Freedom in Forgiveness: Discover the Healing in Letting Go by Sara Brunsvold

IHCC Daily Bible Reading Plan - July

IHCC Daily Bible Reading Plan - June

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Spiritual Beings

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The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

New International Version™  (Anglicised), Audio Edition

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

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      <div class="chapter ch16" data-usfm="2SA.16">
         <div class="label">16</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">David and Ziba</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2SA.16.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">When David had gone a short distance beyond the summit, there was Ziba, the steward of Mephibosheth, waiting to meet him. He had a string of donkeys saddled and loaded with two hundred loaves of bread, a hundred cakes of raisins, a hundred cakes of figs and a skin of wine.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2SA.16.1"></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2SA.16.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">The king asked Ziba, &#8220;Why have you brought these?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2SA.16.2"><span class="content">Ziba answered, &#8220;The donkeys are for the king&#8217;s household to ride on, the bread and fruit are for the men to eat, and the wine is to refresh those who become exhausted in the wilderness.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2SA.16.2"></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2SA.16.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">The king then asked, &#8220;Where is your master&#8217;s grandson?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2SA.16.3"><span class="content">Ziba said to him, &#8220;He is staying in Jerusalem, because he thinks, &#8216;Today the Israelites will restore to me my grandfather&#8217;s kingdom.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2SA.16.3"></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2SA.16.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Then the king said to Ziba, &#8220;All that belonged to Mephibosheth is now yours.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2SA.16.4"><span class="content">&#8220;I humbly bow,&#8221; Ziba said. &#8220;May I find favor in your eyes, my lord the king.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Shimei Curses David</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2SA.16.4"></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2SA.16.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the same clan as Saul&#8217;s family came out from there. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and he cursed as he came out. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2SA.16.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">He pelted David and all the king&#8217;s officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David&#8217;s right and left. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2SA.16.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">As he cursed, Shimei said, &#8220;Get out, get out, you murderer, you scoundrel! </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2SA.16.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> has given the kingdom into the hands of your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a murderer!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2SA.16.8"></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2SA.16.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Then Abishai son of Zeruiah said to the king, &#8220;Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2SA.16.9"></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2SA.16.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">But the king said, &#8220;What does this have to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> said to him, &#8216;Curse David,&#8217; who can ask, &#8216;Why do you do this?&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2SA.16.10"></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2SA.16.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">David then said to Abishai and all his officials, &#8220;My son, my own flesh and blood, is trying to kill me. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> has told him to. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2SA.16.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">It may be that the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> will look upon my misery and restore to me his covenant blessing instead of his curse today.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2SA.16.12"></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2SA.16.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2SA.16.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted. And there he refreshed himself.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Advice of Ahithophel and Hushai</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2SA.16.14"></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2SA.16.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Meanwhile, Absalom and all the men of Israel came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel was with him. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2SA.16.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Then Hushai the Arkite, David&#8217;s confidant, went to Absalom and said to him, &#8220;Long live the king! Long live the king!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2SA.16.16"></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2SA.16.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Absalom said to Hushai, &#8220;So this is the love you show your friend? If he&#8217;s your friend, why didn&#8217;t you go with him?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2SA.16.17"></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="2SA.16.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Hushai said to Absalom, &#8220;No, the one chosen by the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, by these people, and by all the men of Israel&#8212;his I will be, and I will remain with him. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="2SA.16.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Furthermore, whom should I serve? Should I not serve the son? Just as I served your father, so I will serve you.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="2SA.16.19"></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2SA.16.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Absalom said to Ahithophel, &#8220;Give us your advice. What should we do?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2SA.16.20"></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="2SA.16.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Ahithophel answered, &#8220;Sleep with your father&#8217;s concubines whom he left to take care of the palace. Then all Israel will hear that you have made yourself obnoxious to your father, and the hands of everyone with you will be more resolute.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2SA.16.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">So they pitched a tent for Absalom on the roof, and he slept with his father&#8217;s concubines in the sight of all Israel.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2SA.16.22"></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="2SA.16.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God. That was how both David and Absalom regarded all of Ahithophel&#8217;s advice.</span></span></div>
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   <div class="book bk2SA">
      <div class="chapter ch17" data-usfm="2SA.17">
