Jer.14.1

GOD's Message that came to Jeremiah regarding the drought:

Jer.14.1

This is the word of the LORD to Jeremiah concerning the drought:

Jer.14.1

The word of the LORD that came to Jeremiah concerning the droughts.

Jer.14.1

This message came to Jeremiah from the LORD, explaining why he was holding back the rain:

Jer.14.2

"Judah weeps, her cities mourn. The people fall to the ground, moaning, while sounds of Jerusalem's sobs rise up, up.

Jer.14.2

"Judah mourns, her cities languish; they wail for the land, and a cry goes up from Jerusalem.

Jer.14.2

"Judah mourns, And her gates languish; They mourn for the land, And the cry of Jerusalem has gone up.

Jer.14.2

"Judah wilts; her businesses have ground to a halt. All the people sit on the ground in mourning, and a great cry rises from Jerusalem.

Jer.14.3

The rich people sent their servants for water. They went to the cisterns, but the cisterns were dry. They came back with empty buckets, wringing their hands, shaking their heads.

Jer.14.3

The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns but find no water. They return with their jars unfilled; dismayed and despairing, they cover their heads.

Jer.14.3

Their nobles have sent their lads for water; They went to the cisterns and found no water. They returned with their vessels empty; They were ashamed and confounded And covered their heads.

Jer.14.3

The nobles send servants to get water, but all the wells are dry. The servants return with empty pitchers, confused and desperate, covering their heads in grief.

Jer.14.4

All the farm work has stopped. Not a drop of rain has fallen. The farmers don't know what to do. They wring their hands, they shake their heads.

Jer.14.4

The ground is cracked because there is no rain in the land; the farmers are dismayed and cover their heads.

Jer.14.4

Because the ground is parched, For there was no rain in the land, The plowmen were ashamed; They covered their heads.

Jer.14.4

The ground is parched and cracked for lack of rain. The farmers are afraid; they, too, cover their heads.

Jer.14.5

Even the doe abandons her fawn in the field because there is no grass--

Jer.14.5

Even the doe in the field deserts her newborn fawn because there is no grass.

Jer.14.5

Yes, the deer also gave birth in the field, But left because there was no grass.

Jer.14.5

The deer abandons her newborn fawn because there is no grass.

Jer.14.6

Eyes glazed over, on her last legs, nothing but skin and bones."

Jer.14.6

Wild donkeys stand on the barren heights and pant like jackals; their eyesight fails for lack of pasture."

Jer.14.6

And the wild donkeys stood in the desolate heights; They sniffed at the wind like jackals; Their eyes failed because there was no grass."

Jer.14.6

The wild donkeys stand on the bare hills panting like thirsty jackals. They strain their eyes looking for grass to eat, but there is none to be found."

Jer.14.7

We know we're guilty. We've lived bad lives--but do something, GOD. Do it for your sake! Time and time again we've betrayed you. No doubt about it--we've sinned against you.

Jer.14.7

Although our sins testify against us, O LORD, do something for the sake of your name. For our backsliding is great; we have sinned against you.

Jer.14.7

O LORD, though our iniquities testify against us, Do it for Your name's sake; For our backslidings are many, We have sinned against You.

Jer.14.7

The people say, "LORD, our wickedness has caught up with us. We have sinned against you. So please, help us for the sake of your own reputation.

Jer.14.8

Hope of Israel! Our only hope! Israel's last chance in this trouble! Why are you acting like a tourist, taking in the sights, here today and gone tomorrow?

Jer.14.8

O Hope of Israel, its Savior in times of distress, why are you like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who stays only a night?

Jer.14.8

O the Hope of Israel, his Savior in time of trouble, Why should You be like a stranger in the land, And like a traveler who turns aside to tarry for a night?

Jer.14.8

O Hope of Israel, our Savior in times of trouble! Why are you like a stranger to us? Why are you like someone passing through the land, stopping only for the night?

Jer.14.9

Why do you just stand there and stare, like someone who doesn't know what to do in a crisis? But GOD, you are, in fact, here, here with us! You know who we are--you named us! Don't leave us in the lurch.

Jer.14.9

Why are you like a man taken by surprise, like a warrior powerless to save? You are among us, O LORD, and we bear your name; do not forsake us!

