Job.33.1

"So please, Job, hear me out, honor me by listening to me.

Job.33.1

"But now, Job, listen to my words; pay attention to everything I say.

Job.33.1

"But please, Job, hear my speech, And listen to all my words.

Job.33.1

"Listen, Job, to what I have to say.

Job.33.2

What I'm about to say has been carefully thought out.

Job.33.2

I am about to open my mouth; my words are on the tip of my tongue.

Job.33.2

Now, I open my mouth; My tongue speaks in my mouth.

Job.33.2

Now that I have begun to speak, let me continue.

Job.33.3

I have no ulterior motives in this; I'm speaking honestly from my heart.

Job.33.3

My words come from an upright heart; my lips sincerely speak what I know.

Job.33.3

My words come from my upright heart; My lips utter pure knowledge.

Job.33.3

I speak with all sincerity; I speak the truth.

Job.33.4

The Spirit of God made me what I am, the breath of God Almighty gave me life!

Job.33.4

The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Job.33.4

The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Job.33.4

For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

Job.33.5

"And if you think you can prove me wrong, do it. Lay out your arguments. Stand up for yourself!

Job.33.5

Answer me then, if you can; prepare yourself and confront me.

Job.33.5

If you can answer me, Set your words in order before me; Take your stand.

Job.33.5

Answer me, if you can; make your case and take your stand.

Job.33.6

Look, I'm human--no better than you; we're both made of the same kind of mud.

Job.33.6

I am just like you before God; I too have been taken from clay.

Job.33.6

Truly I am as your spokesman before God; I also have been formed out of clay.

Job.33.6

"Look, you and I are the same before God. I, too, was formed from clay.

Job.33.7

So let's work this through together; don't let my aggressiveness overwhelm you.

Job.33.7

No fear of me should alarm you, nor should my hand be heavy upon you.

Job.33.7

Surely no fear of me will terrify you, Nor will my hand be heavy on you.

Job.33.7

So you don't need to be afraid of me. I am not some great person to make you nervous and afraid.

Job.33.8

"Here's what you said. I heard you say it with my own ears.

Job.33.8

"But you have said in my hearing- I heard the very words-

Job.33.8

"Surely you have spoken in my hearing, And I have heard the sound of your words, saying,

Job.33.8

"You have said it in my hearing. I have heard your very words.

Job.33.9

You said, "I'm pure--I've done nothing wrong. Believe me, I'm clean--my conscience is clear.

Job.33.9

'I am pure and without sin; I am clean and free from guilt.

Job.33.9

"I am pure, without transgression; I am innocent, and there is no iniquity in me.

Job.33.9

You said, `I am pure; I am innocent; I have not sinned.

Job.33.10

But God keeps picking on me; he treats me like I'm his enemy.

Job.33.10

Yet God has found fault with me; he considers me his enemy.

Job.33.10

Yet He finds occasions against me, He counts me as His enemy;

Job.33.10

God is picking a quarrel with me, and he considers me to be his enemy.

Job.33.11

He's thrown me in jail; he keeps me under constant surveillance.'

Job.33.11

He fastens my feet in shackles; he keeps close watch on all my paths.'

Job.33.11

He puts my feet in the stocks, He watches all my paths.'

Job.33.11

He puts my feet in the stocks and watches every move I make.'

Job.33.12

"But let me tell you, Job, you're wrong, dead wrong! God is far greater than any human.

Job.33.12

"But I tell you, in this you are not right, for God is greater than man.

Job.33.12

"Look, in this you are not righteous. I will answer you, For God is greater than man.

Job.33.12

"In this you are not right, and I will show you why. As you yourself have said, `God is greater than any person.'

Job.33.13

So how dare you haul him into court, and then complain that he won't answer your charges?

Job.33.13

Why do you complain to him that he answers none of man's words?

Job.33.13

Why do you contend with Him? For He does not give an accounting of any of His words.

Job.33.13

So why are you bringing a charge against him? You say, `He does not respond to people's complaints.'

Job.33.14

God always answers, one way or another, even when people don't recognize his presence.

Job.33.14

For God does speak-now one way, now another- though man may not perceive it.

Job.33.14

For God may speak in one way, or in another, Yet man does not perceive it.

Job.33.14

But God speaks again and again, though people do not recognize it.

Job.33.15

"In a dream, for instance, a vision at night, when men and women are deep in sleep, fast asleep in their beds--

Job.33.15

In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men as they slumber in their beds,

Job.33.15

In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, While slumbering on their beds,

Job.33.15

He speaks in dreams, in visions of the night when deep sleep falls on people as they lie in bed.

Job.33.16

God opens their ears and impresses them with warnings

Job.33.16

he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings,

Job.33.16

Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction.

