Purpose in the Pause: Finding Hope in the Waiting

Led by the Spirit: Journey Through the Book of Acts Part 2

The Adversity Gospel: Trading Prosperity Promises and Deep Disappointment for Unsinkable Hope

New Morning Mercies for Teens: A 10-Day Gospel Devotional

How to Read the Bible

Hearing God When It Seems Impossible

Everyone Plays a Part

Good God!

SHEMA: Hear and Obey

Blessed: Unlocking the Power of the Beatitudes

The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

New International Version™  (Anglicised), Audio Edition

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

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkMAT">
      <div class="chapter ch14" data-usfm="MAT.14">
         <div class="label">14</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">John the Baptist Beheaded</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="MAT.14.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the reports about Jesus, </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAT.14.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">and he said to his attendants, &#8220;This is John the Baptist; he has risen from the dead! That is why miraculous powers are at work in him.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAT.14.2"></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="MAT.14.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Now Herod had arrested John and bound him and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip&#8217;s wife, </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="MAT.14.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">for John had been saying to him: &#8220;It is not lawful for you to have her.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="MAT.14.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Herod wanted to kill John, but he was afraid of the people, because they considered John a prophet.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="MAT.14.5"></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="MAT.14.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">On Herod&#8217;s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for the guests and pleased Herod so much </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="MAT.14.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MAT.14.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Prompted by her mother, she said, &#8220;Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MAT.14.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">The king was distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he ordered that her request be granted </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="MAT.14.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">and had John beheaded in the prison. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="MAT.14.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">His head was brought in on a platter and given to the girl, who carried it to her mother. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="MAT.14.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">John&#8217;s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="MAT.14.12"></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="MAT.14.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="MAT.14.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="MAT.14.14"></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="MAT.14.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, &#8220;This is a remote place, and it&#8217;s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="MAT.14.15"></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="MAT.14.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Jesus replied, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="MAT.14.16"></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="MAT.14.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">&#8220;We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,&#8221; they answered.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="MAT.14.17"></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="MAT.14.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Bring them here to me,&#8221;</span></span><span class="content"> he said. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="MAT.14.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="MAT.14.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="MAT.14.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Jesus Walks on the Water</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="MAT.14.21"></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="MAT.14.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="MAT.14.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="MAT.14.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="MAT.14.24"></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="MAT.14.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="MAT.14.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. &#8220;It&#8217;s a ghost,&#8221; they said, and cried out in fear.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="MAT.14.26"></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="MAT.14.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">But Jesus immediately said to them: </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Take courage! It is I. Don&#8217;t be afraid.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="MAT.14.27"></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="MAT.14.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">&#8220;Lord, if it&#8217;s you,&#8221; Peter replied, &#8220;tell me to come to you on the water.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="MAT.14.28"></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="MAT.14.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Come,&#8221;</span></span><span class="content"> he said.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="MAT.14.29"><span class="content">Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="MAT.14.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, &#8220;Lord, save me!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="MAT.14.30"></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="MAT.14.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;You of little faith,&#8221;</span></span><span class="content"> he said, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;why did you doubt?&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="MAT.14.31"></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="MAT.14.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="MAT.14.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, &#8220;Truly you are the Son of God.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="MAT.14.33"></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="MAT.14.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="MAT.14.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="MAT.14.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.</span></span></div>
      </div>
   </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkMAT">
      <div class="chapter ch15" data-usfm="MAT.15">
         <div class="label">15</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">That Which Defiles</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="MAT.15.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to Jesus from Jerusalem and asked, </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAT.15.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">&#8220;Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They don&#8217;t wash their hands before they eat!&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="MAT.15.2"></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="MAT.15.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Jesus replied, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition?</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="MAT.15.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">For God said, &#8216;Honor your father and mother&#8217;</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">15:4 </span><span class="ft"><span class="ref" usfm="EXO.20.12">Exodus 20:12</span>; <span class="ref" usfm="DEU.5.16">Deut. 5:16</span></span></span></span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">and &#8216;Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.&#8217;</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">15:4 </span><span class="ft"><span class="ref" usfm="EXO.21.17">Exodus 21:17</span>; <span class="ref" usfm="LEV.20.9">Lev. 20:9</span></span></span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="MAT.15.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is &#8216;devoted to God,&#8217;</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="MAT.15.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">they are not to &#8216;honor their father or mother&#8217; with it. Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="MAT.15.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you:</span></span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="MAT.15.7"></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MAT.15.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;These people honor me with their lips,</span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MAT.15.8"><span class="wj"><span class="content">but their hearts are far from me.</span></span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="MAT.15.8"></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MAT.15.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">They worship me in vain;</span></span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MAT.15.9"><span class="wj"><span class="content">their teachings are merely human rules.&#8217;</span></span><span class="content"> </span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">15:9 </span><span class="ft"><span class="ref" usfm="ISA.29.13">Isaiah 29:13</span> </span></span></span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="MAT.15.9"></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="MAT.15.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Jesus called the crowd to him and said, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Listen and understand.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="MAT.15.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">What goes into someone&#8217;s mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="MAT.15.11"></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="MAT.15.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Then the disciples came to him and asked, &#8220;Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="MAT.15.12"></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="MAT.15.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">He replied, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="MAT.15.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Leave them; they are blind guides.