Jer.14.9

Why should You be like a man astonished, Like a mighty one who cannot save? Yet You, O LORD, are in our midst, And we are called by Your name; Do not leave us!

Jer.14.9

Are you also confused? Are you helpless to save us? You are right here among us, LORD. We are known as your people. Please don't abandon us now!"

Jer.14.10

Then GOD said of these people: "Since they loved to wander this way and that, never giving a thought to where they were going, I will now have nothing more to do with them--except to note their guilt and punish their sins."

Jer.14.10

This is what the LORD says about this people: "They greatly love to wander; they do not restrain their feet. So the LORD does not accept them; he will now remember their wickedness and punish them for their sins."

Jer.14.10

Thus says the LORD to this people: "Thus they have loved to wander; They have not restrained their feet. Therefore the LORD does not accept them; He will remember their iniquity now, And punish their sins."

Jer.14.10

So the LORD replies to his people, "You love to wander far from me and do not follow in my paths. Now I will no longer accept you as my people. I will remember all your wickedness and will punish you for your sins."

Jer.14.11

GOD said to me, "Don't pray that everything will turn out all right for this people.

Jer.14.11

Then the LORD said to me, "Do not pray for the well-being of this people.

Jer.14.11

Then the LORD said to me, "Do not pray for this people, for their good.

Jer.14.11

Then the LORD said to me, "Do not pray for these people anymore.

Jer.14.12

When they skip their meals in order to pray, I won't listen to a thing they say. When they redouble their prayers, bringing all kinds of offerings from their herds and crops, I'll not accept them. I'm finishing them off with war and famine and disease."

Jer.14.12

Although they fast, I will not listen to their cry; though they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will destroy them with the sword, famine and plague."

Jer.14.12

When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I will not accept them. But I will consume them by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence."

Jer.14.12

When they fast in my presence, I will pay no attention. When they present their burnt offerings and grain offerings to me, I will not accept them. In return, I will give them only war, famine, and disease."

Jer.14.13

I said, "But Master, GOD! Their preachers have been telling them that everything is going to be all right--no war and no famine--that there's nothing to worry about."

Jer.14.13

But I said, "Ah, Sovereign LORD, the prophets keep telling them, 'You will not see the sword or suffer famine. Indeed, I will give you lasting peace in this place.'"

Jer.14.13

Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, the prophets say to them, "You shall not see the sword, nor shall you have famine, but I will give you assured peace in this place."'

Jer.14.13

Then I said, "O Sovereign LORD, their prophets are telling them, `All is well--no war or famine will come. The LORD will surely send you peace.'"

Jer.14.14

Then GOD said, "These preachers are liars, and they use my name to cover their lies. I never sent them, I never commanded them, and I don't talk with them. The sermons they've been handing out are sheer illusion, tissues of lies, whistlings in the dark.

Jer.14.14

Then the LORD said to me, "The prophets are prophesying lies in my name. I have not sent them or appointed them or spoken to them. They are prophesying to you false visions, divinations, idolatries and the delusions of their own minds.

Jer.14.14

And the LORD said to me, "The prophets prophesy lies in My name. I have not sent them, commanded them, nor spoken to them; they prophesy to you a false vision, divination, a worthless thing, and the deceit of their heart.

Jer.14.14

Then the LORD said, "These prophets are telling lies in my name. I did not send them or tell them to speak. I did not give them any messages. They prophesy of visions and revelations they have never seen or heard. They speak foolishness made up in their own lying hearts.

Jer.14.15

"So this is my verdict on them: All the preachers who preach using my name as their text, preachers I never sent in the first place, preachers who say, "War and famine will never come here'--these preachers will die in war and by starvation.

Jer.14.15

Therefore, this is what the LORD says about the prophets who are prophesying in my name: I did not send them, yet they are saying, 'No sword or famine will touch this land.' Those same prophets will perish by sword and famine.

Jer.14.15

Therefore thus says the LORD concerning the prophets who prophesy in My name, whom I did not send, and who say, "Sword and famine shall not be in this land'--"By sword and famine those prophets shall be consumed!

