that they may rob the fatherless.

Isa.10.2

They deprive the poor, the widows, and the orphans of justice. Yes, they rob widows and fatherless children!

Isa.10.3

What will you have to say on Judgment Day, when Doomsday arrives out of the blue? Who will you get to help you? What good will your money do you?

Isa.10.3

What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? To whom will you run for help? Where will you leave your riches?

Isa.10.3

What will you do in the day of punishment, And in the desolation which will come from afar? To whom will you flee for help? And where will you leave your glory?

Isa.10.3

What will you do when I send desolation upon you from a distant land? To whom will you turn for help? Where will your treasures be safe?

Isa.10.4

A sorry sight you'll be then, huddled with the prisoners, or just some corpses stacked in the street. Even after all this, God is still angry, his fist still raised, ready to hit them again.

Isa.10.4

Nothing will remain but to cringe among the captives or fall among the slain. Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away, his hand is still upraised.

Isa.10.4

Without Me they shall bow down among the prisoners, And they shall fall among the slain." For all this His anger is not turned away, But His hand is stretched out still.

Isa.10.4

I will not help you. You will stumble along as prisoners or lie among the dead. But even then the LORD's anger will not be satisfied. His fist is still poised to strike.

Isa.10.5

"Doom to Assyria, weapon of my anger. My wrath is a cudgel in his hands!

Isa.10.5

"Woe to the Assyrian, the rod of my anger, in whose hand is the club of my wrath!

Isa.10.5

"Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger And the staff in whose hand is My indignation.

Isa.10.5

"Destruction is certain for Assyria, the whip of my anger. Its military power is a club in my hand.

Isa.10.6

I send him against a godless nation, against the people I'm angry with. I command him to strip them clean, rob them blind, and then push their faces in the mud and leave them.

Isa.10.6

I send him against a godless nation, I dispatch him against a people who anger me, to seize loot and snatch plunder, and to trample them down like mud in the streets.

Isa.10.6

I will send him against an ungodly nation, And against the people of My wrath I will give him charge, To seize the spoil, to take the prey, And to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

Isa.10.6

Assyria will enslave my people, who are a godless nation. It will plunder them, trampling them like dirt beneath its feet.

Isa.10.7

But Assyria has another agenda; he has something else in mind. He's out to destroy utterly, to stamp out as many nations as he can.

Isa.10.7

But this is not what he intends, this is not what he has in mind; his purpose is to destroy, to put an end to many nations.

Isa.10.7

Yet he does not mean so, Nor does his heart think so; But it is in his heart to destroy, And cut off not a few nations.

Isa.10.7

But the king of Assyria will not know that it is I who sent him. He will merely think he is attacking my people as part of his plan to conquer the world.

Isa.10.8

Assyria says, "Aren't my commanders all kings? Can't they do whatever they like?

Isa.10.8

'Are not my commanders all kings?' he says.

Isa.10.8

For he says, "Are not my princes altogether kings?

Isa.10.8

He will say, `Each of my princes will soon be a king, ruling a conquered land.

Isa.10.9

Didn't I destroy Calno as well as Carchemish? Hamath as well as Arpad? Level Samaria as I did Damascus?

Isa.10.9

'Has not Calno fared like Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad, and Samaria like Damascus?

Isa.10.9

Is not Calno like Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Samaria like Damascus?

Isa.10.9

We will destroy Calno just as we did Carchemish. Hamath will fall before us as Arpad did. And we will destroy Samaria just as we did Damascus.

Isa.10.10

I've eliminated kingdoms full of gods far more impressive than anything in Jerusalem and Samaria.

Isa.10.10

As my hand seized the kingdoms of the idols, kingdoms whose images excelled those of Jerusalem and Samaria-

Isa.10.10

As my hand has found the kingdoms of the idols, Whose carved images excelled those of Jerusalem and Samaria,

Isa.10.10

Yes, we have finished off many a kingdom whose gods were far greater than those in Jerusalem and Samaria.

Isa.10.11

So what's to keep me from destroying Jerusalem in the same way I destroyed Samaria and all her god-idols?'"

Isa.10.11

shall I not deal with Jerusalem and her images as I dealt with Samaria and her idols?'"

Isa.10.11

As I have done to Samaria and her idols, Shall I not do also to Jerusalem and her idols?"'

