Living With a Strong-Willed Child

Islands, Tides, and the Deep: A Marriage Message From the Sea

Financial Discipleship – the Bible on Bribes

Be Ye Holy: The Holy Spirit's Role in Our Lives

Road to Pentecost: Five Days of Spiritual Renewal

Spiritual Training: The Discipline of Fasting and Solitude

Alive and on Fire - a Video Devo With Illusionist, Dustin Tavella

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

Men of God: Ancient Virtues for Modern Warriors

The Kingdom Manifesto

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 bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8">
         <div class="label">8</div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.8.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">And Saul approved of their killing him.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Church Persecuted and Scattered</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.8.1"><span class="content">On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.8.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.8.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Philip in Samaria</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.8.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.8.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.8.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.8.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.8.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.8.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">So there was great joy in that city.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Simon the Sorcerer</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.8.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.8.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.8.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, &#8220;This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.8.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.8.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.8.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.8.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.8.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.8.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.8.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.8.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.8.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.8.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles&#8217; hands, he offered them money </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.8.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">and said, &#8220;Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.8.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.8.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Peter answered: &#8220;May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.8.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.8.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.8.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.8.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.8.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Then Simon answered, &#8220;Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.8.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.8.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord and testified about Jesus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Philip and the Ethiopian</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.8.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.8.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, &#8220;Go south to the road&#8212;the desert road&#8212;that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.8.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:27 </span><span class="ft">That is, from the southern Nile region</span></span></span><span class="content"> eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means &#8220;queen of the Ethiopians&#8221;). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.8.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.8.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">The Spirit told Philip, &#8220;Go to that chariot and stay near it.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.8.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.8.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. &#8220;Do you understand what you are reading?&#8221; Philip asked.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.8.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.8.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">&#8220;How can I,&#8221; he said, &#8220;unless someone explains it to me?&#8221; So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.8.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.8.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">This is the passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.8.32"><span class="content">&#8220;He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.8.32"><span class="content">and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.8.32"><span class="content">so he did not open his mouth.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.8.32"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.8.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.8.33"><span class="content">Who can speak of his descendants?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.8.33"><span class="content">For his life was taken from the earth.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:33 </span><span class="ft">Isaiah 53:7,8 (see Septuagint)</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.8.33"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.8.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">The eunuch asked Philip, &#8220;Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.8.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.8.35"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.8.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, &#8220;Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.8.37"><span class="label">[37]</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:37 </span><span class="ft">Some manuscripts include here </span><span class="fqa">Philip said, &#8220;If you believe with all your heart, you may.&#8221; The eunuch answered, &#8220;I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.&#8221;</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="ACT.8.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.8.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. </span></span><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="ACT.8.40"><span class="label">40</span><span class="content">Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkACT">
      <div class="chapter ch9" data-usfm="ACT.9">
         <div class="label">9</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Saul&#8217;s Conversion</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.9.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord&#8217;s disciples. He went to the high priest </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.9.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.9.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.9.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.9.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.9.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">&#8220;Who are you, Lord?&#8221; Saul asked.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.9.5"><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,&#8221;</span></span><span class="content"> he replied. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.9.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.9.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.9.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.9.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.9.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.9.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.9.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Ananias!&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.9.10"><span class="content">&#8220;Yes, Lord,&#8221; he answered.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.9.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.9.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">The Lord told him, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.9.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.9.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.9.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">&#8220;Lord,&#8221; Ananias answered, &#8220;I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.9.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.9.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.9.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">But the Lord said to Ananias, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.9.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.9.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.9.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, &#8220;Brother Saul, the Lord&#8212;Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here&#8212;has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.9.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul&#8217;s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.9.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">and after taking some food, he regained his strength.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.9.19"><span class="content">Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.9.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.9.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">All those who heard him were astonished and asked, &#8220;Isn&#8217;t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn&#8217;t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.9.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.9.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.9.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">After many days had gone by, there was a conspiracy among the Jews to kill him, </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.9.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.9.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.9.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.9.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.9.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.9.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.9.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">He talked and debated with the Hellenistic Jews,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">9:29 </span><span class="ft">That is, Jews who had adopted the Greek language and culture</span></span></span><span class="content"> but they tried to kill him. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.9.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">When the believers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.9.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.9.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Aeneas and Dorcas</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.9.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.9.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the Lord&#8217;s people who lived in Lydda. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.9.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.9.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">&#8220;Aeneas,&#8221; Peter said to him, &#8220;Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.&#8221; Immediately Aeneas got up. </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.9.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.9.35"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.9.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.9.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="ACT.9.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, &#8220;Please come at once!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="ACT.9.38"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.9.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.9.39"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="ACT.9.40"><span class="label">40</span><span class="content">Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, &#8220;Tabitha, get up.&#8221; She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. </span></span><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="ACT.9.41"><span class="label">41</span><span class="content">He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. </span></span><span class="verse v42" data-usfm="ACT.9.42"><span class="label">42</span><span class="content">This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. </span></span><span class="verse v43" data-usfm="ACT.9.43"><span class="label">43</span><span class="content">Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPRO">
      <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="PRO.8">