Jer.14.15

Therefore, says the LORD, I will punish these lying prophets, for they have spoken in my name even though I never sent them. They say that no war or famine will come, but they themselves will die by war and famine!

Jer.14.16

And the people to whom they've been preaching will end up as corpses, victims of war and starvation, thrown out in the streets of Jerusalem unburied--no funerals for them or their wives or their children! I'll make sure they get the full brunt of all their evil.

Jer.14.16

And the people they are prophesying to will be thrown out into the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and sword. There will be no one to bury them or their wives, their sons or their daughters. I will pour out on them the calamity they deserve.

Jer.14.16

And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; they will have no one to bury them--them nor their wives, their sons nor their daughters--for I will pour their wickedness on them.'

Jer.14.16

As for the people to whom they prophesy--their bodies will be thrown out into the streets of Jerusalem, victims of famine and war. There will be no one left to bury them. Husbands, wives, sons, and daughters--all will be gone. For I will pour out their own wickedness on them.

Jer.14.17

"And you, Jeremiah, will say this to them: My eyes pour out tears. Day and night, the tears never quit. My dear, dear people are battered and bruised, hopelessly and cruelly wounded.

Jer.14.17

"Speak this word to them: "'Let my eyes overflow with tears night and day without ceasing; for my virgin daughter-my people- has suffered a grievous wound, a crushing blow.

Jer.14.17

"Therefore you shall say this word to them: "Let my eyes flow with tears night and day, And let them not cease; For the virgin daughter of my people Has been broken with a mighty stroke, with a very severe blow.

Jer.14.17

"Now, Jeremiah, say this to them: `Night and day my eyes overflow with tears. I cannot stop weeping, for my virgin daughter--my precious people--has been run through with a sword and lies mortally wounded on the ground.

Jer.14.18

I walk out into the fields, shocked by the killing fields strewn with corpses. I walk into the city, shocked by the sight of starving bodies. And I watch the preachers and priests going about their business as if nothing's happened!'"

Jer.14.18

If I go into the country, I see those slain by the sword; if I go into the city, I see the ravages of famine. Both prophet and priest have gone to a land they know not.'"

Jer.14.18

If I go out to the field, Then behold, those slain with the sword! And if I enter the city, Then behold, those sick from famine! Yes, both prophet and priest go about in a land they do not know."'

Jer.14.18

If I go out into the fields, I see the bodies of people slaughtered by the enemy. If I walk the city streets, there I see people who have died of starvation. The prophets and priests continue with their work, but they do not know what they are doing.'"

Jer.14.19

God, have you said your final No to Judah? Can you simply not stand Zion any longer? If not, why have you treated us like this, beaten us nearly to death? We hoped for peace--nothing good came from it; We looked for healing--and got kicked in the stomach.

Jer.14.19

Have you rejected Judah completely? Do you despise Zion? Why have you afflicted us so that we cannot be healed? We hoped for peace but no good has come, for a time of healing but there is only terror.

Jer.14.19

Have You utterly rejected Judah? Has Your soul loathed Zion? Why have You stricken us so that there is no healing for us? We looked for peace, but there was no good; And for the time of healing, and there was trouble.

Jer.14.19

LORD, have you completely rejected Judah? Do you really hate Jerusalem? Why have you wounded us past all hope of healing? We hoped for peace, but no peace came. We hoped for a time of healing but found only terror.

Jer.14.20

We admit, O GOD, how bad we've lived, and our ancestors, how bad they were. We've sinned, they've sinned, we've all sinned against you!

Jer.14.20

O LORD, we acknowledge our wickedness and the guilt of our fathers; we have indeed sinned against you.

Jer.14.20

We acknowledge, O LORD, our wickedness And the iniquity of our fathers, For we have sinned against You.

Jer.14.20

LORD, we confess our wickedness and that of our ancestors, too. We all have sinned against you.

Jer.14.21

Your reputation is at stake! Don't quit on us! Don't walk out and abandon your glorious Temple! Remember your covenant. Don't break faith with us!

Jer.14.21

For the sake of your name do not despise us; do not dishonor your glorious throne. Remember your covenant with us and do not break it.

Jer.14.21

Do not abhor us, for Your name's sake; Do not disgrace the throne of Your glory. Remember, do not break Your covenant with us.