Job.33.16

He whispers in their ear and terrifies them with his warning.

Job.33.17

To turn them back from something bad they're planning, from some reckless choice,

Job.33.17

to turn man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride,

Job.33.17

In order to turn man from his deed, And conceal pride from man,

Job.33.17

He causes them to change their minds; he keeps them from pride.

Job.33.18

And keep them from an early grave, from the river of no return.

Job.33.18

to preserve his soul from the pit, his life from perishing by the sword.

Job.33.18

He keeps back his soul from the Pit, And his life from perishing by the sword.

Job.33.18

He keeps them from the grave, from crossing over the river of death.

Job.33.19

"Or, God might get their attention through pain, by throwing them on a bed of suffering,

Job.33.19

Or a man may be chastened on a bed of pain with constant distress in his bones,

Job.33.19

"Man is also chastened with pain on his bed, And with strong pain in many of his bones,

Job.33.19

Or God disciplines people with sickness and pain, with ceaseless aching in their bones.

Job.33.20

So they can't stand the sight of food, have no appetite for their favorite treats.

Job.33.20

so that his very being finds food repulsive and his soul loathes the choicest meal.

Job.33.20

So that his life abhors bread, And his soul succulent food.

Job.33.20

They lose their appetite and do not care for even the most delicious food.

Job.33.21

They lose weight, wasting away to nothing, reduced to a bag of bones.

Job.33.21

His flesh wastes away to nothing, and his bones, once hidden, now stick out.

Job.33.21

His flesh wastes away from sight, And his bones stick out which once were not seen.

Job.33.21

They waste away to skin and bones.

Job.33.22

They hang on the cliff-edge of death, knowing the next breath may be their last.

Job.33.22

His soul draws near to the pit, and his life to the messengers of death.

Job.33.22

Yes, his soul draws near the Pit, And his life to the executioners.

Job.33.22

They are at death's door; the angels of death wait for them.

Job.33.23

"But even then an angel could come, a champion--there are thousands of them!- to take up your cause,

Job.33.23

"Yet if there is an angel on his side as a mediator, one out of a thousand, to tell a man what is right for him,

Job.33.23

"If there is a messenger for him, A mediator, one among a thousand, To show man His uprightness,

Job.33.23

"But if a special messenger from heaven is there to intercede for a person, to declare that he is upright,

Job.33.24

A messenger who would mercifully intervene, canceling the death sentence with the words: "I've come up with the ransom!'

Job.33.24

to be gracious to him and say, 'Spare him from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom for him'-

Job.33.24

Then He is gracious to him, and says, "Deliver him from going down to the Pit; I have found a ransom';

Job.33.24

God will be gracious and say, `Set him free. Do not make him die, for I have found a ransom for his life.'

Job.33.25

Before you know it, you're healed, the very picture of health!

Job.33.25

then his flesh is renewed like a child's; it is restored as in the days of his youth.

Job.33.25

His flesh shall be young like a child's, He shall return to the days of his youth.

Job.33.25

Then his body will become as healthy as a child's, firm and youthful again.

Job.33.26

"Or, you may fall on your knees and pray--to God's delight! You'll see God's smile and celebrate, finding yourself set right with God.

Job.33.26

He prays to God and finds favor with him, he sees God's face and shouts for joy; he is restored by God to his righteous state.

Job.33.26

He shall pray to God, and He will delight in him, He shall see His face with joy, For He restores to man His righteousness.

Job.33.26

When he prays to God, he will be accepted. And God will receive him with joy and restore him to good standing.

Job.33.27

You'll sing God's praises to everyone you meet, testifying, "I messed up my life--and let me tell you, it wasn't worth it.

Job.33.27

Then he comes to men and says, 'I sinned, and perverted what was right, but I did not get what I deserved.

Job.33.27

Then he looks at men and says, "I have sinned, and perverted what was right, And it did not profit me.'

Job.33.27

He will declare to his friends, `I sinned, but it was not worth it.

Job.33.28

But God stepped in and saved me from certain death. I'm alive again! Once more I see the light!'

Job.33.28

He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light.'

Job.33.28

He will redeem his soul from going down to the Pit, And his life shall see the light.

Job.33.28

God rescued me from the grave, and now my life is filled with light.'

Job.33.29

"This is the way God works. Over and over again

Job.33.29

"God does all these things to a man- twice, even three times-

Job.33.29

"Behold, God works all these things, Twice, in fact, three times with a man,

Job.33.29

"Yes, God often does these things for people.

Job.33.30

He pulls our souls back from certain destruction so we'll see the light--and live in the light!

Job.33.30

to turn back his soul from the pit, that the light of life may shine on him.

Job.33.30

To bring back his soul from the Pit, That he may be enlightened with the light of life.

