Jer.4.10

Then I said, "Alas, Master GOD! You've fed lies to this people, this Jerusalem. You assured them, "All is well, don't worry,' at the very moment when the sword was at their throats." [JC]

Jer.4.10

Then I said, "Ah, Sovereign LORD, how completely you have deceived this people and Jerusalem by saying, 'You will have peace,' when the sword is at our throats."

Jer.4.10

Then I said, "Ah, Lord GOD! Surely You have greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, Saying, "You shall have peace,' Whereas the sword reaches to the heart."

Jer.4.10

Then I said, "O Sovereign LORD, the people have been deceived by what you said, for you promised peace for Jerusalem. Yet the sword is even now poised to strike them dead!"

Jer.4.11

At that time, this people, yes, this very Jerusalem, will be told in plain words: "The northern hordes are sweeping in from the desert steppes--A wind that's up to no good,

Jer.4.11

At that time this people and Jerusalem will be told, "A scorching wind from the barren heights in the desert blows toward my people, but not to winnow or cleanse;

Jer.4.11

At that time it will be said To this people and to Jerusalem, "A dry wind of the desolate heights blows in the wilderness Toward the daughter of My people-- Not to fan or to cleanse--

Jer.4.11

The time is coming when the LORD will say to the people of Jerusalem, "A burning wind is blowing in from the desert. It is not a gentle breeze useful for winnowing grain.

Jer.4.12

a gale-force wind. I ordered this wind. I'm pronouncing my hurricane judgment on my people."

Jer.4.12

a wind too strong for that comes from me. Now I pronounce my judgments against them."

Jer.4.12

A wind too strong for these will come for Me; Now I will also speak judgment against them."

Jer.4.12

It is a roaring blast sent by me! Now I will pronounce your destruction!"

Jer.4.13

Look at them! Like banks of storm clouds, racing, tumbling, their chariots a tornado, Their horses faster than eagles! Woe to us! We're done for!

Jer.4.13

Look! He advances like the clouds, his chariots come like a whirlwind, his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us! We are ruined!

Jer.4.13

"Behold, he shall come up like clouds, And his chariots like a whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are plundered!"

Jer.4.13

Our enemy rushes down on us like a storm wind! His chariots are like whirlwinds; his horses are swifter than eagles. How terrible it will be! Our destruction is sure!

Jer.4.14

Jerusalem! Scrub the evil from your lives so you'll be fit for salvation. How much longer will you harbor devious and malignant designs within you?

Jer.4.14

O Jerusalem, wash the evil from your heart and be saved. How long will you harbor wicked thoughts?

Jer.4.14

O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, That you may be saved. How long shall your evil thoughts lodge within you?

Jer.4.14

O Jerusalem, cleanse your hearts that you may be saved. How long will you harbor your evil thoughts?

Jer.4.15

What's this? A messenger from Dan? Bad news from Ephraim's hills!

Jer.4.15

A voice is announcing from Dan, proclaiming disaster from the hills of Ephraim.

Jer.4.15

For a voice declares from Dan And proclaims affliction from Mount Ephraim:

Jer.4.15

From Dan and the hill country of Ephraim, your destruction has been announced.

Jer.4.16

Make the report public. Broadcast the news to Jerusalem: "Invaders from far off are raising war cries against Judah's towns.

Jer.4.16

"Tell this to the nations, proclaim it to Jerusalem: 'A besieging army is coming from a distant land, raising a war cry against the cities of Judah.

Jer.4.16

"Make mention to the nations, Yes, proclaim against Jerusalem, That watchers come from a far country And raise their voice against the cities of Judah.

Jer.4.16

"Warn the surrounding nations and announce to Jerusalem: `The enemy is coming from a distant land, raising a battle cry against the towns of Judah.

Jer.4.17

They're all over her, like a dog on a bone. And why? Because she rebelled against me." GOD's Decree.

Jer.4.17

They surround her like men guarding a field, because she has rebelled against me,'" declares the LORD.

Jer.4.17

Like keepers of a field they are against her all around, Because she has been rebellious against Me," says the LORD.

Jer.4.17

They surround Jerusalem like watchmen surrounding a field, for my people have rebelled against me,'" says the LORD.

Jer.4.18

"It's the way you've lived that's brought all this on you. The bitter taste is from your evil life. That's what's piercing your heart." [JC]

Jer.4.18

"Your own conduct and actions have brought this upon you. This is your punishment. How bitter it is! How it pierces to the heart!"

Jer.4.18

"Your ways and your doings Have procured these things for you. This is your wickedness, Because it is bitter, Because it reaches to your heart."

Jer.4.18

"Your own actions have brought this upon you. This punishment is a bitter dose of your own medicine. It has pierced you to the heart!"

