Beyond the Hype: Finding Confidence in God's Promises

The Kingdom Manifesto

Financial Discipleship – the Bible on Bribes

From Acceptance to Approval: Living a Life That Pleases the Father

Creating to Heal: 7 Days of Healing Through Art & Prayer

The DEEP Method: How to Discover, Explore, Engage, Practice God's Word

Lessons From Ezra

The Thread for Survivors: A 5-Day Devotional Journal of Healing, Finding Your Voice and Sacred Becoming

Spiritual Training: The Discipline of Fasting and Solitude

Road to Pentecost: Five Days of Spiritual Renewal

The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

New International Version™  (Anglicised), Audio Edition

Holy Bible, New International Version™ (Anglicised), South Asian Audio Edition

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkEZR">
      <div class="chapter ch9" data-usfm="EZR.9">
         <div class="label">9</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Ezra&#8217;s Prayer About Intermarriage</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="EZR.9.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">After these things had been done, the leaders came to me and said, &#8220;The people of Israel, including the priests and the Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring peoples with their detestable practices, like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians and Amorites. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="EZR.9.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">They have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, and have mingled the holy race with the peoples around them. And the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="EZR.9.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="EZR.9.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">When I heard this, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="EZR.9.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of this unfaithfulness of the exiles. And I sat there appalled until the evening sacrifice.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="EZR.9.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="EZR.9.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Then, at the evening sacrifice, I rose from my self-abasement, with my tunic and cloak torn, and fell on my knees with my hands spread out to the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> my God </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="EZR.9.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">and prayed:</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="EZR.9.6"><span class="content">&#8220;I am too ashamed and disgraced, my God, to lift up my face to you, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="EZR.9.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">From the days of our ancestors until now, our guilt has been great. Because of our sins, we and our kings and our priests have been subjected to the sword and captivity, to pillage and humiliation at the hand of foreign kings, as it is today.</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="EZR.9.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="EZR.9.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">&#8220;But now, for a brief moment, the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> our God has been gracious in leaving us a remnant and giving us a firm place</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:8 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">a foothold</span></span></span><span class="content"> in his sanctuary, and so our God gives light to our eyes and a little relief in our bondage. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="EZR.9.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage. He has shown us kindness in the sight of the kings of Persia: He has granted us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and he has given us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="EZR.9.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="EZR.9.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">&#8220;But now, our God, what can we say after this? For we have forsaken the commands </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="EZR.9.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">you gave through your servants the prophets when you said: &#8216;The land you are entering to possess is a land polluted by the corruption of its peoples. By their detestable practices they have filled it with their impurity from one end to the other. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="EZR.9.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Therefore, do not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters for your sons. Do not seek a treaty of friendship with them at any time, that you may be strong and eat the good things of the land and leave it to your children as an everlasting inheritance.&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="pm"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="EZR.9.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="EZR.9.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">&#8220;What has happened to us is a result of our evil deeds and our great guilt, and yet, our God, you have punished us less than our sins deserved and have given us a remnant like this. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="EZR.9.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Shall we then break your commands again and intermarry with the peoples who commit such detestable practices? Would you not be angry enough with us to destroy us, leaving us no remnant or survivor? </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="EZR.9.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, the God of Israel, you are righteous! We are left this day as a remnant. Here we are before you in our guilt, though because of it not one of us can stand in your presence.&#8221;</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkEZR">
      <div class="chapter ch10" data-usfm="EZR.10">
         <div class="label">10</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The People&#8217;s Confession of Sin</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="EZR.10.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">While Ezra was praying and confessing, weeping and throwing himself down before the house of God, a large crowd of Israelites&#8212;men, women and children&#8212;gathered around him. They too wept bitterly. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="EZR.10.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Then Shekaniah son of Jehiel, one of the descendants of Elam, said to Ezra, &#8220;We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women from the peoples around us. But in spite of this, there is still hope for Israel. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="EZR.10.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Now let us make a covenant before our God to send away all these women and their children, in accordance with the counsel of my lord and of those who fear the commands of our God. Let it be done according to the Law. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="EZR.10.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="EZR.10.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="EZR.10.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">So Ezra rose up and put the leading priests and Levites and all Israel under oath to do what had been suggested. And they took the oath. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="EZR.10.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Then Ezra withdrew from before the house of God and went to the room of Jehohanan son of Eliashib. While he was there, he ate no food and drank no water, because he continued to mourn over the unfaithfulness of the exiles.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="EZR.10.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="EZR.10.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">A proclamation was then issued throughout Judah and Jerusalem for all the exiles to assemble in Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="EZR.10.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Anyone who failed to appear within three days would forfeit all his property, in accordance with the decision of the officials and elders, and would himself be expelled from the assembly of the exiles.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="EZR.10.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="EZR.10.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Within the three days, all the men of Judah and Benjamin had gathered in Jerusalem. And on the twentieth day of the ninth month, all the people were sitting in the square before the house of God, greatly distressed by the occasion and because of the rain. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="EZR.10.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Then Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, &#8220;You have been unfaithful; you have married foreign women, adding to Israel&#8217;s guilt. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="EZR.10.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Now honor</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">10:11 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">Now make confession to</span></span></span><span class="content"> the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, the God of your ancestors, and do his will. Separate yourselves from the peoples around you and from your foreign wives.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="EZR.10.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="EZR.10.