Jer.14.21

For the sake of your own name, LORD, do not abandon us. Do not disgrace yourself and the throne of your glory. Do not break your covenant with us. Please don't forget us!

Jer.14.22

Can the no-gods of the godless nations cause rain? Can the sky water the earth by itself? You're the one, O GOD, who does this. So you're the one for whom we wait. You made it all, you do it all.

Jer.14.22

Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies themselves send down showers? No, it is you, O LORD our God. Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this.

Jer.14.22

Are there any among the idols of the nations that can cause rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Are You not He, O LORD our God? Therefore we will wait for You, Since You have made all these.

Jer.14.22

Can any of the foreign gods send us rain? Does it fall from the sky by itself? No, it comes from you, the LORD our God! Only you can do such things. So we will wait for you to help us.

Jer.15.1

Then GOD said to me: "Jeremiah, even if Moses and Samuel stood here and made their case, I wouldn't feel a thing for this people. Get them out of here. Tell them to get lost!

Jer.15.1

Then the LORD said to me: "Even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before me, my heart would not go out to this people. Send them away from my presence! Let them go!

Jer.15.1

Then the LORD said to me, "Even if Moses and Samuel stood before Me, My mind would not be favorable toward this people. Cast them out of My sight, and let them go forth.

Jer.15.1

Then the LORD said to me, "Even if Moses and Samuel stood before me pleading for these people, I wouldn't help them. Away with them! Get them out of my sight!

Jer.15.2

And if they ask you, "So where do we go?' tell them GOD says, If you're assigned to die, go and die; if assigned to war, go and get killed; If assigned to starve, go starve; if assigned to exile, off to exile you go!'

Jer.15.2

And if they ask you, 'Where shall we go?' tell them, 'This is what the LORD says: "'Those destined for death, to death; those for the sword, to the sword; those for starvation, to starvation; those for captivity, to captivity.'

Jer.15.2

And it shall be, if they say to you, "Where should we go?' then you shall tell them, "Thus says the LORD: "Such as are for death, to death; And such as are for the sword, to the sword; And such as are for the famine, to the famine; And such as are for the captivity, to the captivity."'

Jer.15.2

And if they say to you, `But where can we go?' tell them, `This is what the LORD says: Those who are destined for death, to death; those who are destined for war, to war; those who are destined for famine, to famine; those who are destined for captivity, to captivity.'

Jer.15.3

"I've arranged for four kinds of punishment: death in battle, the corpses dropped off by killer dogs, the rest picked clean by vultures, the bones gnawed by hyenas.

Jer.15.3

"I will send four kinds of destroyers against them," declares the LORD, "the sword to kill and the dogs to drag away and the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.

Jer.15.3

"And I will appoint over them four forms of destruction," says the LORD: "the sword to slay, the dogs to drag, the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy.

Jer.15.3

"I will send four kinds of destroyers against them," says the LORD. "I will send the sword to kill, the dogs to drag away, the vultures to devour, and the wild animals to finish up what is left.

Jer.15.4

They'll be a sight to see, a sight to shock the whole world--and all because of Manasseh son of Hezekiah and all he did in Jerusalem.

Jer.15.4

I will make them abhorrent to all the kingdoms of the earth because of what Manasseh son of Hezekiah king of Judah did in Jerusalem.

Jer.15.4

I will hand them over to trouble, to all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah, king of Judah, for what he did in Jerusalem.

Jer.15.4

Because of the wicked things Manasseh son of Hezekiah, king of Judah, did in Jerusalem, I will make my people an object of horror to all the kingdoms of the earth.

Jer.15.5

"Who do you think will feel sorry for you, Jerusalem? Who do you think will waste tears on you? Who will bother to take the time to ask, "So, how are things going?'

Jer.15.5

"Who will have pity on you, O Jerusalem? Who will mourn for you? Who will stop to ask how you are?

Jer.15.5

"For who will have pity on you, O Jerusalem? Or who will bemoan you? Or who will turn aside to ask how you are doing?

Jer.15.5

"Who will feel sorry for you, Jerusalem? Who will weep for you? Who will even bother to ask how you are?