         <div class="label">17</div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2SA.17.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Ahithophel said to Absalom, &#8220;I would</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">17:1 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">Let me</span></span></span><span class="content"> choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2SA.17.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">I would attack him while he is weary and weak. I would strike him with terror, and then all the people with him will flee. I would strike down only the king </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2SA.17.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">and bring all the people back to you. The death of the man you seek will mean the return of all; all the people will be unharmed.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2SA.17.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">This plan seemed good to Absalom and to all the elders of Israel.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2SA.17.4"></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2SA.17.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">But Absalom said, &#8220;Summon also Hushai the Arkite, so we can hear what he has to say as well.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2SA.17.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">When Hushai came to him, Absalom said, &#8220;Ahithophel has given this advice. Should we do what he says? If not, give us your opinion.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2SA.17.6"></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2SA.17.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Hushai replied to Absalom, &#8220;The advice Ahithophel has given is not good this time. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2SA.17.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">You know your father and his men; they are fighters, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Besides, your father is an experienced fighter; he will not spend the night with the troops. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2SA.17.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Even now, he is hidden in a cave or some other place. If he should attack your troops first,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">17:9 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">When some of the men fall at the first attack</span></span></span><span class="content"> whoever hears about it will say, &#8216;There has been a slaughter among the troops who follow Absalom.&#8217; </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2SA.17.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Then even the bravest soldier, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, will melt with fear, for all Israel knows that your father is a fighter and that those with him are brave.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2SA.17.10"></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2SA.17.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">&#8220;So I advise you: Let all Israel, from Dan to Beersheba&#8212;as numerous as the sand on the seashore&#8212;be gathered to you, with you yourself leading them into battle. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2SA.17.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Then we will attack him wherever he may be found, and we will fall on him as dew settles on the ground. Neither he nor any of his men will be left alive. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2SA.17.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">If he withdraws into a city, then all Israel will bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it down to the valley until not so much as a pebble is left.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2SA.17.13"></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2SA.17.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Absalom and all the men of Israel said, &#8220;The advice of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel.&#8221; For the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> had determined to frustrate the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2SA.17.14"></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2SA.17.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Hushai told Zadok and Abiathar, the priests, &#8220;Ahithophel has advised Absalom and the elders of Israel to do such and such, but I have advised them to do so and so. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2SA.17.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Now send a message at once and tell David, &#8216;Do not spend the night at the fords in the wilderness; cross over without fail, or the king and all the people with him will be swallowed up.&#8217;&#8198;&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2SA.17.16"></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2SA.17.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying at En Rogel. A female servant was to go and inform them, and they were to go and tell King David, for they could not risk being seen entering the city. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="2SA.17.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">But a young man saw them and told Absalom. So the two of them left at once and went to the house of a man in Bahurim. He had a well in his courtyard, and they climbed down into it. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="2SA.17.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">His wife took a covering and spread it out over the opening of the well and scattered grain over it. No one knew anything about it.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="2SA.17.19"></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2SA.17.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">When Absalom&#8217;s men came to the woman at the house, they asked, &#8220;Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2SA.17.20"><span class="content">The woman answered them, &#8220;They crossed over the brook.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">17:20 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">&#8220;They passed by the sheep pen toward the water.&#8221;</span></span></span><span class="content"> The men searched but found no one, so they returned to Jerusalem.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2SA.17.20"></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="2SA.17.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">After they had gone, the two climbed out of the well and went to inform King David. They said to him, &#8220;Set out and cross the river at once; Ahithophel has advised such and such against you.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2SA.17.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">So David and all the people with him set out and crossed the Jordan. By daybreak, no one was left who had not crossed the Jordan.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2SA.17.22"></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="2SA.17.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his house in order and then hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father&#8217;s tomb.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Absalom&#8217;s Death</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="2SA.17.23"></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="2SA.17.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">David went to Mahanaim, and Absalom crossed the Jordan with all the men of Israel. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="2SA.17.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Absalom had appointed Amasa over the army in place of Joab. Amasa was the son of Jether,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">17:25 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">Ithra</span><span class="ft">, a variant of </span><span class="fq">Jether</span></span></span><span class="content"> an Ishmaelite</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">17:25 </span><span class="ft">Some Septuagint manuscripts (see also <span class="ref" usfm="1CH.2.17">1 Chron. 