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">The whole assembly responded with a loud voice: &#8220;You are right! We must do as you say. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="EZR.10.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">But there are many people here and it is the rainy season; so we cannot stand outside. Besides, this matter cannot be taken care of in a day or two, because we have sinned greatly in this thing. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="EZR.10.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Let our officials act for the whole assembly. Then let everyone in our towns who has married a foreign woman come at a set time, along with the elders and judges of each town, until the fierce anger of our God in this matter is turned away from us.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="EZR.10.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Only Jonathan son of Asahel and Jahzeiah son of Tikvah, supported by Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite, opposed this.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="EZR.10.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="EZR.10.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">So the exiles did as was proposed. Ezra the priest selected men who were family heads, one from each family division, and all of them designated by name. On the first day of the tenth month they sat down to investigate the cases, </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="EZR.10.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">and by the first day of the first month they finished dealing with all the men who had married foreign women.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Those Guilty of Intermarriage</span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="EZR.10.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="EZR.10.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Among the descendants of the priests, the following had married foreign women:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="EZR.10.18"><span class="content">From the descendants of Joshua son of Jozadak, and his brothers: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib and Gedaliah. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="EZR.10.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">(They all gave their hands in pledge to put away their wives, and for their guilt they each presented a ram from the flock as a guilt offering.)</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="EZR.10.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="EZR.10.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">From the descendants of Immer:</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="EZR.10.20"><span class="content">Hanani and Zebadiah.</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="EZR.10.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="EZR.10.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">From the descendants of Harim:</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="EZR.10.21"><span class="content">Maaseiah, Elijah, Shemaiah, Jehiel and Uzziah.</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="EZR.10.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="EZR.10.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">From the descendants of Pashhur:</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="EZR.10.22"><span class="content">Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad and Elasah.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="EZR.10.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="EZR.10.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Among the Levites:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="EZR.10.23"><span class="content">Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah (that is, Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah and Eliezer.</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="EZR.10.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="EZR.10.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">From the musicians:</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="EZR.10.24"><span class="content">Eliashib.</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="EZR.10.24"><span class="content">From the gatekeepers:</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="EZR.10.24"><span class="content">Shallum, Telem and Uri.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="EZR.10.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="EZR.10.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">And among the other Israelites:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="EZR.10.25"><span class="content">From the descendants of Parosh:</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="EZR.10.25"><span class="content">Ramiah, Izziah, Malkijah, Mijamin, Eleazar, Malkijah and Benaiah.</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="EZR.10.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="EZR.10.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">From the descendants of Elam:</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="EZR.10.26"><span class="content">Mattaniah, Zechariah, Jehiel, Abdi, Jeremoth and Elijah.</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="EZR.10.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="EZR.10.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">From the descendants of Zattu:</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="EZR.10.27"><span class="content">Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, Jeremoth, Zabad and Aziza.</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="EZR.10.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="EZR.10.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">From the descendants of Bebai:</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="EZR.10.28"><span class="content">Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai and Athlai.</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="EZR.10.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="EZR.10.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">From the descendants of Bani:</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="EZR.10.29"><span class="content">Meshullam, Malluk, Adaiah, Jashub, Sheal and Jeremoth.</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="EZR.10.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="EZR.10.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">From the descendants of Pahath-Moab:</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="EZR.10.30"><span class="content">Adna, Kelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, Binnui and Manasseh.</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="EZR.10.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="EZR.10.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">From the descendants of Harim:</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="EZR.10.31"><span class="content">Eliezer, Ishijah, Malkijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="EZR.10.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">Benjamin, Malluk and Shemariah.</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="EZR.10.32"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="EZR.10.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">From the descendants of Hashum:</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="EZR.10.33"><span class="content">Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh and Shimei.</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="EZR.10.33"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="EZR.10.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">From the descendants of Bani:</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="EZR.10.34"><span class="content">Maadai, Amram, Uel, </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="EZR.10.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">Benaiah, Bedeiah, Keluhi, </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="EZR.10.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib, </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="EZR.10.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">Mattaniah, Mattenai and Jaasu.</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="EZR.10.37"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="EZR.10.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">From the descendants of Binnui:</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">10:37,38 </span><span class="ft">See Septuagint (also 1 Esdras 9:34); Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">Jaasu </span><span class="fv">38 </span><span class="fqa">and Bani and Binnui,</span></span></span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="EZR.10.38"><span class="content">Shimei, </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="EZR.10.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah, </span></span><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="EZR.10.40"><span class="label">40</span><span class="content">Maknadebai, Shashai, Sharai, </span></span><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="EZR.10.41"><span class="label">41</span><span class="content">Azarel, Shelemiah, Shemariah, </span></span><span class="verse v42" data-usfm="EZR.10.42"><span class="label">42</span><span class="content">Shallum, Amariah and Joseph.</span></span></div><div class="li1"><span class="verse v42" data-usfm="EZR.10.42"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v43" data-usfm="EZR.10.43"><span class="label">43</span><span class="content">From the descendants of Nebo:</span></span></div><div class="li2"><span class="verse v43" data-usfm="EZR.10.43"><span class="content">Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel and Benaiah.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v43" data-usfm="EZR.10.43"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v44" data-usfm="EZR.10.44"><span class="label">44</span><span class="content">All these had married foreign women, and some of them had children by these wives.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">10:44 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">and they sent them away with their children</span></span></span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPSA">