Job.33.30

He rescues them from the grave so they may live in the light of the living.

Job.33.31

"Keep listening, Job. Don't interrupt--I'm not finished yet.

Job.33.31

"Pay attention, Job, and listen to me; be silent, and I will speak.

Job.33.31

"Give ear, Job, listen to me; Hold your peace, and I will speak.

Job.33.31

Mark this well, Job. Listen to me, and let me say more.

Job.33.32

But if you think of anything I should know, tell me. There's nothing I'd like better than to see your name cleared.

Job.33.32

If you have anything to say, answer me; speak up, for I want you to be cleared.

Job.33.32

If you have anything to say, answer me; Speak, for I desire to justify you.

Job.33.32

But if you have anything to say, go ahead. I want to hear it, for I am anxious to see you justified.

Job.33.33

Meanwhile, keep listening. Don't distract me with interruptions. I'm going to teach you the basics of wisdom." Elihu's Second Speech It's Impossible for God to Do Evil

Job.33.33

But if not, then listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom."

Job.33.33

If not, listen to me; Hold your peace, and I will teach you wisdom."

Job.33.33

But if not, then listen to me. Keep silent and I will teach you wisdom!"

Job.34.1

Elihu continued:

Job.34.1

Then Elihu said:

Job.34.1

Elihu further answered and said:

Job.34.1

Then Elihu said:

Job.34.2

"So, my fine friends--listen to me, and see what you think of this.

Job.34.2

"Hear my words, you wise men; listen to me, you men of learning.

Job.34.2

"Hear my words, you wise men; Give ear to me, you who have knowledge.

Job.34.2

"Listen to me, you wise men. Pay attention, you who have knowledge.

Job.34.3

Isn't it just common sense--as common as the sense of taste--

Job.34.3

For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food.

Job.34.3

For the ear tests words As the palate tastes food.

Job.34.3

`Just as the mouth tastes good food, the ear tests the words it hears.'

Job.34.4

To put our heads together and figure out what's going on here?

Job.34.4

Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.

Job.34.4

Let us choose justice for ourselves; Let us know among ourselves what is good.

Job.34.4

So let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.

Job.34.5

"We've all heard Job say, "I'm in the right, but God won't give me a fair trial.

Job.34.5

"Job says, 'I am innocent, but God denies me justice.

Job.34.5

"For Job has said, "I am righteous, But God has taken away my justice;

Job.34.5

For Job has said, `I am innocent, but God has taken away my rights.

Job.34.6

When I defend myself, I'm called a liar to my face. I've done nothing wrong, and I get punished anyway.'

Job.34.6

Although I am right, I am considered a liar; although I am guiltless, his arrow inflicts an incurable wound.'

Job.34.6

Should I lie concerning my right? My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.'

Job.34.6

I am innocent, but they call me a liar. My suffering is incurable, even though I have not sinned.'

Job.34.7

Have you ever heard anything to beat this? Does nothing faze this man Job?

Job.34.7

What man is like Job, who drinks scorn like water?

Job.34.7

What man is like Job, Who drinks scorn like water,

Job.34.7

"Has there ever been a man as arrogant as Job, with his thirst for irreverent talk?

Job.34.8

Do you think he's spent too much time in bad company, hanging out with the wrong crowd,

Job.34.8

He keeps company with evildoers; he associates with wicked men.

Job.34.8

Who goes in company with the workers of iniquity, And walks with wicked men?

Job.34.8

He seeks the companionship of evil people. He spends his time with wicked men.

Job.34.9

So that now he's parroting their line: "It doesn't pay to try to please God'?

Job.34.9

For he says, 'It profits a man nothing when he tries to please God.'

Job.34.9

For he has said, "It profits a man nothing That he should delight in God.'

Job.34.9

He has even said, `Why waste time trying to please God?'

Job.34.10

"You're veterans in dealing with these matters; certainly we're of one mind on this. It's impossible for God to do anything evil; no way can the Mighty One do wrong.

Job.34.10

"So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong.

Job.34.10

"Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding: Far be it from God to do wickedness, And from the Almighty to commit iniquity.

Job.34.10

"Listen to me, you who have understanding. Everyone knows that God doesn't sin! The Almighty can do no wrong.

Job.34.11

He makes us pay for exactly what we've done--no more, no less. Our chickens always come home to roost.

Job.34.11

He repays a man for what he has done; he brings upon him what his conduct deserves.

Job.34.11

For He repays man according to his work, And makes man to find a reward according to his way.

Job.34.11

He repays people according to their deeds. He treats people according to their ways.

Job.34.12

It's impossible for God to do anything wicked, for the Mighty One to subvert justice.

Job.34.12

It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice.