Jer.4.19

I'm doubled up with cramps in my belly--a poker burns in my gut. My insides are tearing me up, never a moment's peace. The ram's horn trumpet blast rings in my ears, the signal for all-out war.

Jer.4.19

Oh, my anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain. Oh, the agony of my heart! My heart pounds within me, I cannot keep silent. For I have heard the sound of the trumpet; I have heard the battle cry.

Jer.4.19

O my soul, my soul! I am pained in my very heart! My heart makes a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, Because you have heard, O my soul, The sound of the trumpet, The alarm of war.

Jer.4.19

My heart, my heart--I writhe in pain! My heart pounds within me! I cannot be still. For I have heard the blast of enemy trumpets and the roar of their battle cries.

Jer.4.20

Disaster hard on the heels of disaster, the whole country in ruins! In one stroke my home is destroyed, the walls flattened in the blink of an eye.

Jer.4.20

Disaster follows disaster; the whole land lies in ruins. In an instant my tents are destroyed, my shelter in a moment.

Jer.4.20

Destruction upon destruction is cried, For the whole land is plundered. Suddenly my tents are plundered, And my curtains in a moment.

Jer.4.20

Waves of destruction roll over the land, until it lies in complete desolation. Suddenly, every tent is destroyed; in a moment, every shelter is crushed.

Jer.4.21

How long do I have to look at the warning flares, listen to the siren of danger?

Jer.4.21

How long must I see the battle standard and hear the sound of the trumpet?

Jer.4.21

How long will I see the standard, And hear the sound of the trumpet?

Jer.4.21

How long must this go on? How long must I be surrounded by war and death?

Jer.4.22

"What fools my people are! They have no idea who I am. A company of half-wits, dopes and donkeys all! Experts at evil but klutzes at good."

Jer.4.22

"My people are fools; they do not know me. They are senseless children; they have no understanding. They are skilled in doing evil; they know not how to do good."

Jer.4.22

"For My people are foolish, They have not known Me. They are silly children, And they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, But to do good they have no knowledge."

Jer.4.22

"My people are foolish and do not know me," says the LORD. "They are senseless children who have no understanding. They are clever enough at doing wrong, but they have no talent at all for doing right!"

Jer.4.23

I looked at the earth--it was back to pre-Genesis chaos and emptiness. I looked at the skies, and not a star to be seen.

Jer.4.23

I looked at the earth, and it was formless and empty; and at the heavens, and their light was gone.

Jer.4.23

I beheld the earth, and indeed it was without form, and void; And the heavens, they had no light.

Jer.4.23

I looked at the earth, and it was empty and formless. I looked at the heavens, and there was no light.

Jer.4.24

I looked at the mountains--they were trembling like aspen leaves, And all the hills rocking back and forth in the wind.

Jer.4.24

I looked at the mountains, and they were quaking; all the hills were swaying.

Jer.4.24

I beheld the mountains, and indeed they trembled, And all the hills moved back and forth.

Jer.4.24

I looked at the mountains and hills, and they trembled and shook.

Jer.4.25

I looked--what's this! Not a man or woman in sight, and not a bird to be seen in the skies.

Jer.4.25

I looked, and there were no people; every bird in the sky had flown away.

Jer.4.25

I beheld, and indeed there was no man, And all the birds of the heavens had fled.

Jer.4.25

I looked, and all the people were gone. All the birds of the sky had flown away.

Jer.4.26

I looked--this can't be! Every garden and orchard shriveled up. All the towns were ghost towns. And all this because of GOD, because of the blazing anger of GOD.

Jer.4.26

I looked, and the fruitful land was a desert; all its towns lay in ruins before the LORD, before his fierce anger.

Jer.4.26

I beheld, and indeed the fruitful land was a wilderness, And all its cities were broken down At the presence of the LORD, By His fierce anger.

Jer.4.26

I looked, and the fertile fields had become a wilderness. The cities lay in ruins, crushed by the LORD's fierce anger.

Jer.4.27

Yes, this is GOD's Word on the matter: "The whole country will be laid waste--still it won't be the end of the world.

Jer.4.27

This is what the LORD says: "The whole land will be ruined, though I will not destroy it completely.

Jer.4.27

For thus says the LORD: "The whole land shall be desolate; Yet I will not make a full end.

Jer.4.27

This is what the LORD says: "The whole land will be ruined, but I will not destroy it completely.

Jer.4.28

The earth will mourn and the skies lament Because I've given my word and won't take it back. I've decided and won't change my mind."

Jer.4.28

Therefore the earth will mourn and the heavens above grow dark, because I have spoken and will not relent, I have decided and will not turn back."

Jer.4.28

For this shall the earth mourn, And the heavens above be black, Because I have spoken. I have purposed and will not relent, Nor will I turn back from it.