2:17</span>); Hebrew and other Septuagint manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">Israelite</span></span></span><span class="content"> who had married Abigail,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">17:25 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">Abigal</span><span class="ft">, a variant of </span><span class="fq">Abigail</span></span></span><span class="content"> the daughter of Nahash and sister of Zeruiah the mother of Joab. </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="2SA.17.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">The Israelites and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="2SA.17.26"></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="2SA.17.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">When David came to Mahanaim, Shobi son of Nahash from Rabbah of the Ammonites, and Makir son of Ammiel from Lo Debar, and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="2SA.17.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">brought bedding and bowls and articles of pottery. They also brought wheat and barley, flour and roasted grain, beans and lentils,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">17:28 </span><span class="ft">Most Septuagint manuscripts and Syriac; Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">lentils, and roasted grain</span></span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="2SA.17.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">honey and curds, sheep, and cheese from cows&#8217; milk for David and his people to eat. For they said, &#8220;The people have become exhausted and hungry and thirsty in the wilderness.&#8221;</span></span></div>
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      <div class="chapter ch18" data-usfm="2SA.18">
         <div class="label">18</div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="2SA.18.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">David mustered the men who were with him and appointed over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2SA.18.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">David sent out his troops, a third under the command of Joab, a third under Joab&#8217;s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. The king told the troops, &#8220;I myself will surely march out with you.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="2SA.18.2"></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2SA.18.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">But the men said, &#8220;You must not go out; if we are forced to flee, they won&#8217;t care about us. Even if half of us die, they won&#8217;t care; but you are worth ten thousand of us.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">18:3 </span><span class="ft">Two Hebrew manuscripts, some Septuagint manuscripts and Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">care; for now there are ten thousand like us</span></span></span><span class="content"> It would be better now for you to give us support from the city.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="2SA.18.3"></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2SA.18.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">The king answered, &#8220;I will do whatever seems best to you.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2SA.18.4"><span class="content">So the king stood beside the gate while all his men marched out in units of hundreds and of thousands. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2SA.18.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai, &#8220;Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake.&#8221; And all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom to each of the commanders.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2SA.18.5"></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="2SA.18.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">David&#8217;s army marched out of the city to fight Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="2SA.18.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">There Israel&#8217;s troops were routed by David&#8217;s men, and the casualties that day were great&#8212;twenty thousand men. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2SA.18.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">The battle spread out over the whole countryside, and the forest swallowed up more men that day than the sword.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="2SA.18.8"></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2SA.18.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Now Absalom happened to meet David&#8217;s men. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom&#8217;s hair got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="2SA.18.9"></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2SA.18.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">When one of the men saw what had happened, he told Joab, &#8220;I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="2SA.18.10"></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2SA.18.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Joab said to the man who had told him this, &#8220;What! You saw him? Why didn&#8217;t you strike him to the ground right there? Then I would have had to give you ten shekels</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">18:11 </span><span class="ft">That is, about 4 ounces or about 115 grams</span></span></span><span class="content"> of silver and a warrior&#8217;s belt.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="2SA.18.11"></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="2SA.18.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">But the man replied, &#8220;Even if a thousand shekels</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">18:12 </span><span class="ft">That is, about 25 pounds or about 12 kilograms</span></span></span><span class="content"> were weighed out into my hands, I would not lay a hand on the king&#8217;s son. In our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, &#8216;Protect the young man Absalom for my sake.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">18:12 </span><span class="ft">A few Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Vulgate and Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts may be translated </span><span class="fqa">Absalom, whoever you may be.</span></span></span><span class="content">&#8217; </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2SA.18.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">And if I had put my life in jeopardy</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">18:13 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">Otherwise, if I had acted treacherously toward him</span></span></span><span class="content">&#8212;and nothing is hidden from the king&#8212;you would have kept your distance from me.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="2SA.18.13"></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="2SA.18.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Joab said, &#8220;I&#8217;m not going to wait like this for you.&#8221; So he took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom&#8217;s heart while Absalom was still alive in the oak tree. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2SA.18.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">And ten of Joab&#8217;s armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him and killed him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="2SA.18.15"></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="2SA.18.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Then Joab sounded the trumpet, and the troops stopped pursuing Israel, for Joab halted them. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2SA.18.