Job.34.12

Surely God will never do wickedly, Nor will the Almighty pervert justice.

Job.34.12

There is no truer statement than this: God will not do wrong. The Almighty cannot twist justice.

Job.34.13

He's the one who runs the earth! He cradles the whole world in his hand!

Job.34.13

Who appointed him over the earth? Who put him in charge of the whole world?

Job.34.13

Who gave Him charge over the earth? Or who appointed Him over the whole world?

Job.34.13

Who put the world in his care? Who has set the whole world in place?

Job.34.14

If he decided to hold his breath,

Job.34.14

If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath,

Job.34.14

If He should set His heart on it, If He should gather to Himself His Spirit and His breath,

Job.34.14

If God were to take back his spirit and withdraw his breath,

Job.34.15

every man, woman, and child would die for lack of air.

Job.34.15

all mankind would perish together and man would return to the dust.

Job.34.15

All flesh would perish together, And man would return to dust.

Job.34.15

all life would cease, and humanity would turn again to dust.

Job.34.16

"So, Job, use your head; this is all pretty obvious.

Job.34.16

"If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say.

Job.34.16

"If you have understanding, hear this; Listen to the sound of my words:

Job.34.16

"Listen now and try to understand.

Job.34.17

Can someone who hates order, keep order? Do you dare condemn the righteous, mighty God?

Job.34.17

Can he who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One?

Job.34.17

Should one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn Him who is most just?

Job.34.17

Could God govern if he hated justice? Are you going to condemn the almighty Judge?

Job.34.18

Doesn't God always tell it like it is, exposing corrupt rulers as scoundrels and criminals?

Job.34.18

Is he not the One who says to kings, 'You are worthless,' and to nobles, 'You are wicked,'

Job.34.18

Is it fitting to say to a king, "You are worthless,' And to nobles, "You are wicked'?

Job.34.18

For he says to kings and nobles, `You are wicked and unjust.'

Job.34.19

Does he play favorites with the rich and famous and slight the poor? Isn't he equally responsible to everybody?

Job.34.19

who shows no partiality to princes and does not favor the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands?

Job.34.19

Yet He is not partial to princes, Nor does He regard the rich more than the poor; For they are all the work of His hands.

Job.34.19

He doesn't care how great a person may be, and he doesn't pay any more attention to the rich than to the poor. He made them all.

Job.34.20

Don't people who deserve it die without notice? Don't wicked rulers tumble to their doom? When the so-called great ones are wiped out, we know God is working behind the scenes.

Job.34.20

They die in an instant, in the middle of the night; the people are shaken and they pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand.

Job.34.20

In a moment they die, in the middle of the night; The people are shaken and pass away; The mighty are taken away without a hand.

Job.34.20

In a moment they die. At midnight they all pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand.

Job.34.21

"He has his eyes on every man and woman. He doesn't miss a trick.

Job.34.21

"His eyes are on the ways of men; he sees their every step.

Job.34.21

"For His eyes are on the ways of man, And He sees all his steps.

Job.34.21

"For God carefully watches the way people live; he sees everything they do.

Job.34.22

There is no night dark enough, no shadow deep enough, to hide those who do evil.

Job.34.22

There is no dark place, no deep shadow, where evildoers can hide.

Job.34.22

There is no darkness nor shadow of death Where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.

Job.34.22

No darkness is thick enough to hide the wicked from his eyes.

Job.34.23

God doesn't need to gather any more evidence; their sin is an open-and-shut case.

Job.34.23

God has no need to examine men further, that they should come before him for judgment.

Job.34.23

For He need not further consider a man, That he should go before God in judgment.

Job.34.23

For it is not up to mortals to decide when to come before God in judgment.

Job.34.24

He deposes the so-called high and mighty without asking questions, and replaces them at once with others.

Job.34.24

Without inquiry he shatters the mighty and sets up others in their place.

Job.34.24

He breaks in pieces mighty men without inquiry, And sets others in their place.

Job.34.24

He brings the mighty to ruin without asking anyone, and he sets up others in their places.

Job.34.25

Nobody gets by with anything; overnight, judgment is signed, sealed, and delivered.

Job.34.25

Because he takes note of their deeds, he overthrows them in the night and they are crushed.

Job.34.25

Therefore He knows their works; He overthrows them in the night, And they are crushed.

Job.34.25

He watches what they do, and in the night he overturns them, destroying them.

Job.34.26

He punishes the wicked for their wickedness out in the open where everyone can see it,

Job.34.26

He punishes them for their wickedness where everyone can see them,

Job.34.26

He strikes them as wicked men In the open sight of others,

Job.34.26

He openly strikes them down for their wickedness.

Job.34.27

Because they quit following him, no longer even thought about him or his ways.