Isa.10.11

So when we have defeated Samaria and her gods, we will destroy Jerusalem with hers.'"

Isa.10.12

When the Master has finished dealing with Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he'll say, "Now it's Assyria's turn. I'll punish the bragging arrogance of the king of Assyria, his high and mighty posturing,

Isa.10.12

When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, "I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes.

Isa.10.12

Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Lord has performed all His work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, that He will say, "I will punish the fruit of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his haughty looks."

Isa.10.12

After the Lord has used the king of Assyria to accomplish his purposes in Jerusalem, he will turn against the king of Assyria and punish him--for he is proud and arrogant.

Isa.10.13

the way he goes around saying, I've done all this by myself. I know more than anyone. I've wiped out the boundaries of whole countries. I've walked in and taken anything I wanted. I charged in like a bull and toppled their kings from their thrones.

Isa.10.13

For he says: "'By the strength of my hand I have done this, and by my wisdom, because I have understanding. I removed the boundaries of nations, I plundered their treasures; like a mighty one I subdued their kings.

Isa.10.13

For he says: "By the strength of my hand I have done it, And by my wisdom, for I am prudent; Also I have removed the boundaries of the people, And have robbed their treasuries; So I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man.

Isa.10.13

He boasts, "By my own power and wisdom I have won these wars. By my own strength I have captured many lands, destroyed their kings, and carried off their treasures.

Isa.10.14

I reached out my hand and took all that they treasured as easily as a boy taking a bird's eggs from a nest. Like a farmer gathering eggs from the henhouse, I gathered the world in my basket, And no one so much as fluttered a wing or squawked or even chirped.'"

Isa.10.14

As one reaches into a nest, so my hand reached for the wealth of the nations; as men gather abandoned eggs, so I gathered all the countries; not one flapped a wing, or opened its mouth to chirp.'"

Isa.10.14

My hand has found like a nest the riches of the people, And as one gathers eggs that are left, I have gathered all the earth; And there was no one who moved his wing, Nor opened his mouth with even a peep."

Isa.10.14

By my greatness I have robbed their nests of riches and gathered up kingdoms as a farmer gathers eggs. No one can even flap a wing against me or utter a peep of protest."

Isa.10.15

Does an ax take over from the one who swings it? Does a saw act more important than the sawyer? As if a shovel did its shoveling by using a ditch digger! As if a hammer used the carpenter to pound nails!

Isa.10.15

Does the ax raise itself above him who swings it, or the saw boast against him who uses it? As if a rod were to wield him who lifts it up, or a club brandish him who is not wood!

Isa.10.15

Shall the ax boast itself against him who chops with it? Or shall the saw exalt itself against him who saws with it? As if a rod could wield itself against those who lift it up, Or as if a staff could lift up, as if it were not wood!

Isa.10.15

Can the ax boast greater power than the person who uses it? Is the saw greater than the person who saws? Can a whip strike unless a hand is moving it? Can a cane walk by itself?

Isa.10.16

Therefore the Master, GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies, will send a debilitating disease on his robust Assyrian fighters. Under the canopy of God's bright glory a fierce fire will break out.

Isa.10.16

Therefore, the Lord, the LORD Almighty, will send a wasting disease upon his sturdy warriors; under his pomp a fire will be kindled like a blazing flame.

Isa.10.16

Therefore the Lord, the Lord of hosts, Will send leanness among his fat ones; And under his glory He will kindle a burning Like the burning of a fire.

Isa.10.16

Listen now, king of Assyria! Because of all your evil boasting, the Lord, the LORD Almighty, will send a plague among your proud troops, and a flaming fire will ignite your glory.

Isa.10.17

Israel's Light will burst into a conflagration. The Holy will explode into a firestorm, And in one day burn to cinders every last Assyrian thornbush.

Isa.10.17

The Light of Israel will become a fire, their Holy One a flame; in a single day it will burn and consume his thorns and his briers.

Isa.10.17

So the Light of Israel will be for a fire, And his Holy One for a flame; It will burn and devour His thorns and his briers in one day.

Isa.10.17

The LORD, the Light of Israel and the Holy One, will be a flaming fire that will destroy them. In a single night he will burn those thorns and briers, the Assyrians.