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">They took Absalom, threw him into a big pit in the forest and piled up a large heap of rocks over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled to their homes.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="2SA.18.17"></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="2SA.18.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">During his lifetime Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it in the King&#8217;s Valley as a monument to himself, for he thought, &#8220;I have no son to carry on the memory of my name.&#8221; He named the pillar after himself, and it is called Absalom&#8217;s Monument to this day.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">David Mourns</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="2SA.18.18"></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="2SA.18.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Now Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, &#8220;Let me run and take the news to the king that the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> has vindicated him by delivering him from the hand of his enemies.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="2SA.18.19"></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2SA.18.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">&#8220;You are not the one to take the news today,&#8221; Joab told him. &#8220;You may take the news another time, but you must not do so today, because the king&#8217;s son is dead.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="2SA.18.20"></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="2SA.18.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Then Joab said to a Cushite, &#8220;Go, tell the king what you have seen.&#8221; The Cushite bowed down before Joab and ran off.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="2SA.18.21"></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2SA.18.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Ahimaaz son of Zadok again said to Joab, &#8220;Come what may, please let me run behind the Cushite.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2SA.18.22"><span class="content">But Joab replied, &#8220;My son, why do you want to go? You don&#8217;t have any news that will bring you a reward.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="2SA.18.22"></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="2SA.18.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">He said, &#8220;Come what may, I want to run.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="2SA.18.23"><span class="content">So Joab said, &#8220;Run!&#8221; Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">18:23 </span><span class="ft">That is, the plain of the Jordan</span></span></span><span class="content"> and outran the Cushite.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="2SA.18.23"></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="2SA.18.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">While David was sitting between the inner and outer gates, the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall. As he looked out, he saw a man running alone. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="2SA.18.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">The watchman called out to the king and reported it.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="2SA.18.25"><span class="content">The king said, &#8220;If he is alone, he must have good news.&#8221; And the runner came closer and closer.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="2SA.18.25"></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="2SA.18.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Then the watchman saw another runner, and he called down to the gatekeeper, &#8220;Look, another man running alone!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="2SA.18.26"><span class="content">The king said, &#8220;He must be bringing good news, too.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="2SA.18.26"></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="2SA.18.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">The watchman said, &#8220;It seems to me that the first one runs like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="2SA.18.27"><span class="content">&#8220;He&#8217;s a good man,&#8221; the king said. &#8220;He comes with good news.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="2SA.18.27"></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="2SA.18.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Then Ahimaaz called out to the king, &#8220;All is well!&#8221; He bowed down before the king with his face to the ground and said, &#8220;Praise be to the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> your God! He has delivered up those who lifted their hands against my lord the king.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="2SA.18.28"></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="2SA.18.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">The king asked, &#8220;Is the young man Absalom safe?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="2SA.18.29"><span class="content">Ahimaaz answered, &#8220;I saw great confusion just as Joab was about to send the king&#8217;s servant and me, your servant, but I don&#8217;t know what it was.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="2SA.18.29"></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="2SA.18.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">The king said, &#8220;Stand aside and wait here.&#8221; So he stepped aside and stood there.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="2SA.18.30"></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="2SA.18.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Then the Cushite arrived and said, &#8220;My lord the king, hear the good news! The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> has vindicated you today by delivering you from the hand of all who rose up against you.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="2SA.18.31"></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="2SA.18.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">The king asked the Cushite, &#8220;Is the young man Absalom safe?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="2SA.18.32"><span class="content">The Cushite replied, &#8220;May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up to harm you be like that young man.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="2SA.18.32"></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="2SA.18.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: &#8220;O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you&#8212;O Absalom, my son, my son!&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">18:33 </span><span class="ft">In Hebrew texts this verse (18:33) is numbered 19:1.</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 ch7" data-usfm="PSA.7">