Jer.4.28

The earth will mourn, the heavens will be draped in black, because of my decree against my people. I have made up my mind and will not change it."

Jer.4.29

Someone shouts, "Horsemen and archers!" and everybody runs for cover. They hide in ditches, they climb into caves. The cities are emptied, not a person left anywhere.

Jer.4.29

At the sound of horsemen and archers every town takes to flight. Some go into the thickets; some climb up among the rocks. All the towns are deserted; no one lives in them.

Jer.4.29

The whole city shall flee from the noise of the horsemen and bowmen. They shall go into thickets and climb up on the rocks. Every city shall be forsaken, And not a man shall dwell in it.

Jer.4.29

At the noise of marching armies, the people flee in terror from the cities. They hide in the bushes and run for the mountains. All the cities have been abandoned--not a person remains!

Jer.4.30

And you, what do you think you're up to? Dressing up in party clothes, Decking yourselves out in jewelry, putting on lipstick and rouge and mascara! Your primping goes for nothing. You're not going to seduce anyone. They're out to kill you!

Jer.4.30

What are you doing, O devastated one? Why dress yourself in scarlet and put on jewels of gold? Why shade your eyes with paint? You adorn yourself in vain. Your lovers despise you; they seek your life.

Jer.4.30

"And when you are plundered, What will you do? Though you clothe yourself with crimson, Though you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold, Though you enlarge your eyes with paint, In vain you will make yourself fair; Your lovers will despise you; They will seek your life.

Jer.4.30

What are you doing, you who have been plundered? Why do you dress up in your most beautiful clothing and jewelry? Why do you brighten your eyes with mascara? It will do you no good! Your allies despise you and will kill you.

Jer.4.31

And what's that I hear? The cry of a woman in labor, the screams of a mother giving birth to her firstborn. It's the cry of Daughter Zion, gasping for breath, reaching out for help: "Help, oh help me! I'm dying! The killers are on me!"

Jer.4.31

I hear a cry as of a woman in labor, a groan as of one bearing her first child- the cry of the Daughter of Zion gasping for breath, stretching out her hands and saying, "Alas! I am fainting; my life is given over to murderers."

Jer.4.31

"For I have heard a voice as of a woman in labor, The anguish as of her who brings forth her first child, The voice of the daughter of Zion bewailing herself; She spreads her hands, saying, "Woe is me now, for my soul is weary Because of murderers!'

Jer.4.31

I hear a great cry, like that of a woman giving birth to her first child. It is the cry of Jerusalem's people gasping for breath, pleading for help, prostrate before their murderers.

Jer.5.1

"Patrol Jerusalem's streets. Look around. Take note. Search the market squares. See if you can find one man, one woman, A single soul who does what is right and tries to live a true life. I want to forgive that person." GOD's Decree.

Jer.5.1

"Go up and down the streets of Jerusalem, look around and consider, search through her squares. If you can find but one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth, I will forgive this city.

Jer.5.1

"Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem; See now and know; And seek in her open places If you can find a man, If there is anyone who executes judgment, Who seeks the truth, And I will pardon her.

Jer.5.1

"Run up and down every street in Jerusalem," says the LORD. "Look high and low; search throughout the city! If you can find even one person who is just and honest, I will not destroy the city.

Jer.5.2

"But if all they do is say, "As sure as GOD lives... 'they're nothing but a bunch of liars."

Jer.5.2

Although they say, 'As surely as the LORD lives,' still they are swearing falsely."

Jer.5.2

Though they say, "As the LORD lives,' Surely they swear falsely."

Jer.5.2

Even when they are under oath, saying, `As surely as the LORD lives,' they all tell lies!"

Jer.5.3

But you, GOD, you have an eye for truth, don't you? You hit them hard, but it didn't faze them. You disciplined them, but they refused correction. Hardheaded, harder than rock, they wouldn't change.

Jer.5.3

O LORD, do not your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain; you crushed them, but they refused correction. They made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent.

Jer.5.3

O LORD, are not Your eyes on the truth? You have stricken them, But they have not grieved; You have consumed them, But they have refused to receive correction. They have made their faces harder than rock; They have refused to return.

Jer.5.3

LORD, you are searching for honesty. You struck your people, but they paid no attention. You crushed them, but they refused to turn from sin. They are determined, with faces set like stone; they have refused to repent.

Jer.5.4

Then I said to myself, "Well, these are just poor people. They don't know any better. They were never taught anything about GOD. They never went to prayer meetings. I'll find some people from the best families.

Jer.5.4

I thought, "These are only the poor; they are foolish, for they do not know the way of the LORD, the requirements of their God.