         <div class="label">8</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Wisdom&#8217;s Call</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.8.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Does not wisdom call out?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.8.1"><span class="content">Does not understanding raise her voice?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PRO.8.1"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.8.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">At the highest point along the way,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.8.2"><span class="content">where the paths meet, she takes her stand;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PRO.8.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.8.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">beside the gate leading into the city,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.8.3"><span class="content">at the entrance, she cries aloud:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PRO.8.3"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.8.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">&#8220;To you, O people, I call out;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.8.4"><span class="content">I raise my voice to all mankind.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PRO.8.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.8.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">You who are simple, gain prudence;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.8.5"><span class="content">you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:5 </span><span class="ft">Septuagint; Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">foolish, instruct your minds</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PRO.8.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.8.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.8.6"><span class="content">I open my lips to speak what is right.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PRO.8.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.8.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">My mouth speaks what is true,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.8.7"><span class="content">for my lips detest wickedness.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PRO.8.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.8.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">All the words of my mouth are just;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.8.8"><span class="content">none of them is crooked or perverse.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PRO.8.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.8.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">To the discerning all of them are right;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.8.9"><span class="content">they are upright to those who have found knowledge.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PRO.8.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.8.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Choose my instruction instead of silver,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.8.10"><span class="content">knowledge rather than choice gold,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PRO.8.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.8.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">for wisdom is more precious than rubies,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.8.11"><span class="content">and nothing you desire can compare with her.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PRO.8.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.8.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">&#8220;I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.8.12"><span class="content">I possess knowledge and discretion.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PRO.8.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.8.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">To fear the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> is to hate evil;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.8.13"><span class="content">I hate pride and arrogance,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.8.13"><span class="content">evil behavior and perverse speech.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PRO.8.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.8.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Counsel and sound judgment are mine;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.8.14"><span class="content">I have insight, I have power.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PRO.8.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.8.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">By me kings reign</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.8.15"><span class="content">and rulers issue decrees that are just;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PRO.8.15"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.8.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">by me princes govern,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.8.16"><span class="content">and nobles&#8212;all who rule on earth.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:16 </span><span class="ft">Some Hebrew manuscripts and Septuagint; other Hebrew manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">all righteous rulers</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PRO.8.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.8.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">I love those who love me,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.8.17"><span class="content">and those who seek me find me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PRO.8.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.8.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">With me are riches and honor,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.8.18"><span class="content">enduring wealth and prosperity.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="PRO.8.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.8.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">My fruit is better than fine gold;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.8.19"><span class="content">what I yield surpasses choice silver.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="PRO.8.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.8.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">I walk in the way of righteousness,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.8.20"><span class="content">along the paths of justice,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="PRO.8.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.8.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.8.21"><span class="content">and making their treasuries full.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="PRO.8.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.8.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">&#8220;The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> brought me forth as the first of his works,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:22 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">way</span><span class="ft">; or </span><span class="fqa">dominion</span></span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:22 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">The <span class="nd">Lord</span> possessed me at the beginning of his work</span><span class="ft">; or </span><span class="fqa">The <span class="nd">Lord</span> brought me forth at the beginning of his work</span></span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.8.22"><span class="content">before his deeds of old;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="PRO.8.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.8.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">I was formed long ages ago,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.8.23"><span class="content">at the very beginning, when the world came to be.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="PRO.8.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.8.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">When there were no watery depths, I was given birth,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.8.24"><span class="content">when there were no springs overflowing with water;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="PRO.8.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.8.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">before the mountains were settled in place,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.8.25"><span class="content">before the hills, I was given birth,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="PRO.8.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.8.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">before he made the world or its fields</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.8.26"><span class="content">or any of the dust of the earth.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="PRO.8.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.8.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">I was there when he set the heavens in place,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.8.27"><span class="content">when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="PRO.8.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.8.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">when he established the clouds above</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.8.28"><span class="content">and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="PRO.8.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.8.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">when he gave the sea its boundary</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.8.29"><span class="content">so the waters would not overstep his command,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.8.29"><span class="content">and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="PRO.8.29"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.8.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Then I was constantly</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">8:30 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">was the artisan</span><span class="ft">; or </span><span class="fqa">was a little child</span></span></span><span class="content"> at his side.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.8.30"><span class="content">I was filled with delight day after day,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.8.30"><span class="content">rejoicing always in his presence,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="PRO.8.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.8.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">rejoicing in his whole world</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.8.31"><span class="content">and delighting in mankind.</span></span></div><div class="b"></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="PRO.8.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.8.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">&#8220;Now then, my children, listen to me;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.8.32"><span class="content">blessed are those who keep my ways.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="PRO.8.32"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.8.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">Listen to my instruction and be wise;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.8.33"><span class="content">do not disregard it.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="PRO.8.33"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="PRO.8.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">Blessed are those who listen to me,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="PRO.8.34"><span class="content">watching daily at my doors,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="PRO.8.34"><span class="content">waiting at my doorway.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="PRO.8.34"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="PRO.8.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">For those who find me find life</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="PRO.8.35"><span class="content">and receive favor from the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="PRO.8.35"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="PRO.8.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">But those who fail to find me harm themselves;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="PRO.8.36"><span class="content">all who hate me love death.&#8221;</span></span></div>
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A Church Alive: 21 Days of Reading + PrayerSample

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