         <div class="label">7</div><div class="cl"><span class="heading">Psalm 7</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="ft"><span class="heading">In Hebrew texts 7:1-17 is numbered 7:2-18.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="d"><span class="content">A </span><span class="tl"><span class="content">shiggaion</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="ft">Title: Probably a literary or musical term</span></span></span><span class="content"> of David, which he sang to the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> concerning Cush, a Benjamite.</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.7.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> my God, I take refuge in you;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.7.1"><span class="content">save and deliver me from all who pursue me,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.7.1"></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.7.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">or they will tear me apart like a lion</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.7.2"><span class="content">and rip me to pieces with no one to rescue me.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.7.2"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.7.2"></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.7.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> my God, if I have done this</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.7.3"><span class="content">and there is guilt on my hands&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.7.3"></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.7.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">if I have repaid my ally with evil</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.7.4"><span class="content">or without cause have robbed my foe&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.7.4"></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.7.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">then let my enemy pursue and overtake me;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.7.5"><span class="content">let him trample my life to the ground</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.7.5"><span class="content">and make me sleep in the dust.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">7:5 </span><span class="ft">The Hebrew has </span><span class="fqa">Selah </span><span class="ft">(a word of uncertain meaning) here.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.7.5"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.7.5"></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.7.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Arise, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, in your anger;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.7.6"><span class="content">rise up against the rage of my enemies.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.7.6"><span class="content">Awake, my God; decree justice.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.7.6"></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.7.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Let the assembled peoples gather around you,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.7.7"><span class="content">while you sit enthroned over them on high.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.7.7"></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.7.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Let the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> judge the peoples.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.7.8"><span class="content">Vindicate me, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, according to my righteousness,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.7.8"><span class="content">according to my integrity, O Most High.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.7.8"></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.7.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Bring to an end the violence of the wicked</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.7.9"><span class="content">and make the righteous secure&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.7.9"><span class="content">you, the righteous God</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.7.9"><span class="content">who probes minds and hearts.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.7.9"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.7.9"></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.7.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">My shield</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">7:10 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">sovereign</span></span></span><span class="content"> is God Most High,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.7.10"><span class="content">who saves the upright in heart.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.7.10"></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.7.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">God is a righteous judge,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.7.11"><span class="content">a God who displays his wrath every day.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.7.11"></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.7.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">If he does not relent,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.7.12"><span class="content">he</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">7:12 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">If anyone does not repent, / God</span></span></span><span class="content"> will sharpen his sword;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.7.12"><span class="content">he will bend and string his bow.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.7.12"></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.7.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">He has prepared his deadly weapons;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.7.13"><span class="content">he makes ready his flaming arrows.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.7.13"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.7.13"></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.7.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Whoever is pregnant with evil</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.7.14"><span class="content">conceives trouble and gives birth to disillusionment.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="PSA.7.14"></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.7.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Whoever digs a hole and scoops it out</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.7.15"><span class="content">falls into the pit they have made.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="PSA.7.15"></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.7.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">The trouble they cause recoils on them;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.7.16"><span class="content">their violence comes down on their own heads.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.7.16"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="PSA.7.16"></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PSA.7.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">I will give thanks to the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> because of his righteousness;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="PSA.7.17"><span class="content">I will sing the praises of the name of the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> Most High.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkPSA">
      <div class="chapter ch41" data-usfm="PSA.41">
         <div class="label">41</div><div class="cl"><span class="heading">Psalm 41</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="ft"><span class="heading">In Hebrew texts 41:1-13 is numbered 41:2-14.</span></span></span></span></div><div class="d"><span class="content">For the director of music. A psalm of David.</span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.41.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Blessed are those who have regard for the weak;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.41.1"><span class="content">the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> delivers them in times of trouble.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="PSA.41.1"></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.41.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> protects and preserves them&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.41.2"><span class="content">they are counted among the blessed in the land&#8212;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.41.2"><span class="content">he does not give them over to the desire of their foes.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="PSA.41.2"></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.41.