Jer.5.4

Therefore I said, "Surely these are poor. They are foolish; For they do not know the way of the LORD, The judgment of their God.

Jer.5.4

Then I said, "But what can we expect from the poor and ignorant? They don't know the ways of the LORD. They don't understand what God expects of them.

Jer.5.5

I'll talk to them. They'll know what's going on, the way GOD works. They'll know the score." But they were no better! Rebels all! Off doing their own thing.

Jer.5.5

So I will go to the leaders and speak to them; surely they know the way of the LORD, the requirements of their God." But with one accord they too had broken off the yoke and torn off the bonds.

Jer.5.5

I will go to the great men and speak to them, For they have known the way of the LORD, The judgment of their God." But these have altogether broken the yoke And burst the bonds.

Jer.5.5

I will go and speak to their leaders. Surely they will know the LORD's ways and what God requires of them." But the leaders, too, had utterly rejected their God.

Jer.5.6

The invaders are ready to pounce and kill, like a mountain lion, a wilderness wolf, Panthers on the prowl. The streets aren't safe anymore. And why? Because the people's sins are piled sky-high; their betrayals are past counting.

Jer.5.6

Therefore a lion from the forest will attack them, a wolf from the desert will ravage them, a leopard will lie in wait near their towns to tear to pieces any who venture out, for their rebellion is great and their backslidings many.

Jer.5.6

Therefore a lion from the forest shall slay them, A wolf of the deserts shall destroy them; A leopard will watch over their cities. Everyone who goes out from there shall be torn in pieces, Because their transgressions are many; Their backslidings have increased.

Jer.5.6

So now a lion from the forest will attack them; a wolf from the desert will pounce on them. A leopard will lurk near their towns, tearing apart any who dare to venture out. For their rebellion is great, and their sins are many.

Jer.5.7

"Why should I even bother with you any longer? Your children wander off, leaving me, Taking up with gods that aren't even gods. I satisfied their deepest needs, and then they went off with the "sacred' whores, left me for orgies in sex shrines!

Jer.5.7

"Why should I forgive you? Your children have forsaken me and sworn by gods that are not gods. I supplied all their needs, yet they committed adultery and thronged to the houses of prostitutes.

Jer.5.7

"How shall I pardon you for this? Your children have forsaken Me And sworn by those that are not gods. When I had fed them to the full, Then they committed adultery And assembled themselves by troops in the harlots' houses.

Jer.5.7

"How can I pardon you? For even your children have turned from me. They have sworn by gods that are not gods at all! I fed my people until they were fully satisfied. But they thanked me by committing adultery and lining up at the city's brothels.

Jer.5.8

A bunch of well-groomed, lusty stallions, each one pawing and snorting for his neighbor's wife.

Jer.5.8

They are well-fed, lusty stallions, each neighing for another man's wife.

Jer.5.8

They were like well-fed lusty stallions; Every one neighed after his neighbor's wife.

Jer.5.8

They are well-fed, lusty stallions, each neighing for his neighbor's wife.

Jer.5.9

Do you think I'm going to stand around and do nothing?" GOD's Decree. "Don't you think I'll take serious measures against a people like this?

Jer.5.9

Should I not punish them for this?" declares the LORD. "Should I not avenge myself on such a nation as this?

Jer.5.9

Shall I not punish them for these things?" says the LORD. "And shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?

Jer.5.9

Should I not punish them for this?" asks the LORD. "Should I not avenge myself against a nation such as this?

Jer.5.10

"Go down the rows of vineyards and rip out the vines, but not all of them. Leave a few. Prune back those vines! That growth didn't come from GOD!

Jer.5.10

"Go through her vineyards and ravage them, but do not destroy them completely. Strip off her branches, for these people do not belong to the LORD.

Jer.5.10

"Go up on her walls and destroy, But do not make a complete end. Take away her branches, For they are not the LORD's.

Jer.5.10

"Go down the rows of the vineyards and destroy them, but leave a scattered few alive. Strip the branches from the vine, for they do not belong to the LORD.

Jer.5.11

They've betrayed me over and over again, Judah and Israel both." GOD's Decree.

Jer.5.11

The house of Israel and the house of Judah have been utterly unfaithful to me," declares the LORD.

Jer.5.11

For the house of Israel and the house of Judah Have dealt very treacherously with Me," says the LORD.

Jer.5.11

The people of Israel and Judah are full of treachery against me," says the LORD.

Jer.5.12

"They've spread lies about GOD. They've said, "There's nothing to him. Nothing bad will happen to us, neither famine nor war will come our way.

Jer.5.12

They have lied about the LORD; they said, "He will do nothing! No harm will come to us; we will never see sword or famine.

Jer.5.12

They have lied about the LORD, And said, "It is not He. Neither will evil come upon us, Nor shall we see sword or famine.