      <div class="chapter ch28" data-usfm="PSA.28">
         <div class="label">28</div><div class="cl"><span class="heading">Psalm 28</span></div><div class="d"><span class="content">Of David.</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.28.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">To you, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, I call;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.28.1"><span class="content">you are my Rock,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.28.1"><span class="content">do not turn a deaf ear to me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.28.1"><span class="content">For if you remain silent,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.28.1"><span class="content">I will be like those who go down to the pit.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.28.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.28.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Hear my cry for mercy</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.28.2"><span class="content">as I call to you for help,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.28.2"><span class="content">as I lift up my hands</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.28.2"><span class="content">toward your Most Holy Place.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.28.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.28.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Do not drag me away with the wicked,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.28.3"><span class="content">with those who do evil,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.28.3"><span class="content">who speak cordially with their neighbors</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.28.3"><span class="content">but harbor malice in their hearts.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.28.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.28.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Repay them for their deeds</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.28.4"><span class="content">and for their evil work;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.28.4"><span class="content">repay them for what their hands have done</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.28.4"><span class="content">and bring back on them what they deserve.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.28.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.28.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Because they have no regard for the deeds of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.28.5"><span class="content">and what his hands have done,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.28.5"><span class="content">he will tear them down</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.28.5"><span class="content">and never build them up again.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.28.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.28.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Praise be to the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.28.6"><span class="content">for he has heard my cry for mercy.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.28.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.28.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> is my strength and my shield;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.28.7"><span class="content">my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.28.7"><span class="content">My heart leaps for joy,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.28.7"><span class="content">and with my song I praise him.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.28.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.28.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> is the strength of his people,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.28.8"><span class="content">a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.28.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.28.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Save your people and bless your inheritance;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.28.9"><span class="content">be their shepherd and carry them forever.</span></span></div>
      </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkJAS">
      <div class="chapter ch3" data-usfm="JAS.3">
         <div class="label">3</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Taming the Tongue</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="JAS.3.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="JAS.3.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="JAS.3.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JAS.3.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JAS.3.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="JAS.3.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JAS.3.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one&#8217;s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JAS.3.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JAS.3.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JAS.3.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JAS.3.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="JAS.3.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God&#8217;s likeness. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="JAS.3.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="JAS.3.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JAS.3.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Two Kinds of Wisdom</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JAS.3.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JAS.3.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="JAS.3.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="JAS.3.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Such &#8220;wisdom&#8221; does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="JAS.3.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="JAS.3.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="JAS.3.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JAS.3.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bk2PE">
      <div class="chapter ch1" data-usfm="2PE.1">
         <div class="label">1</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2PE.1.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2PE.1.1"><span class="content">To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2PE.1.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2PE.1.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Confirming One&#8217;s Calling and Election</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2PE.1.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2PE.1.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2PE.1.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2PE.1.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2PE.1.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2PE.1.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2PE.1.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2PE.1.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2PE.1.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2PE.1.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2PE.1.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Therefore, my brothers and sisters,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:10 </span><span class="ft">The Greek word for </span><span class="fq">brothers and sisters </span><span class="ft">(<span class="tl">adelphoi</span>) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God&#8217;s family.</span></span></span><span class="content"> make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2PE.1.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Prophecy of Scripture</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2PE.1.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2PE.1.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2PE.1.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2PE.1.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2PE.1.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2PE.1.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2PE.1.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2PE.1.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, &#8220;This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:17 </span><span class="ft">Matt. 17:5; Mark 9:7; Luke 9:35</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="2PE.1.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="2PE.1.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="2PE.1.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2PE.1.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet&#8217;s own interpretation of things. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="2PE.1.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

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