Isa.10.18

GOD will destroy the splendid trees and lush gardens. The Assyrian body and soul will waste away to nothing like a disease-ridden invalid.

Isa.10.18

The splendor of his forests and fertile fields it will completely destroy, as when a sick man wastes away.

Isa.10.18

And it will consume the glory of his forest and of his fruitful field, Both soul and body; And they will be as when a sick man wastes away.

Isa.10.18

Assyria's vast army is like a glorious forest, yet it will be destroyed. The LORD will completely destroy Assyria's warriors, and they will waste away like sick people in a plague.

Isa.10.19

A child could count what's left of the trees on the fingers of his two hands. [JC]

Isa.10.19

And the remaining trees of his forests will be so few that a child could write them down.

Isa.10.19

Then the rest of the trees of his forest Will be so few in number That a child may write them.

Isa.10.19

Only a few from all that mighty army will survive--so few that a child could count them!

2Cor.8.1

Now, friends, I want to report on the surprising and generous ways in which God is working in the churches in Macedonia province.

2Cor.8.1

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.

2Cor.8.1

Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:

2Cor.8.1

Now I want to tell you, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done for the churches in Macedonia.

2Cor.8.2

Fierce troubles came down on the people of those churches, pushing them to the very limit. The trial exposed their true colors: They were incredibly happy, though desperately poor. The pressure triggered something totally unexpected: an outpouring of pure and generous gifts.

2Cor.8.2

Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.

2Cor.8.2

that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.

2Cor.8.2

Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, their wonderful joy and deep poverty have overflowed in rich generosity.

2Cor.8.3

I was there and saw it for myself. They gave offerings of whatever they could--far more than they could afford!-

2Cor.8.3

For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,

2Cor.8.3

For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,

2Cor.8.3

For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford but far more. And they did it of their own free will.

2Cor.8.4

pleading for the privilege of helping out in the relief of poor Christians.

2Cor.8.4

they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

2Cor.8.4

imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

2Cor.8.4

They begged us again and again for the gracious privilege of sharing in the gift for the Christians in Jerusalem.

2Cor.8.5

This was totally spontaneous, entirely their own idea, and caught us completely off guard. What explains it was that they had first given themselves unreservedly to God and to us. The other giving simply flowed out of the purposes of God working in their lives.

2Cor.8.5

And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.

2Cor.8.5

And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.

2Cor.8.5

Best of all, they went beyond our highest hopes, for their first action was to dedicate themselves to the Lord and to us for whatever directions God might give them.

2Cor.8.6

That's what prompted us to ask Titus to bring the relief offering to your attention, so that what was so well begun could be finished up.

2Cor.8.6

So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part.

2Cor.8.6

So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well.

2Cor.8.6

So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to complete your share in this ministry of giving.

2Cor.8.7

You do so well in so many things--you trust God, you're articulate, you're insightful, you're passionate, you love us--now, do your best in this, too.

2Cor.8.7

But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

2Cor.8.7

But as you abound in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us--see that you abound in this grace also.

2Cor.8.7

Since you excel in so many ways--you have so much faith, such gifted speakers, such knowledge, such enthusiasm, and such love for us--now I want you to excel also in this gracious ministry of giving.

2Cor.8.8

I'm not trying to order you around against your will. But by bringing in the Macedonians' enthusiasm as a stimulus to your love, I am hoping to bring the best out of you.

2Cor.8.8

I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.

2Cor.8.8

I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.

2Cor.8.8

I am not saying you must do it, even though the other churches are eager to do it. This is one way to prove your love is real.

2Cor.8.9

You are familiar with the generosity of our Master, Jesus Christ. Rich as he was, he gave it all away for us--in one stroke he became poor and we became rich.

2Cor.8.9

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

2Cor.8.9

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

2Cor.8.9

You know how full of love and kindness our Lord Jesus Christ was. Though he was very rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.

2Cor.8.10

So here's what I think: The best thing you can do right now is to finish what you started last year and not let those good intentions grow stale.

2Cor.8.10

And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so.

2Cor.8.10

And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago;

2Cor.8.10

I suggest that you finish what you started a year ago, for you were the first to propose this idea, and you were the first to begin doing something about it.

2Cor.8.11

Your heart's been in the right place all along. You've got what it takes to finish it up, so go to it.