Job.34.27

because they turned from following him and had no regard for any of his ways.

Job.34.27

Because they turned back from Him, And would not consider any of His ways,

Job.34.27

For they turned aside from following him. They have no respect for any of his ways.

Job.34.28

Their apostasy was announced by the cry of the poor; the cry of the afflicted got God's attention. Because You Refuse to Live on God's Terms

Job.34.28

They caused the cry of the poor to come before him, so that he heard the cry of the needy.

Job.34.28

So that they caused the cry of the poor to come to Him; For He hears the cry of the afflicted.

Job.34.28

So they cause the poor to cry out, catching God's attention. Yes, he hears the cries of the needy.

Job.34.29

"If God is silent, what's that to you? If he turns his face away, what can you do about it? But whether silent or hidden, he's there, ruling,

Job.34.29

But if he remains silent, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, who can see him? Yet he is over man and nation alike,

Job.34.29

When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble? And when He hides His face, who then can see Him, Whether it is against a nation or a man alone?--

Job.34.29

When he is quiet, who can make trouble? But when he hides his face, who can find him?

Job.34.30

so that those who hate God won't take over and ruin people's lives.

Job.34.30

to keep a godless man from ruling, from laying snares for the people.

Job.34.30

That the hypocrite should not reign, Lest the people be ensnared.

Job.34.30

He prevents the godless from ruling so they cannot be a snare to the people.

Job.34.31

"So why don't you simply confess to God? Say, "I sinned, but I'll sin no more.

Job.34.31

"Suppose a man says to God, 'I am guilty but will offend no more.

Job.34.31

"For has anyone said to God, "I have borne chastening; I will offend no more;

Job.34.31

"Why don't people say to God, `I have sinned, but I will sin no more'?

Job.34.32

Teach me to see what I still don't see. Whatever evil I've done, I'll do it no more.'

Job.34.32

Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.'

Job.34.32

Teach me what I do not see; If I have done iniquity, I will do no more'?

Job.34.32

Or `I don't know what evil I have done; tell me, and I will stop at once'?

Job.34.33

Just because you refuse to live on God's terms, do you think he should start living on yours? You choose. I can't do it for you. Tell me what you decide.

Job.34.33

Should God then reward you on your terms, when you refuse to repent? You must decide, not I; so tell me what you know.

Job.34.33

Should He repay it according to your terms, Just because you disavow it? You must choose, and not I; Therefore speak what you know.

Job.34.33

"Must God tailor his justice to your demands? But you have rejected him! The choice is yours, not mine. Go ahead, share your wisdom with us.

Job.34.34

"All right-thinking people say--and the wise who have listened to me concur--

Job.34.34

"Men of understanding declare, wise men who hear me say to me,

Job.34.34

"Men of understanding say to me, Wise men who listen to me:

Job.34.34

After all, bright people will tell me, and wise people will hear me say,

Job.34.35

"Job is an ignoramus. He talks utter nonsense.'

Job.34.35

'Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.'

Job.34.35

"Job speaks without knowledge, His words are without wisdom.'

Job.34.35

`Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.'

Job.34.36

Job, you need to be pushed to the wall and called to account for wickedly talking back to God the way you have.

Job.34.36

Oh, that Job might be tested to the utmost for answering like a wicked man!

Job.34.36

Oh, that Job were tried to the utmost, Because his answers are like those of wicked men!

Job.34.36

Job, you deserve the maximum penalty for the wicked way you have talked.

Job.34.37

You've compounded your original sin by rebelling against God's discipline, Defiantly shaking your fist at God, piling up indictments against the Almighty One." Elihu's Third Speech When God Makes Creation a Classroom

Job.34.37

To his sin he adds rebellion; scornfully he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God."

Job.34.37

For he adds rebellion to his sin; He claps his hands among us, And multiplies his words against God."

Job.34.37

For now you have added rebellion and blasphemy against God to your other sins."

Matt.23.1

Now Jesus turned to address his disciples, along with the crowd that had gathered with them.

Matt.23.1

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples:

Matt.23.1

Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples,

Matt.23.1

Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples,

Matt.23.2

"The religion scholars and Pharisees are competent teachers in God's Law.

Matt.23.2

"The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.

Matt.23.2

saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat.

Matt.23.2

"The teachers of religious law and the Pharisees are the official interpreters of the Scriptures.

Matt.23.3

You won't go wrong in following their teachings on Moses. But be careful about following them. They talk a good line, but they don't live it. They don't take it into their hearts and live it out in their behavior. It's all spit-and-polish veneer.

Matt.23.3

So you must obey them and do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

Matt.23.3

Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do.

Matt.23.3

So practice and obey whatever they say to you, but don't follow their example. For they don't practice what they teach.