Jer.5.12

"They have lied about the LORD and have said, `He won't bother us! No disasters will come upon us! There will be no war or famine!

Jer.5.13

The prophets are all windbags. They speak nothing but nonsense.'"

Jer.5.13

The prophets are but wind and the word is not in them; so let what they say be done to them."

Jer.5.13

And the prophets become wind, For the word is not in them. Thus shall it be done to them."

Jer.5.13

God's prophets are windbags full of words with no divine authority. Their predictions of disaster will fall on themselves!'"

Jer.5.14

Therefore, this is what GOD said to me, GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies: "Because they have talked this way, they are going to eat those words. Watch now! I'm putting my words as fire in your mouth. And the people are a pile of kindling ready to go up in flames.

Jer.5.14

Therefore this is what the LORD God Almighty says: "Because the people have spoken these words, I will make my words in your mouth a fire and these people the wood it consumes.

Jer.5.14

Therefore thus says the LORD God of hosts: "Because you speak this word, Behold, I will make My words in your mouth fire, And this people wood, And it shall devour them.

Jer.5.14

Therefore, this is what the LORD God Almighty says: "Because the people are talking like this, I will give you messages that will burn them up as if they were kindling wood.

Jer.5.15

"Attention! I'm bringing a far-off nation against you, O house of Israel." GOD's Decree. "A solid nation, an ancient nation, A nation that speaks another language. You won't understand a word they say.

Jer.5.15

O house of Israel," declares the LORD, "I am bringing a distant nation against you- an ancient and enduring nation, a people whose language you do not know, whose speech you do not understand.

Jer.5.15

Behold, I will bring a nation against you from afar, O house of Israel," says the LORD. "It is a mighty nation, It is an ancient nation, A nation whose language you do not know, Nor can you understand what they say.

Jer.5.15

O Israel, I will bring a distant nation against you," says the LORD. "It is a mighty nation, an ancient nation, a people whose language you do not know, whose speech you cannot understand.

Jer.5.16

When they aim their arrows, you're as good as dead. They're a nation of real fighters!

Jer.5.16

Their quivers are like an open grave; all of them are mighty warriors.

Jer.5.16

Their quiver is like an open tomb; They are all mighty men.

Jer.5.16

Their weapons are deadly; their warriors are mighty.

Jer.5.17

They'll clean you out of house and home, rob you of crops and children alike. They'll feast on your sheep and cattle, strip your vines and fig trees. And the fortresses that made you feel so safe--leveled with a stroke of the sword!

Jer.5.17

They will devour your harvests and food, devour your sons and daughters; they will devour your flocks and herds, devour your vines and fig trees. With the sword they will destroy the fortified cities in which you trust.

Jer.5.17

And they shall eat up your harvest and your bread, Which your sons and daughters should eat. They shall eat up your flocks and your herds; They shall eat up your vines and your fig trees; They shall destroy your fortified cities, In which you trust, with the sword.

Jer.5.17

They will eat your harvests and your children's bread, your flocks of sheep and your herds of cattle. Yes, they will eat your grapes and figs. And they will destroy your fortified cities, which you think are so safe.

Jer.5.18

"Even then, as bad as it will be"--GOD's Decree!-"it will not be the end of the world for you.

Jer.5.18

"Yet even in those days," declares the LORD, "I will not destroy you completely.

Jer.5.18

"Nevertheless in those days," says the LORD, "I will not make a complete end of you.

Jer.5.18

"Yet even in those days I will not blot you out completely," says the LORD.

Jer.5.19

And when people ask, "Why did our GOD do all this to us?' you must say to them, "It's tit for tat. Just as you left me and served foreign gods in your own country, so now you must serve foreigners in their own country.'

Jer.5.19

And when the people ask, 'Why has the LORD our God done all this to us?' you will tell them, 'As you have forsaken me and served foreign gods in your own land, so now you will serve foreigners in a land not your own.'

Jer.5.19

And it will be when you say, "Why does the LORD our God do all these things to us?' then you shall answer them, "Just as you have forsaken Me and served foreign gods in your land, so you shall serve aliens in a land that is not yours.'

Jer.5.19

"And when your people ask, `Why is the LORD our God doing this to us?' you must reply, `You rejected him and gave yourselves to foreign gods in your own land. Now you will serve foreigners in a land that is not your own.'

Jer.5.20

"Tell the house of Jacob this, put out this bulletin in Judah:

Jer.5.20

"Announce this to the house of Jacob and proclaim it in Judah:

Jer.5.20

"Declare this in the house of Jacob And proclaim it in Judah, saying,

Jer.5.20

"Make this announcement to Israel and to Judah:

Jer.5.21

Listen to this, you scatterbrains, airheads, With eyes that see but don't really look, and ears that hear but don't really listen.

