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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 bkJOB">
      <div class="chapter ch12" data-usfm="JOB.12">
         <div class="label">12</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Job</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="JOB.12.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Then Job replied:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="JOB.12.1"></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="JOB.12.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">&#8220;Doubtless you are the only people who matter,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="JOB.12.2"><span class="content">and wisdom will die with you!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="JOB.12.2"></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JOB.12.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">But I have a mind as well as you;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JOB.12.3"><span class="content">I am not inferior to you.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JOB.12.3"><span class="content">Who does not know all these things?</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JOB.12.3"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JOB.12.3"></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JOB.12.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">&#8220;I have become a laughingstock to my friends,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JOB.12.4"><span class="content">though I called on God and he answered&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JOB.12.4"><span class="content">a mere laughingstock, though righteous and blameless!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JOB.12.4"></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="JOB.12.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Those who are at ease have contempt for misfortune</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="JOB.12.5"><span class="content">as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="JOB.12.5"></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JOB.12.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">The tents of marauders are undisturbed,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JOB.12.6"><span class="content">and those who provoke God are secure&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JOB.12.6"><span class="content">those God has in his hand.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">12:6 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">those whose god is in their own hand</span></span></span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JOB.12.6"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JOB.12.6"></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JOB.12.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">&#8220;But ask the animals, and they will teach you,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JOB.12.7"><span class="content">or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JOB.12.7"></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JOB.12.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JOB.12.8"><span class="content">or let the fish in the sea inform you.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JOB.12.8"></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="JOB.12.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Which of all these does not know</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="JOB.12.9"><span class="content">that the hand of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> has done this?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="JOB.12.9"></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="JOB.12.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">In his hand is the life of every creature</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="JOB.12.10"><span class="content">and the breath of all mankind.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="JOB.12.10"></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="JOB.12.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Does not the ear test words</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="JOB.12.11"><span class="content">as the tongue tastes food?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="JOB.12.11"></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JOB.12.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Is not wisdom found among the aged?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JOB.12.12"><span class="content">Does not long life bring understanding?</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JOB.12.12"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JOB.12.12"></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JOB.12.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">&#8220;To God belong wisdom and power;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JOB.12.13"><span class="content">counsel and understanding are his.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JOB.12.13"></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="JOB.12.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">What he tears down cannot be rebuilt;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="JOB.12.14"><span class="content">those he imprisons cannot be released.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="JOB.12.14"></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="JOB.12.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">If he holds back the waters, there is drought;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="JOB.12.15"><span class="content">if he lets them loose, they devastate the land.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="JOB.12.15"></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="JOB.12.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">To him belong strength and insight;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="JOB.12.16"><span class="content">both deceived and deceiver are his.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="JOB.12.16"></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="JOB.12.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">He leads rulers away stripped</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="JOB.12.17"><span class="content">and makes fools of judges.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="JOB.12.17"></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JOB.12.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">He takes off the shackles put on by kings</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JOB.12.18"><span class="content">and ties a loincloth</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">12:18 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">shackles of kings / and ties a belt</span></span></span><span class="content"> around their waist.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JOB.12.18"></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="JOB.12.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">He leads priests away stripped</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="JOB.12.19"><span class="content">and overthrows officials long established.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="JOB.12.19"></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="JOB.12.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">He silences the lips of trusted advisers</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="JOB.12.20"><span class="content">and takes away the discernment of elders.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="JOB.12.20"></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JOB.12.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">He pours contempt on nobles</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JOB.12.21"><span class="content">and disarms the mighty.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JOB.12.21"></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="JOB.12.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">He reveals the deep things of darkness</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="JOB.12.22"><span class="content">and brings utter darkness into the light.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="JOB.12.22"></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="JOB.12.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">He makes nations great, and destroys them;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="JOB.12.23"><span class="content">he enlarges nations, and disperses them.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="JOB.12.23"></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="JOB.12.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">He deprives the leaders of the earth of their reason;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="JOB.12.24"><span class="content">he makes them wander in a trackless waste.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="JOB.12.24"></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="JOB.12.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">They grope in darkness with no light;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="JOB.12.25"><span class="content">he makes them stagger like drunkards.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="JOB.12.25"></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkJOB">
      <div class="chapter ch13" data-usfm="JOB.13">