Matt.23.4

"Instead of giving you God's Law as food and drink by which you can banquet on God, they package it in bundles of rules, loading you down like pack animals. They seem to take pleasure in watching you stagger under these loads, and wouldn't think of lifting a finger to help.

Matt.23.4

They tie up heavy loads and put them on men's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them.

Matt.23.4

For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

Matt.23.4

They crush you with impossible religious demands and never lift a finger to help ease the burden.

Matt.23.5

Their lives are perpetual fashion shows, embroidered prayer shawls one day and flowery prayers the next.

Matt.23.5

"Everything they do is done for men to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long;

Matt.23.5

But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments.

Matt.23.5

"Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear extra long tassels on their robes.

Matt.23.6

They love to sit at the head table at church dinners, basking in the most prominent positions,

Matt.23.6

they love the place of honor at banquets and the most important seats in the synagogues;

Matt.23.6

They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,

Matt.23.6

And how they love to sit at the head table at banquets and in the most prominent seats in the synagogue!

Matt.23.7

preening in the radiance of public flattery, receiving honorary degrees, and getting called "Doctor' and "Reverend.'

Matt.23.7

they love to be greeted in the marketplaces and to have men call them 'Rabbi.'

Matt.23.7

greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, "Rabbi, Rabbi.'

Matt.23.7

They enjoy the attention they get on the streets, and they enjoy being called 'Rabbi.'

Matt.23.8

"Don't let people do that to you, put you on a pedestal like that. You all have a single Teacher, and you are all classmates.

Matt.23.8

"But you are not to be called 'Rabbi,' for you have only one Master and you are all brothers.

Matt.23.8

But you, do not be called "Rabbi'; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren.

Matt.23.8

Don't ever let anyone call you 'Rabbi,' for you have only one teacher, and all of you are on the same level as brothers and sisters.

Matt.23.9

Don't set people up as experts over your life, letting them tell you what to do. Save that authority for God; let him tell you what to do. No one else should carry the title of "Father'; you have only one Father, and he's in heaven.

Matt.23.9

And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.

Matt.23.9

Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven.

Matt.23.9

And don't address anyone here on earth as 'Father,' for only God in heaven is your spiritual Father.

Matt.23.10

And don't let people maneuver you into taking charge of them. There is only one Life-Leader for you and them--Christ.

Matt.23.10

Nor are you to be called 'teacher,' for you have one Teacher, the Christ.

Matt.23.10

And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ.

Matt.23.10

And don't let anyone call you 'Master,' for there is only one master, the Messiah.

Matt.23.11

"Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant.

Matt.23.11

The greatest among you will be your servant.

Matt.23.11

But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.

Matt.23.11

The greatest among you must be a servant.

Matt.23.12

If you puff yourself up, you'll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you're content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.

Matt.23.12

For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Matt.23.12

And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Matt.23.12

But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

Matt.23.13

"I've had it with you! You're hopeless, you religion scholars, you Pharisees! Frauds! Your lives are roadblocks to God's kingdom. You refuse to enter, and won't let anyone else in either.

Matt.23.13

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.

Matt.23.13

"But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.

Matt.23.13

"How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you won't let others enter the Kingdom of Heaven, and you won't go in yourselves.

Matt.23.14

"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You go halfway around the world to make a convert, but once you get him you make him into a replica of yourselves, double-damned.

Matt.23.14

See Footnote

Matt.23.14

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.

Matt.23.14

See Footnote

Matt.23.15

"You're hopeless! What arrogant stupidity! You say, "If someone makes a promise with his fingers crossed, that's nothing; but if he swears with his hand on the Bible, that's serious.'

Matt.23.15

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.

Matt.23.15

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves.

Matt.23.15

Yes, how terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. For you cross land and sea to make one convert, and then you turn him into twice the son of hell as you yourselves are.

Matt.23.16

What ignorance! Does the leather on the Bible carry more weight than the skin on your hands?

Matt.23.16

"Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.'

Matt.23.16

"Woe to you, blind guides, who say, "Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.'

Matt.23.16

"Blind guides! How terrible it will be for you! For you say that it means nothing to swear 'by God's Temple'--you can break that oath. But then you say that it is binding to swear 'by the gold in the Temple.'

Matt.23.17

And what about this piece of trivia: "If you shake hands on a promise, that's nothing; but if you raise your hand that God is your witness, that's serious'?

Matt.23.17

You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred?

Matt.23.17

Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold?

Matt.23.17

Blind fools! Which is greater, the gold, or the Temple that makes the gold sacred?

Matt.23.18

What ridiculous hairsplitting! What difference does it make whether you shake hands or raise hands?

Matt.23.18

You also say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.'

Matt.23.18

And, "Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it.'