2Cor.8.11

Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.

2Cor.8.11

but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there also may be a completion out of what you have.

2Cor.8.11

Now you should carry this project through to completion just as enthusiastically as you began it. Give whatever you can according to what you have.

2Cor.8.12

Once the commitment is clear, you do what you can, not what you can't. The heart regulates the hands.

2Cor.8.12

For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

2Cor.8.12

For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.

2Cor.8.12

If you are really eager to give, it isn't important how much you are able to give. God wants you to give what you have, not what you don't have.

2Cor.8.13

This isn't so others can take it easy while you sweat it out. No, you're shoulder to shoulder with them all the way,

2Cor.8.13

Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.

2Cor.8.13

For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened;

2Cor.8.13

Of course, I don't mean you should give so much that you suffer from having too little. I only mean that there should be some equality.

2Cor.8.14

your surplus matching their deficit, their surplus matching your deficit. In the end you come out even.

2Cor.8.14

At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality,

2Cor.8.14

but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack--that there may be equality.

2Cor.8.14

Right now you have plenty and can help them. Then at some other time they can share with you when you need it. In this way, everyone's needs will be met.

2Cor.8.15

As it is written, Nothing left over to the one with the most, Nothing lacking to the one with the least.

2Cor.8.15

as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."

2Cor.8.15

As it is written, "He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack."

2Cor.8.15

Do you remember what the Scriptures say about this? "Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough."

Prov.21.27

Religious performance by the wicked stinks; it's even worse when they use it to get ahead.

Prov.21.27

The sacrifice of the wicked is detestable- how much more so when brought with evil intent!

Prov.21.27

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; How much more when he brings it with wicked intent!

Prov.21.27

God loathes the sacrifice of an evil person, especially when it is brought with ulterior motives.

Prov.21.28

A lying witness is unconvincing; a person who speaks truth is respected.

Prov.21.28

A false witness will perish, and whoever listens to him will be destroyed forever.

Prov.21.28

A false witness shall perish, But the man who hears him will speak endlessly.

Prov.21.28

A false witness will be cut off, but an attentive witness will be allowed to speak.

Prov.21.29

Unscrupulous people fake it a lot; honest people are sure of their steps.

Prov.21.29

A wicked man puts up a bold front, but an upright man gives thought to his ways.

Prov.21.29

A wicked man hardens his face, But as for the upright, he establishes his way.

Prov.21.29

The wicked put up a bold front, but the upright proceed with care.

Prov.21.30

Nothing clever, nothing conceived, nothing contrived, can get the better of GOD.

Prov.21.30

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD.

Prov.21.30

There is no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the LORD.

Prov.21.30

Human plans, no matter how wise or well advised, cannot stand against the LORD.

Prov.21.31

Do your best, prepare for the worst--then trust GOD to bring victory.

Prov.21.31

The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.

Prov.21.31

The horse is prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance is of the LORD.

Prov.21.31

The horses are prepared for battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.

Prov.22.1

A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.

Prov.22.1

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Prov.22.1

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.

Prov.22.1

Choose a good reputation over great riches, for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold.

Prov.22.2

The rich and the poor shake hands as equals--GOD made them both!

Prov.22.2

Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all.

Prov.22.2

The rich and the poor have this in common, The LORD is the maker of them all.

Prov.22.2

The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD made them both.

Prov.22.3

A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered.

Prov.22.3

A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

Prov.22.3

A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, But the simple pass on and are punished.

Prov.22.3

A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

Prov.22.4

The payoff for meekness and Fear-of-GOD is plenty and honor and a satisfying life.

Prov.22.4

Humility and the fear of the LORD bring wealth and honor and life.

Prov.22.4

By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches and honor and life.

Prov.22.4

True humility and fear of the LORD lead to riches, honor, and long life.

Prov.22.5

The perverse travel a dangerous road, potholed and mud-slick; if you know what's good for you, stay clear of it.

Prov.22.5

In the paths of the wicked lie thorns and snares, but he who guards his soul stays far from them.

Prov.22.5

Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards his soul will be far from them.

Prov.22.5

The deceitful walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will stay away.

Prov.22.6

Point your kids in the right direction--when they're old they won't be lost.

Prov.22.6

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Prov.22.6

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

Prov.22.6

Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it.