Jer.15.6

"You left me, remember?" GOD's Decree. "You turned your back and walked out. So I will grab you and hit you hard. I'm tired of letting you off the hook.

Jer.15.6

You have rejected me," declares the LORD. "You keep on backsliding. So I will lay hands on you and destroy you; I can no longer show compassion.

Jer.15.6

You have forsaken Me," says the LORD, "You have gone backward. Therefore I will stretch out My hand against you and destroy you; I am weary of relenting!

Jer.15.6

You have forsaken me and turned your back on me," says the LORD. "Therefore, I will raise my clenched fists to destroy you. I am tired of always giving you another chance.

Jer.15.7

I threw you to the four winds and let the winds scatter you like leaves. I made sure you'll lose everything, since nothing makes you change.

Jer.15.7

I will winnow them with a winnowing fork at the city gates of the land. I will bring bereavement and destruction on my people, for they have not changed their ways.

Jer.15.7

And I will winnow them with a winnowing fan in the gates of the land; I will bereave them of children; I will destroy My people, Since they do not return from their ways.

Jer.15.7

I will winnow you like grain at the gates of your cities and take away everything you hold dear. I will destroy my own people, because they refuse to turn back to me from all their evil ways.

Jer.15.8

I created more widows among you than grains of sand on the ocean beaches. At noon mothers will get the news of their sons killed in action. Sudden anguish for the mothers--all those terrible deaths.

Jer.15.8

I will make their widows more numerous than the sand of the sea. At midday I will bring a destroyer against the mothers of their young men; suddenly I will bring down on them anguish and terror.

Jer.15.8

Their widows will be increased to Me more than the sand of the seas; I will bring against them, Against the mother of the young men, A plunderer at noonday; I will cause anguish and terror to fall on them suddenly.

Jer.15.8

"There will be more widows than the grains of sand along the seashore. At noontime I will bring a destroyer against the mothers of young men. I will cause anguish and terror to come upon them suddenly.

Jer.15.9

A mother of seven falls to the ground, gasping for breath, Robbed of her children in their prime. Her sun sets at high noon! Then I'll round up any of you that are left alive and see that you're killed by your enemies." GOD's Decree.

Jer.15.9

The mother of seven will grow faint and breathe her last. Her sun will set while it is still day; she will be disgraced and humiliated. I will put the survivors to the sword before their enemies," declares the LORD.

Jer.15.9

"She languishes who has borne seven; She has breathed her last; Her sun has gone down While it was yet day; She has been ashamed and confounded. And the remnant of them I will deliver to the sword Before their enemies," says the LORD.

Jer.15.9

The mother of seven grows faint and gasps for breath; her sun has gone down while it is yet day. She sits childless now, disgraced and humiliated. And those who are left, I will hand over to the enemy to be killed," says the LORD.

Jer.15.10

Unlucky mother--that you had me as a son, given the unhappy job of indicting the whole country! I've never hurt or harmed a soul, and yet everyone is out to get me.

Jer.15.10

Alas, my mother, that you gave me birth, a man with whom the whole land strives and contends! I have neither lent nor borrowed, yet everyone curses me.

Jer.15.10

Woe is me, my mother, That you have borne me, A man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent for interest, Nor have men lent to me for interest. Every one of them curses me.

Jer.15.10

Then I said, "What sadness is mine, my mother. Oh, that I had died at birth! I am hated everywhere I go. I am neither a lender who has threatened to foreclose nor a borrower who refuses to pay--yet they all curse me."

Jer.15.11

But, GOD knows, I've done everything I could to help them, prayed for them and against their enemies. I've always been on their side, trying to stave off disaster. God knows how I've tried! [JC]

Jer.15.11

The LORD said, "Surely I will deliver you for a good purpose; surely I will make your enemies plead with you in times of disaster and times of distress.

Jer.15.11

The LORD said: "Surely it will be well with your remnant; Surely I will cause the enemy to intercede with you In the time of adversity and in the time of affliction.

Jer.15.11

The LORD replied, "All will be well with you, Jeremiah. Your enemies will ask you to plead on their behalf in times of trouble and distress.

Jer.15.12

"O Israel, O Judah, what are your chances against the iron juggernaut from the north?

Jer.15.12

"Can a man break iron- iron from the north-or bronze?