Jer.5.21

Hear this, you foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear:

Jer.5.21

"Hear this now, O foolish people, Without understanding, Who have eyes and see not, And who have ears and hear not:

Jer.5.21

Listen, you foolish and senseless people--who have eyes but do not see, who have ears but do not hear.

Jer.5.22

Why don't you honor me? Why aren't you in awe before me? Yes, me, who made the shorelines to contain the ocean waters. I drew a line in the sand that cannot be crossed. Waves roll in but cannot get through; breakers crash but that's the end of them.

Jer.5.22

Should you not fear me?" declares the LORD. "Should you not tremble in my presence? I made the sand a boundary for the sea, an everlasting barrier it cannot cross. The waves may roll, but they cannot prevail; they may roar, but they cannot cross it.

Jer.5.22

Do you not fear Me?' says the LORD. "Will you not tremble at My presence, Who have placed the sand as the bound of the sea, By a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass beyond it? And though its waves toss to and fro, Yet they cannot prevail; Though they roar, yet they cannot pass over it.

Jer.5.22

Do you have no respect for me? Why do you not tremble in my presence? I, the LORD, am the one who defines the ocean's sandy shoreline, an everlasting boundary that the waters cannot cross. The waves may toss and roar, but they can never pass the bounds I set.

Jer.5.23

But this people--what a people! Uncontrollable, untameable runaways.

Jer.5.23

But these people have stubborn and rebellious hearts; they have turned aside and gone away.

Jer.5.23

But this people has a defiant and rebellious heart; They have revolted and departed.

Jer.5.23

"But my people have stubborn and rebellious hearts. They have turned against me and have chosen to practice idolatry.

Jer.5.24

It never occurs to them to say, "How can we honor our GOD with our lives, The God who gives rain in both spring and autumn and maintains the rhythm of the seasons, Who sets aside time each year for harvest and keeps everything running smoothly for us?'

Jer.5.24

They do not say to themselves, 'Let us fear the LORD our God, who gives autumn and spring rains in season, who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.'

Jer.5.24

They do not say in their heart, "Let us now fear the LORD our God, Who gives rain, both the former and the latter, in its season. He reserves for us the appointed weeks of the harvest."

Jer.5.24

They do not say from the heart, `Let us live in awe of the LORD our God, for he gives us rain each spring and fall, assuring us of plentiful harvests.'

Jer.5.25

Of course you don't! Your bad behavior blinds you to all this. Your sins keep my blessings at a distance.

Jer.5.25

Your wrongdoings have kept these away; your sins have deprived you of good.

Jer.5.25

Your iniquities have turned these things away, And your sins have withheld good from you.

Jer.5.25

Your wickedness has deprived you of these wonderful blessings. Your sin has robbed you of all these good things.

Jer.5.26

"My people are infiltrated by wicked men, unscrupulous men on the hunt. They set traps for the unsuspecting. Their victims are innocent men and women.

Jer.5.26

"Among my people are wicked men who lie in wait like men who snare birds and like those who set traps to catch men.

Jer.5.26

"For among My people are found wicked men; They lie in wait as one who sets snares; They set a trap; They catch men.

Jer.5.26

"Among my people are wicked men who lie in wait for victims like a hunter hiding in a blind. They are continually setting traps for other people.

Jer.5.27

Their houses are stuffed with ill-gotten gain, like a hunter's bag full of birds. Pretentious and powerful and rich,

Jer.5.27

Like cages full of birds, their houses are full of deceit; they have become rich and powerful

Jer.5.27

As a cage is full of birds, So their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become great and grown rich.

Jer.5.27

Like a cage filled with birds, their homes are filled with evil plots. And the result? Now they are great and rich.

Jer.5.28

hugely obese, oily with rolls of fat. Worse, they have no conscience. Right and wrong mean nothing to them. They stand for nothing, stand up for no one, throw orphans to the wolves, exploit the poor.

Jer.5.28

and have grown fat and sleek. Their evil deeds have no limit; they do not plead the case of the fatherless to win it, they do not defend the rights of the poor.

Jer.5.28

They have grown fat, they are sleek; Yes, they surpass the deeds of the wicked; They do not plead the cause, The cause of the fatherless; Yet they prosper, And the right of the needy they do not defend.

Jer.5.28

They are well fed and well groomed, and there is no limit to their wicked deeds. They refuse justice to orphans and deny the rights of the poor.

Jer.5.29

Do you think I'll stand by and do nothing about this?" GOD's Decree. "Don't you think I'll take serious measures against a people like this? [JC]

Jer.5.29

Should I not punish them for this?" declares the LORD. "Should I not avenge myself on such a nation as this?