         <div class="label">13</div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="JOB.13.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">&#8220;My eyes have seen all this,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="JOB.13.1"><span class="content">my ears have heard and understood it.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="JOB.13.1"></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="JOB.13.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">What you know, I also know;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="JOB.13.2"><span class="content">I am not inferior to you.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="JOB.13.2"></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JOB.13.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">But I desire to speak to the Almighty</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JOB.13.3"><span class="content">and to argue my case with God.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JOB.13.3"></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JOB.13.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">You, however, smear me with lies;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JOB.13.4"><span class="content">you are worthless physicians, all of you!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JOB.13.4"></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="JOB.13.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">If only you would be altogether silent!</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="JOB.13.5"><span class="content">For you, that would be wisdom.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="JOB.13.5"></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JOB.13.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Hear now my argument;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JOB.13.6"><span class="content">listen to the pleas of my lips.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JOB.13.6"></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JOB.13.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Will you speak wickedly on God&#8217;s behalf?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JOB.13.7"><span class="content">Will you speak deceitfully for him?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JOB.13.7"></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JOB.13.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Will you show him partiality?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JOB.13.8"><span class="content">Will you argue the case for God?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JOB.13.8"></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="JOB.13.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Would it turn out well if he examined you?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="JOB.13.9"><span class="content">Could you deceive him as you might deceive a mortal?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="JOB.13.9"></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="JOB.13.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">He would surely call you to account</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="JOB.13.10"><span class="content">if you secretly showed partiality.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="JOB.13.10"></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="JOB.13.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Would not his splendor terrify you?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="JOB.13.11"><span class="content">Would not the dread of him fall on you?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="JOB.13.11"></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JOB.13.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Your maxims are proverbs of ashes;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JOB.13.12"><span class="content">your defenses are defenses of clay.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JOB.13.12"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JOB.13.12"></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JOB.13.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">&#8220;Keep silent and let me speak;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JOB.13.13"><span class="content">then let come to me what may.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JOB.13.13"></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="JOB.13.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Why do I put myself in jeopardy</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="JOB.13.14"><span class="content">and take my life in my hands?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="JOB.13.14"></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="JOB.13.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="JOB.13.15"><span class="content">I will surely</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">13:15 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">He will surely slay me; I have no hope&#8212; / yet I will</span></span></span><span class="content"> defend my ways to his face.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="JOB.13.15"></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="JOB.13.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="JOB.13.16"><span class="content">for no godless person would dare come before him!</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="JOB.13.16"></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="JOB.13.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Listen carefully to what I say;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="JOB.13.17"><span class="content">let my words ring in your ears.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="JOB.13.17"></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JOB.13.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Now that I have prepared my case,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JOB.13.18"><span class="content">I know I will be vindicated.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JOB.13.18"></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="JOB.13.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Can anyone bring charges against me?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="JOB.13.19"><span class="content">If so, I will be silent and die.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="JOB.13.19"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="JOB.13.19"></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="JOB.13.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">&#8220;Only grant me these two things, God,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="JOB.13.20"><span class="content">and then I will not hide from you:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="JOB.13.20"></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JOB.13.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Withdraw your hand far from me,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JOB.13.21"><span class="content">and stop frightening me with your terrors.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JOB.13.21"></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="JOB.13.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Then summon me and I will answer,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="JOB.13.22"><span class="content">or let me speak, and you reply to me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="JOB.13.22"></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="JOB.13.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">How many wrongs and sins have I committed?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="JOB.13.23"><span class="content">Show me my offense and my sin.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="JOB.13.23"></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="JOB.13.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Why do you hide your face</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="JOB.13.24"><span class="content">and consider me your enemy?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="JOB.13.24"></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="JOB.13.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Will you torment a windblown leaf?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="JOB.13.25"><span class="content">Will you chase after dry chaff?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="JOB.13.25"></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="JOB.13.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">For you write down bitter things against me</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="JOB.13.26"><span class="content">and make me reap the sins of my youth.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="JOB.13.26"></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="JOB.13.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">You fasten my feet in shackles;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="JOB.13.27"><span class="content">you keep close watch on all my paths</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="JOB.13.27"><span class="content">by putting marks on the soles of my feet.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="JOB.13.27"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="JOB.13.27"></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="JOB.13.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">&#8220;So man wastes away like something rotten,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="JOB.13.28"><span class="content">like a garment eaten by moths.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="JOB.13.28"></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkLUK">