Matt.23.18

And you say that to take an oath 'by the altar' can be broken, but to swear 'by the gifts on the altar' is binding!

Matt.23.19

A promise is a promise. What difference does it make if you make your promise inside or outside a house of worship? A promise is a promise. God is present, watching and holding you to account regardless.

Matt.23.19

You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred?

Matt.23.19

Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift?

Matt.23.19

How blind! For which is greater, the gift on the altar, or the altar that makes the gift sacred?

Matt.23.20

"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You keep meticulous account books, tithing on every nickel and dime you get, but on the meat of God's Law, things like fairness and compassion and commitment--the absolute basics!-you carelessly take it or leave it. Careful bookkeeping is commendable, but the basics are required.

Matt.23.20

Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it.

Matt.23.20

Therefore he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it.

Matt.23.20

When you swear 'by the altar,' you are swearing by it and by everything on it.

Matt.23.21

Do you have any idea how silly you look, writing a life story that's wrong from start to finish, nitpicking over commas and semicolons?

Matt.23.21

And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it.

Matt.23.21

He who swears by the temple, swears by it and by Him who dwells in it.

Matt.23.21

And when you swear 'by the Temple,' you are swearing by it and by God, who lives in it.

Matt.23.22

"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You burnish the surface of your cups and bowls so they sparkle in the sun, while the insides are maggoty with your greed and gluttony.

Matt.23.22

And he who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by the one who sits on it.

Matt.23.22

And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits on it.

Matt.23.22

And when you swear 'by heaven,' you are swearing by the throne of God and by God, who sits on the throne.

Matt.23.23

Stupid Pharisee! Scour the insides, and then the gleaming surface will mean something.

Matt.23.23

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices--mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law--justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former.

Matt.23.23

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone.

Matt.23.23

"How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest part of your income, but you ignore the important things of the law--justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but you should not leave undone the more important things.

Matt.23.24

"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You're like manicured grave plots, grass clipped and the flowers bright, but six feet down it's all rotting bones and worm-eaten flesh.

Matt.23.24

You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.

Matt.23.24

Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!

Matt.23.24

Blind guides! You strain your water so you won't accidentally swallow a gnat; then you swallow a camel!

Matt.23.25

People look at you and think you're saints, but beneath the skin you're total frauds.

Matt.23.25

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence.

Matt.23.25

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.

Matt.23.25

"How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! You are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy--full of greed and self-indulgence!

Matt.23.26

"You're hopeless, you religion scholars and Pharisees! Frauds! You build granite tombs for your prophets and marble monuments for your saints.

Matt.23.26

Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.

Matt.23.26

Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.

Matt.23.26

Blind Pharisees! First wash the inside of the cup, and then the outside will become clean, too.

Matt.23.27

And you say that if you had lived in the days of your ancestors, no blood would have been on your hands.

Matt.23.27

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean.

Matt.23.27

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness.

Matt.23.27

"How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs--beautiful on the outside but filled on the inside with dead people's bones and all sorts of impurity.

Matt.23.28

You protest too much! You're cut from the same cloth as those murderers,

Matt.23.28

In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

Matt.23.28

Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Matt.23.28

You try to look like upright people outwardly, but inside your hearts are filled with hypocrisy and lawlessness.

Matt.23.29

and daily add to the death count.

Matt.23.29

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous.

Matt.23.29

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous,

Matt.23.29

"How terrible it will be for you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you build tombs for the prophets your ancestors killed and decorate the graves of the godly people your ancestors destroyed.

Matt.23.30

"Snakes! Reptilian sneaks! Do you think you can worm your way out of this? Never have to pay the piper?

Matt.23.30

And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.'

Matt.23.30

and say, "If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.'

Matt.23.30

Then you say, 'We never would have joined them in killing the prophets.'

Matt.23.31

It's on account of people like you that I send prophets and wise guides and scholars generation after generation--and generation after generation you treat them like dirt, greeting them with lynch mobs, hounding them with abuse.

Matt.23.31

So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets.

Matt.23.31

"Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets.

Matt.23.31

"In saying that, you are accusing yourselves of being the descendants of those who murdered the prophets.

Matt.23.32

"You can't squirm out of this: Every drop of righteous blood ever spilled on this earth, beginning with the blood of that good man Abel right down to the blood of Zechariah, Barachiah's son, whom you murdered at his prayers, is on your head.

Matt.23.32

Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers!

Matt.23.32

Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers' guilt.

Matt.23.32

Go ahead. Finish what they started.

Matt.23.33

All this, I'm telling you, is coming down on you, on your generation.

Matt.23.33

"You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?

Matt.23.33

Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell?

Matt.23.33

Snakes! Sons of vipers! How will you escape the judgment of hell?