Jer.5.29

Shall I not punish them for these things?' says the LORD. "Shall I not avenge Myself on such a nation as this?'

Jer.5.29

Should I not punish them for this?" asks the LORD. "Should I not avenge myself against a nation such as this?

Jer.5.30

"Unspeakable! Sickening! What's happened in this country?

Jer.5.30

"A horrible and shocking thing has happened in the land:

Jer.5.30

"An astonishing and horrible thing Has been committed in the land:

Jer.5.30

"A horrible and shocking thing has happened in this land--

Jer.5.31

Prophets preach lies and priests hire on as their assistants. And my people love it. They eat it up! But what will you do when it's time to pick up the pieces?

Jer.5.31

The prophets prophesy lies, the priests rule by their own authority, and my people love it this way. But what will you do in the end?

Jer.5.31

The prophets prophesy falsely, And the priests rule by their own power; And My people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end?

Jer.5.31

the prophets give false prophecies, and the priests rule with an iron hand. And worse yet, my people like it that way! But what will you do when the end comes?

Phil.3.1

And that's about it, friends. Be glad in God! I don't mind repeating what I have written in earlier letters, and I hope you don't mind hearing it again. Better safe than sorry--so here goes.

Phil.3.1

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.

Phil.3.1

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe.

Phil.3.1

Whatever happens, dear brothers and sisters, may the Lord give you joy. I never get tired of telling you this. I am doing this for your own good.

Phil.3.2

Steer clear of the barking dogs, those religious busybodies, all bark and no bite. All they're interested in is appearances--knife-happy circumcisers, I call them.

Phil.3.2

Watch out for those dogs, those men who do evil, those mutilators of the flesh.

Phil.3.2

Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!

Phil.3.2

Watch out for those dogs, those wicked men and their evil deeds, those mutilators who say you must be circumcised to be saved.

Phil.3.3

The real believers are the ones the Spirit of God leads to work away at this ministry, filling the air with Christ's praise as we do it. We couldn't carry this off by our own efforts, and we know it--

Phil.3.3

For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh--

Phil.3.3

For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh,

Phil.3.3

For we who worship God in the Spirit are the only ones who are truly circumcised. We put no confidence in human effort. Instead, we boast about what Christ Jesus has done for us.

Phil.3.4

even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials. You know my pedigree:

Phil.3.4

though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more:

Phil.3.4

though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so:

Phil.3.4

Yet I could have confidence in myself if anyone could. If others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more!

Phil.3.5

a legitimate birth, circumcised on the eighth day; an Israelite from the elite tribe of Benjamin; a strict and devout adherent to God's law;

Phil.3.5

circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;

Phil.3.5

circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;

Phil.3.5

For I was circumcised when I was eight days old, having been born into a pure-blooded Jewish family that is a branch of the tribe of Benjamin. So I am a real Jew if there ever was one! What's more, I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law.

Phil.3.6

a fiery defender of the purity of my religion, even to the point of persecuting Christians; a meticulous observer of everything set down in God's law Book.

Phil.3.6

as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless.

Phil.3.6

concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Phil.3.6

And zealous? Yes, in fact, I harshly persecuted the church. And I obeyed the Jewish law so carefully that I was never accused of any fault.

Phil.3.7

The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I'm tearing up and throwing out with the trash--along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ.

Phil.3.7

But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.

Phil.3.7

But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.

Phil.3.7

I once thought all these things were so very important, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done.

Phil.3.8

Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant--dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ

Phil.3.8

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ

Phil.3.8

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ

Phil.3.8

Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I may have Christ

Phil.3.9

and be embraced by him. I didn't want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ--God's righteousness.

Phil.3.9

and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

Phil.3.9

and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

Phil.3.9

and become one with him. I no longer count on my own goodness or my ability to obey God's law, but I trust Christ to save me. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith.

Phil.3.10

I gave up all that inferior stuff so I could know Christ personally, experience his resurrection power, be a partner in his suffering, and go all the way with him to death itself.

Phil.3.10

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,

Phil.3.10

that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

Phil.3.10

As a result, I can really know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I can learn what it means to suffer with him, sharing in his death,

Phil.3.11

If there was any way to get in on the resurrection from the dead, I wanted to do it.

Phil.3.11

and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Phil.3.11

if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Phil.3.11

so that, somehow, I can experience the resurrection from the dead!

Phil.3.12

I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me.

Phil.3.12

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Phil.3.12

Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

Phil.3.12

I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be.

Phil.3.13

Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward--to Jesus.

Phil.3.13

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,

Phil.3.13

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

Phil.3.13

No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,

Phil.3.14

I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

Phil.3.14

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Phil.3.14

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Phil.3.14

I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.

Phil.3.15

So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision--you'll see it yet!