Jer.15.12

Can anyone break iron, The northern iron and the bronze?

Jer.15.12

Can a man break a bar of iron from the north, or a bar of bronze?

Jer.15.13

In punishment for your sins, I'm giving away everything you've got, giving it away for nothing.

Jer.15.13

Your wealth and your treasures I will give as plunder, without charge, because of all your sins throughout your country.

Jer.15.13

Your wealth and your treasures I will give as plunder without price, Because of all your sins, Throughout your territories.

Jer.15.13

Because of all my people's sins against me, I will hand over their wealth and treasures as plunder to the enemy.

Jer.15.14

I'll make you slaves to your enemies in a strange and far-off land. My anger is blazing and fierce, burning in hot judgment against you." [JC]

Jer.15.14

I will enslave you to your enemies in a land you do not know, for my anger will kindle a fire that will burn against you."

Jer.15.14

And I will make you cross over with your enemies Into a land which you do not know; For a fire is kindled in My anger, Which shall burn upon you."

Jer.15.14

I will tell their enemies to take them as captives to a foreign land. For my anger blazes forth like fire, and it will consume them."

Jer.15.15

You know where I am, GOD! Remember what I'm doing here! Take my side against my detractors. Don't stand back while they ruin me. Just look at the abuse I'm taking!

Jer.15.15

You understand, O LORD; remember me and care for me. Avenge me on my persecutors. You are long-suffering-do not take me away; think of how I suffer reproach for your sake.

Jer.15.15

O LORD, You know; Remember me and visit me, And take vengeance for me on my persecutors. In Your enduring patience, do not take me away. Know that for Your sake I have suffered rebuke.

Jer.15.15

Then I said, "LORD, you know I am suffering for your sake. Punish my persecutors! Don't let them kill me! Be merciful to me and give them what they deserve!

Jer.15.16

When your words showed up, I ate them--swallowed them whole. What a feast! What delight I took in being yours, O GOD, GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies!

Jer.15.16

When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.

Jer.15.16

Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.

Jer.15.16

Your words are what sustain me. They bring me great joy and are my heart's delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God Almighty.

Jer.15.17

I never joined the party crowd in their laughter and their fun. Led by you, I went off by myself. You'd filled me with indignation. Their sin had me seething.

Jer.15.17

I never sat in the company of revelers, never made merry with them; I sat alone because your hand was on me and you had filled me with indignation.

Jer.15.17

I did not sit in the assembly of the mockers, Nor did I rejoice; I sat alone because of Your hand, For You have filled me with indignation.

Jer.15.17

I never joined the people in their merry feasts. I sat alone because your hand was on me. I burst with indignation at their sins.

Jer.15.18

But why, why this chronic pain, this ever worsening wound and no healing in sight? You're nothing, GOD, but a mirage, a lovely oasis in the distance--and then nothing! [JC]

Jer.15.18

Why is my pain unending and my wound grievous and incurable? Will you be to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails?

Jer.15.18

Why is my pain perpetual And my wound incurable, Which refuses to be healed? Will You surely be to me like an unreliable stream, As waters that fail?

Jer.15.18

Why then does my suffering continue? Why is my wound so incurable? Your help seems as uncertain as a seasonal brook. It is like a spring that has gone dry."

Jer.15.19

This is how GOD answered me: "Take back those words, and I'll take you back. Then you'll stand tall before me. Use words truly and well. Don't stoop to cheap whining. Then, but only then, you'll speak for me. Let your words change them. Don't change your words to suit them.

Jer.15.19

Therefore this is what the LORD says: "If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them.

Jer.15.19

Therefore thus says the LORD: "If you return, Then I will bring you back; You shall stand before Me; If you take out the precious from the vile, You shall be as My mouth. Let them return to you, But you must not return to them.

Jer.15.19

The LORD replied, "If you return to me, I will restore you so you can continue to serve me. If you speak words that are worthy, you will be my spokesman. You are to influence them; do not let them influence you!

Jer.15.20

I'll turn you into a steel wall, a thick steel wall, impregnable. They'll attack you but won't put a dent in you because I'm at your side, defending and delivering." GOD's Decree.

Jer.15.20

I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you," declares the LORD.