      <div class="chapter ch12" data-usfm="LUK.12">
         <div class="label">12</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Warnings and Encouragements</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="LUK.12.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Be</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">12:1 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">speak to his disciples, saying: &#8220;First of all, be</span></span></span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="LUK.12.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="LUK.12.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="LUK.12.3"></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="LUK.12.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="LUK.12.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="LUK.12.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LUK.12.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don&#8217;t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="LUK.12.7"></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="LUK.12.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="LUK.12.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="LUK.12.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="LUK.12.10"></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="LUK.12.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say,</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LUK.12.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Parable of the Rich Fool</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="LUK.12.12"></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LUK.12.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Someone in the crowd said to him, &#8220;Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="LUK.12.13"></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="LUK.12.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Jesus replied, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?&#8221;</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LUK.12.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Then he said to them, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="LUK.12.15"></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="LUK.12.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">And he told them this parable: </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="LUK.12.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">He thought to himself, &#8216;What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.&#8217;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="LUK.12.17"></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="LUK.12.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Then he said, &#8216;This is what I&#8217;ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="LUK.12.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">And I&#8217;ll say to myself, &#8220;You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.&#8221;&#8198;&#8217;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="LUK.12.19"></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LUK.12.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;But God said to him, &#8216;You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?&#8217;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="LUK.12.20"></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="LUK.12.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Do Not Worry</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="LUK.12.21"></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="LUK.12.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Then Jesus said to his disciples: </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="LUK.12.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="LUK.12.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="LUK.12.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">12:25 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">single cubit to your height</span></span></span><span class="wj"><span class="content">?</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="LUK.12.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="LUK.12.26"></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="LUK.12.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="LUK.12.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you&#8212;you of little faith!</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="LUK.12.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="LUK.12.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="LUK.12.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="LUK.12.31"></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="LUK.12.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="LUK.12.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="LUK.12.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.</span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Watchfulness</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="LUK.12.34"></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="LUK.12.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning,</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="LUK.12.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="LUK.12.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="LUK.12.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="LUK.12.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="LUK.12.40"><span class="label">40</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="LUK.12.40"></span><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="LUK.12.41"><span class="label">41</span><span class="content">Peter asked, &#8220;Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="LUK.12.41"></span><span class="verse v42" data-usfm="LUK.12.42"><span class="label">42</span><span class="content">The Lord answered, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time?</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v43" data-usfm="LUK.12.43"><span class="label">43</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v44" data-usfm="LUK.12.44"><span class="label">44</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v45" data-usfm="LUK.12.45"><span class="label">45</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">But suppose the servant says to himself, &#8216;My master is taking a long time in coming,&#8217; and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v46" data-usfm="LUK.12.46"><span class="label">46</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers.</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v46" data-usfm="LUK.12.46"></span><span class="verse v47" data-usfm="LUK.12.47"><span class="label">47</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;The servant who knows the master&#8217;s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v48" data-usfm="LUK.12.48"><span class="label">48</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.</span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Not Peace but Division</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v48" data-usfm="LUK.12.48"></span><span class="verse v49" data-usfm="LUK.12.49"><span class="label">49</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v50" data-usfm="LUK.12.50"><span class="label">50</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed!</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v51" data-usfm="LUK.12.51"><span class="label">51</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v52" data-usfm="LUK.12.52"><span class="label">52</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v53" data-usfm="LUK.12.53"><span class="label">53</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Interpreting the Times</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v53" data-usfm="LUK.12.53"></span><span class="verse v54" data-usfm="LUK.12.54"><span class="label">54</span><span class="content">He said to the crowd: </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, &#8216;It&#8217;s going to rain,&#8217; and it does.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v55" data-usfm="LUK.12.55"><span class="label">55</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">And when the south wind blows, you say, &#8216;It&#8217;s going to be hot,&#8217; and it is.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v56" data-usfm="LUK.12.56"><span class="label">56</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don&#8217;t know how to interpret this present time?</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v56" data-usfm="LUK.12.56"></span><span class="verse v57" data-usfm="LUK.12.57"><span class="label">57</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Why don&#8217;t you judge for yourselves what is right?</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v58" data-usfm="LUK.12.58"><span class="label">58</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">As you are going with your adversary to the magistrate, try hard to be reconciled on the way, or your adversary may drag you off to the judge, and the judge turn you over to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v59" data-usfm="LUK.12.59"><span class="label">59</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.&#8221;</span></span></span></div>
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