Matt.23.34

"Jerusalem! Jerusalem! Murderer of prophets! Killer of the ones who brought you God's news! How often I've ached to embrace your children, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you wouldn't let me.

Matt.23.34

Therefore I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town.

Matt.23.34

Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city,

Matt.23.34

I will send you prophets and wise men and teachers of religious law. You will kill some by crucifixion and whip others in your synagogues, chasing them from city to city.

Matt.23.35

And now you're so desolate, nothing but a ghost town.

Matt.23.35

And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.

Matt.23.35

that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar.

Matt.23.35

As a result, you will become guilty of murdering all the godly people from righteous Abel to Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered in the Temple between the altar and the sanctuary.

Matt.23.36

What is there left to say? Only this: I'm out of here soon. The next time you see me you'll say, "Oh, God has blessed him! He's come, bringing God's rule!'"

Matt.23.36

I tell you the truth, all this will come upon this generation.

Matt.23.36

Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation.

Matt.23.36

I assure you, all the accumulated judgment of the centuries will break upon the heads of this very generation.

Matt.23.37

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.

Matt.23.37

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.

Matt.23.37

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!

Matt.23.37

"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God's messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me.

Matt.23.38

Look, your house is left to you desolate.

Matt.23.38

Look, your house is left to you desolate.

Matt.23.38

See! Your house is left to you desolate;

Matt.23.38

And now look, your house is left to you, empty and desolate.

Matt.23.39

For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

Matt.23.39

For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"

Matt.23.39

for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!"'

Matt.23.39

For I tell you this, you will never see me again until you say, 'Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord!'"

Ps.18.25

The good people taste your goodness, The whole people taste your health,

Ps.18.25

To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless,

Ps.18.25

With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful; With a blameless man You will show Yourself blameless;

Ps.18.25

To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity.

Ps.18.26

The true people taste your truth, The bad ones can't figure you out.

Ps.18.26

to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the crooked you show yourself shrewd.

Ps.18.26

With the pure You will show Yourself pure; And with the devious You will show Yourself shrewd.

Ps.18.26

To the pure you show yourself pure, but to the wicked you show yourself hostile.

Ps.18.27

You take the side of the down--and-out, But the stuck-up you take down a peg.

Ps.18.27

You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty.

Ps.18.27

For You will save the humble people, But will bring down haughty looks.

Ps.18.27

You rescue those who are humble, but you humiliate the proud.

Ps.18.28

Suddenly, GOD, you floodlight my life; I'm blazing with glory, God's glory!

Ps.18.28

You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

Ps.18.28

For You will light my lamp; The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.

Ps.18.28

LORD, you have brought light to my life; my God, you light up my darkness.

Ps.18.29

I smash the bands of marauders, I vault the highest fences.

Ps.18.29

With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall.

Ps.18.29

For by You I can run against a troop, By my God I can leap over a wall.

Ps.18.29

In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall.

Ps.18.30

What a God! His road stretches straight and smooth. Every GOD-direction is road-tested. Everyone who runs toward him Makes it.

Ps.18.30

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

Ps.18.30

As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.

Ps.18.30

As for God, his way is perfect. All the LORD's promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.

Ps.18.31

Is there any god like GOD? Are we not at bedrock?

Ps.18.31

For who is God besides the LORD? And who is the Rock except our God?

Ps.18.31

For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God?

Ps.18.31

For who is God except the LORD? Who but our God is a solid rock?

Ps.18.32

Is not this the God who armed me, then aimed me in the right direction?

Ps.18.32

It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.

Ps.18.32

It is God who arms me with strength, And makes my way perfect.

Ps.18.32

God arms me with strength; he has made my way safe.

Ps.18.33

Now I run like a deer; I'm king of the mountain.

Ps.18.33

He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.

Ps.18.33

He makes my feet like the feet of deer, And sets me on my high places.

Ps.18.33

He makes me as surefooted as a deer, leading me safely along the mountain heights.

Ps.18.34

He shows me how to fight; I can bend a bronze bow!

Ps.18.34

He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

Ps.18.34

He teaches my hands to make war, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

Ps.18.34

He prepares me for battle; he strengthens me to draw a bow of bronze.

Ps.18.35

You protect me with salvation--armor; you hold me up with a firm hand, caress me with your gentle ways.

Ps.18.35

You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great.

Ps.18.35

You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great.

Ps.18.35

You have given me the shield of your salvation. Your right hand supports me; your gentleness has made me great.

Ps.18.36

You cleared the ground under me so my footing was firm.

Ps.18.36

You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.

Ps.18.36

You enlarged my path under me, So my feet did not slip.

Ps.18.36

You have made a wide path for my feet to keep them from slipping.