Jer.15.20

And I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; And they will fight against you, But they shall not prevail against you; For I am with you to save you And deliver you," says the LORD.

Jer.15.20

They will fight against you like an attacking army, but I will make you as secure as a fortified wall. They will not conquer you, for I will protect and deliver you. I, the LORD, have spoken!

Jer.15.21

"I'll deliver you from the grip of the wicked. I'll get you out of the clutch of the ruthless."

Jer.15.21

"I will save you from the hands of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the cruel."

Jer.15.21

"I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, And I will redeem you from the grip of the terrible."

Jer.15.21

Yes, I will certainly keep you safe from these wicked men. I will rescue you from their cruel hands."

Col.3.1

So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides.

Col.3.1

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.

Col.3.1

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.

Col.3.1

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits at God's right hand in the place of honor and power.

Col.3.2

Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ--that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.

Col.3.2

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Col.3.2

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Col.3.2

Let heaven fill your thoughts. Do not think only about things down here on earth.

Col.3.3

Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life--even though invisible to spectators--is with Christ in God. He is your life.

Col.3.3

For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

Col.3.3

For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Col.3.3

For you died when Christ died, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God.

Col.3.4

When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too--the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.

Col.3.4

When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Col.3.4

When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Col.3.4

And when Christ, who is your real life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

Col.3.5

And that means killing off everything connected with that way of death: sexual promiscuity, impurity, lust, doing whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it, and grabbing whatever attracts your fancy. That's a life shaped by things and feelings instead of by God.

Col.3.5

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.

Col.3.5

Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.

Col.3.5

So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual sin, impurity, lust, and shameful desires. Don't be greedy for the good things of this life, for that is idolatry.

Col.3.6

It's because of this kind of thing that God is about to explode in anger.

Col.3.6

Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.

Col.3.6

Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience,

Col.3.6

God's terrible anger will come upon those who do such things.

Col.3.7

It wasn't long ago that you were doing all that stuff and not knowing any better.

Col.3.7

You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.

Col.3.7

in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.

Col.3.7

You used to do them when your life was still part of this world.

Col.3.8

But you know better now, so make sure it's all gone for good: bad temper, irritability, meanness, profanity, dirty talk.

Col.3.8

But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Col.3.8

But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.

Col.3.8

But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language.

Col.3.9

Don't lie to one another. You're done with that old life. It's like a filthy set of ill-fitting clothes you've stripped off and put in the fire.

Col.3.9

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices

Col.3.9

Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,

Col.3.9

Don't lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old evil nature and all its wicked deeds.

Col.3.10

Now you're dressed in a new wardrobe. Every item of your new way of life is custom-made by the Creator, with his label on it. All the old fashions are now obsolete.

Col.3.10

and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.

Col.3.10

and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,

Col.3.10

In its place you have clothed yourselves with a brand-new nature that is continually being renewed as you learn more and more about Christ, who created this new nature within you.

Col.3.11

Words like Jewish and non-Jewish, religious and irreligious, insider and outsider, uncivilized and uncouth, slave and free, mean nothing. From now on everyone is defined by Christ, everyone is included in Christ.

Col.3.11

Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Col.3.11

where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

Col.3.11

In this new life, it doesn't matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

Col.3.12

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline.

Col.3.12

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Col.3.12

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering;

Col.3.12

Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Col.3.13

Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you.

Col.3.13

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Col.3.13

bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

Col.3.13

You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Col.3.14

And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

Col.3.14

And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Col.3.14

But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.

Col.3.14

And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony.

Col.3.15

Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness.

Col.3.15

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Col.3.15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Col.3.15

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Col.3.16

Let the Word of Christ--the Message--have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God!

Col.3.16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Col.3.16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Col.3.16

Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

Col.3.17

Let every detail in your lives--words, actions, whatever--be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. [JC]

Col.3.17

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Col.3.17

And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Col.3.17

And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Col.3.18

Wives, understand and support your husbands by submitting to them in ways that honor the Master.

Col.3.18

Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Col.3.18

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Col.3.18

You wives must submit to your husbands, as is fitting for those who belong to the Lord.

Col.3.19

Husbands, go all out in love for your wives. Don't take advantage of them.