Phil.3.15

All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.

Phil.3.15

Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.

Phil.3.15

I hope all of you who are mature Christians will agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you.

Phil.3.16

Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.

Phil.3.16

Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

Phil.3.16

Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.

Phil.3.16

But we must be sure to obey the truth we have learned already.

Phil.3.17

Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal.

Phil.3.17

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you.

Phil.3.17

Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.

Phil.3.17

Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.

Phil.3.18

There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I've warned you of them many times; sadly, I'm having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's Cross.

Phil.3.18

For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Phil.3.18

For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

Phil.3.18

For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ.

Phil.3.19

But easy street is a dead-end street. Those who live there make their bellies their gods; belches are their praise; all they can think of is their appetites.

Phil.3.19

Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things.

Phil.3.19

whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame--who set their mind on earthly things.

Phil.3.19

Their future is eternal destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and all they think about is this life here on earth.

Phil.3.20

But there's far more to life for us. We're citizens of high heaven! We're waiting the arrival of the Savior, the Master, Jesus Christ,

Phil.3.20

But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Phil.3.20

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,

Phil.3.20

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior.

Phil.3.21

who will transform our earthy bodies into glorious bodies like his own. He'll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.

Phil.3.21

who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Phil.3.21

who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Phil.3.21

He will take these weak mortal bodies of ours and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same mighty power that he will use to conquer everything, everywhere.

Phil.4.1

My dear, dear friends! I love you so much. I do want the very best for you. You make me feel such joy, fill me with such pride. Don't waver. Stay on track, steady in God.

Phil.4.1

Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends!

Phil.4.1

Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.

Phil.4.1

Dear brothers and sisters, I love you and long to see you, for you are my joy and the reward for my work. So please stay true to the Lord, my dear friends.

Ps.116.1

I love GOD because he listened to me, listened as I begged for mercy.

Ps.116.1

I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy.

Ps.116.1

I love the LORD, because He has heard My voice and my supplications.

Ps.116.1

I love the LORD because he hears and answers my prayers.

Ps.116.2

He listened so intently as I laid out my case before him.

Ps.116.2

Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.

Ps.116.2

Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.

Ps.116.2

Because he bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I have breath!

Ps.116.3

Death stared me in the face, hell was hard on my heels. Up against it, I didn't know which way to turn;

Ps.116.3

The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came upon me; I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.

Ps.116.3

The pains of death surrounded me, And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me; I found trouble and sorrow.

Ps.116.3

Death had its hands around my throat; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow.

Ps.116.4

then I called out to GOD for help: "Please, GOD!" I cried out. "Save my life!"

Ps.116.4

Then I called on the name of the LORD: "O LORD, save me!"

Ps.116.4

Then I called upon the name of the LORD: "O LORD, I implore You, deliver my soul!"

Ps.116.4

Then I called on the name of the LORD: "Please, LORD, save me!"

Ps.116.5

GOD is gracious--it is he who makes things right, our most compassionate God.

Ps.116.5

The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.

Ps.116.5

Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful.

Ps.116.5

How kind the LORD is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours!

Ps.116.6

GOD takes the side of the helpless; when I was at the end of my rope, he saved me.

Ps.116.6

The LORD protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.

Ps.116.6

The LORD preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me.

Ps.116.6

The LORD protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and then he saved me.

Ps.116.7

I said to myself, "Relax and rest. GOD has showered you with blessings.

Ps.116.7

Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you.

Ps.116.7

Return to your rest, O my soul, For the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.

Ps.116.7

Now I can rest again, for the LORD has been so good to me.

Ps.116.8

Soul, you've been rescued from death; Eye, you've been rescued from tears; And you, Foot, were kept from stumbling."

Ps.116.8

For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling,

Ps.116.8

For You have delivered my soul from death, My eyes from tears, And my feet from falling.

Ps.116.8

He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling.

Ps.116.9

I'm striding in the presence of GOD, alive in the land of the living!

Ps.116.9

that I may walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

Ps.116.9

I will walk before the LORD In the land of the living.

Ps.116.9

And so I walk in the LORD's presence as I live here on earth!

Ps.116.10

I stayed faithful, though bedeviled, and despite a ton of bad luck,

Ps.116.10

I believed; therefore I said, "I am greatly afflicted."

Ps.116.10

I believed, therefore I spoke, "I am greatly afflicted."

Ps.116.10

I believed in you, so I prayed, "I am deeply troubled, LORD."

Ps.116.11

Despite giving up on the human race, saying, "They're all liars and cheats."

Ps.116.11

And in my dismay I said, "All men are liars."

Ps.116.11

I said in my haste, "All men are liars."

Ps.116.11

In my anxiety I cried out to you, "These people are all liars!"