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">The </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content"> sustains them on their sickbed</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.41.3"><span class="content">and restores them from their bed of illness.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.41.3"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="PSA.41.3"></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.41.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">I said, &#8220;Have mercy on me, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.41.4"><span class="content">heal me, for I have sinned against you.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="PSA.41.4"></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.41.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">My enemies say of me in malice,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.41.5"><span class="content">&#8220;When will he die and his name perish?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="PSA.41.5"></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.41.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">When one of them comes to see me,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.41.6"><span class="content">he speaks falsely, while his heart gathers slander;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.41.6"><span class="content">then he goes out and spreads it around.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.41.6"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="PSA.41.6"></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.41.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">All my enemies whisper together against me;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.41.7"><span class="content">they imagine the worst for me, saying,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="PSA.41.7"></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.41.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">&#8220;A vile disease has afflicted him;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.41.8"><span class="content">he will never get up from the place where he lies.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="PSA.41.8"></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.41.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Even my close friend,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.41.9"><span class="content">someone I trusted,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.41.9"><span class="content">one who shared my bread,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.41.9"><span class="content">has turned</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">41:9 </span><span class="ft">Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">has lifted up his heel</span></span></span><span class="content"> against me.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.41.9"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="PSA.41.9"></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.41.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">But may you have mercy on me, </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.41.10"><span class="content">raise me up, that I may repay them.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="PSA.41.10"></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.41.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">I know that you are pleased with me,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.41.11"><span class="content">for my enemy does not triumph over me.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="PSA.41.11"></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.41.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Because of my integrity you uphold me</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.41.12"><span class="content">and set me in your presence forever.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.41.12"></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.41.12"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="PSA.41.12"></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.41.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Praise be to the </span><span class="nd"><span class="content">Lord</span></span><span class="content">, the God of Israel,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.41.13"><span class="content">from everlasting to everlasting.</span></span></div><div class="qc"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="PSA.41.13"><span class="content">Amen and Amen.</span></span></div>
      </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkTIT">
      <div class="chapter ch1" data-usfm="TIT.1">
         <div class="label">1</div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="TIT.1.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ to further the faith of God&#8217;s elect and their knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness&#8212; </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="TIT.1.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="TIT.1.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior,</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="TIT.1.3"></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="TIT.1.3"></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="TIT.1.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">To Titus, my true son in our common faith:</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="TIT.1.4"></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="TIT.1.4"><span class="content">Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Appointing Elders Who Love What Is Good</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="TIT.1.4"></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="TIT.1.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">1:5 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">ordain</span></span></span><span class="content"> elders in every town, as I directed you. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="TIT.1.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">1:6 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">children are trustworthy</span></span></span><span class="content"> and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="TIT.1.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Since an overseer manages God&#8217;s household, he must be blameless&#8212;not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="TIT.1.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="TIT.1.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Rebuking Those Who Fail to Do Good</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="TIT.1.9"></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="TIT.1.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision group. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="TIT.1.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach&#8212;and that for the sake of dishonest gain. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="TIT.1.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">One of Crete&#8217;s own prophets has said it: &#8220;Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.&#8221;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">1:12 </span><span class="ft">From the Cretan philosopher Epimenides</span></span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="TIT.1.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">This saying is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="TIT.1.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">and will pay no attention to Jewish myths or to the merely human commands of those who reject the truth. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="TIT.1.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="TIT.1.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.</span></span></div>
      </div>
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