Col.3.19

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Col.3.19

Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.

Col.3.19

And you husbands must love your wives and never treat them harshly.

Col.3.20

Children, do what your parents tell you. This delights the Master no end.

Col.3.20

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Col.3.20

Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

Col.3.20

You children must always obey your parents, for this is what pleases the Lord.

Col.3.21

Parents, don't come down too hard on your children or you'll crush their spirits.

Col.3.21

Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Col.3.21

Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

Col.3.21

Fathers, don't aggravate your children. If you do, they will become discouraged and quit trying.

Col.3.22

Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best.

Col.3.22

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.

Col.3.22

Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.

Col.3.22

You slaves must obey your earthly masters in everything you do. Try to please them all the time, not just when they are watching you. Obey them willingly because of your reverent fear of the Lord.

Col.3.23

Work from the heart for your real Master, for God,

Col.3.23

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,

Col.3.23

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,

Col.3.23

Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Col.3.24

confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ.

Col.3.24

since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Col.3.24

knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.

Col.3.24

Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ.

Col.3.25

The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being Christian doesn't cover up bad work.

Col.3.25

Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

Col.3.25

But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.

Col.3.25

But if you do what is wrong, you will be paid back for the wrong you have done. For God has no favorites who can get away with evil.

Col.4.1

And masters, treat your servants considerately. Be fair with them. Don't forget for a minute that you, too, serve a Master--God in heaven.

Col.4.1

Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Col.4.1

Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

Col.4.1

You slave owners must be just and fair to your slaves. Remember that you also have a Master--in heaven.

Prov.24.15

Don't interfere with good people's lives; don't try to get the best of them.

Prov.24.15

Do not lie in wait like an outlaw against a righteous man's house, do not raid his dwelling place;

Prov.24.15

Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; Do not plunder his resting place;

Prov.24.15

Do not lie in wait like an outlaw at the home of the godly. And don't raid the house where the godly live.

Prov.24.16

No matter how many times you trip them up, God-loyal people don't stay down long; Soon they're up on their feet, while the wicked end up flat on their faces.

Prov.24.16

for though a righteous man falls seven times, he rises again, but the wicked are brought down by calamity.

Prov.24.16

For a righteous man may fall seven times And rise again, But the wicked shall fall by calamity.

Prov.24.16

They may trip seven times, but each time they will rise again. But one calamity is enough to lay the wicked low.

Prov.24.17

Don't laugh when your enemy falls; don't crow over his collapse.

Prov.24.17

Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice,

Prov.24.17

Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, And do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles;

Prov.24.17

Do not rejoice when your enemies fall into trouble. Don't be happy when they stumble.

Prov.24.18

GOD might see, and become very provoked, and then take pity on his plight.

Prov.24.18

or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from him.

Prov.24.18

Lest the LORD see it, and it displease Him, And He turn away His wrath from him.

Prov.24.18

For the LORD will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them.

Prov.24.19

Don't bother your head with braggarts or wish you could succeed like the wicked.

Prov.24.19

Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked,

Prov.24.19

Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the wicked;

Prov.24.19

Do not fret because of evildoers; don't envy the wicked.

Prov.24.20

Those people have no future at all; they're headed down a dead-end street.

Prov.24.20

for the evil man has no future hope, and the lamp of the wicked will be snuffed out.

Prov.24.20

For there will be no prospect for the evil man; The lamp of the wicked will be put out.

Prov.24.20

For the evil have no future; their light will be snuffed out.

Prov.24.21

Fear GOD, dear child--respect your leaders; don't be defiant or mutinous.

Prov.24.21

Fear the LORD and the king, my son, and do not join with the rebellious,

Prov.24.21

My son, fear the LORD and the king; Do not associate with those given to change;

Prov.24.21

My child, fear the LORD and the king, and don't associate with rebels.

Prov.24.22

Without warning your life can turn upside-down, and who knows how or when it might happen? More Sayings of the Wise

Prov.24.22

for those two will send sudden destruction upon them, and who knows what calamities they can bring? Further Sayings of the Wise

Prov.24.22

For their calamity will rise suddenly, And who knows the ruin those two can bring?

Prov.24.22

For you will go down with them to sudden disaster. Who knows where the punishment from the LORD and the king will end?