</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">15:14 </span><span class="ft">Some manuscripts </span><span class="fqa">blind guides of the blind</span></span></span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="MAT.15.14"></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="MAT.15.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Peter said, &#8220;Explain the parable to us.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="MAT.15.15"></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="MAT.15.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Are you still so dull?&#8221;</span></span><span class="content"> Jesus asked them. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="MAT.15.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Don&#8217;t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body?</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="MAT.15.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">But the things that come out of a person&#8217;s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="MAT.15.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">For out of the heart come evil thoughts&#8212;murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="MAT.15.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">These are what defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Faith of a Canaanite Woman</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="MAT.15.20"></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="MAT.15.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="MAT.15.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, &#8220;Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="MAT.15.22"></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="MAT.15.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, &#8220;Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="MAT.15.23"></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="MAT.15.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">He answered, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="MAT.15.24"></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="MAT.15.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">The woman came and knelt before him. &#8220;Lord, help me!&#8221; she said.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="MAT.15.25"></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="MAT.15.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">He replied, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;It is not right to take the children&#8217;s bread and toss it to the dogs.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="MAT.15.26"></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="MAT.15.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">&#8220;Yes it is, Lord,&#8221; she said. &#8220;Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master&#8217;s table.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="MAT.15.27"></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="MAT.15.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">Then Jesus said to her, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.&#8221;</span></span><span class="content"> And her daughter was healed at that moment.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Jesus Feeds the Four Thousand</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="MAT.15.28"></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="MAT.15.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then he went up on a mountainside and sat down. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="MAT.15.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them. </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="MAT.15.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="MAT.15.31"></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="MAT.15.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">Jesus called his disciples to him and said, </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="MAT.15.32"></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="MAT.15.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">His disciples answered, &#8220;Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="MAT.15.33"></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="MAT.15.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content"> </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;How many loaves do you have?&#8221;</span></span><span class="content"> Jesus asked.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="MAT.15.34"><span class="content">&#8220;Seven,&#8221; they replied, &#8220;and a few small fish.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="MAT.15.34"></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="MAT.15.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="MAT.15.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="MAT.15.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="MAT.15.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children. </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="MAT.15.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">After Jesus had sent the crowd away, he got into the boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan.</span></span></div>
      </div>
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<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
   <div class="book bkJOB">
      <div class="chapter ch9" data-usfm="JOB.9">
         <div class="label">9</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Job</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="JOB.9.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Then Job replied:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="JOB.9.1"></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="JOB.9.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">&#8220;Indeed, I know that this is true.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="JOB.9.2"><span class="content">But how can mere mortals prove their innocence before God?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="JOB.9.2"></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JOB.9.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Though they wished to dispute with him,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JOB.9.3"><span class="content">they could not answer him one time out of a thousand.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="JOB.9.3"></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JOB.9.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">His wisdom is profound, his power is vast.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JOB.9.4"><span class="content">Who has resisted him and come out unscathed?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="JOB.9.4"></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="JOB.9.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">He moves mountains without their knowing it</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="JOB.9.5"><span class="content">and overturns them in his anger.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="JOB.9.5"></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JOB.9.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">He shakes the earth from its place</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JOB.9.6"><span class="content">and makes its pillars tremble.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="JOB.9.6"></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JOB.9.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">He speaks to the sun and it does not shine;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JOB.9.7"><span class="content">he seals off the light of the stars.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JOB.9.7"></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JOB.9.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">He alone stretches out the heavens</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JOB.9.8"><span class="content">and treads on the waves of the sea.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JOB.9.8"></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="JOB.9.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">He is the Maker of the Bear</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">9:9 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">of Leo</span></span></span><span class="content"> and Orion,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="JOB.9.9"><span class="content">the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="JOB.9.9"></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="JOB.9.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="JOB.9.10"><span class="content">miracles that cannot be counted.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="JOB.9.10"></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="JOB.9.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">When he passes me, I cannot see him;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="JOB.9.11"><span class="content">when he goes by, I cannot perceive him.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="JOB.9.11"></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JOB.9.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">If he snatches away, who can stop him?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JOB.9.12"><span class="content">Who can say to him, &#8216;What are you doing?&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="JOB.9.12"></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JOB.9.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">God does not restrain his anger;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JOB.9.13"><span class="content">even the cohorts of Rahab cowered at his feet.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JOB.9.13"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="JOB.9.13"></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="JOB.9.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">&#8220;How then can I dispute with him?</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="JOB.9.14"><span class="content">How can I find words to argue with him?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="JOB.9.14"></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="JOB.9.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">Though I were innocent, I could not answer him;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="JOB.9.15"><span class="content">I could only plead with my Judge for mercy.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="JOB.9.15"></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="JOB.9.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Even if I summoned him and he responded,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="JOB.9.16"><span class="content">I do not believe he would give me a hearing.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="JOB.9.16"></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="JOB.9.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">He would crush me with a storm</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="JOB.9.17"><span class="content">and multiply my wounds for no reason.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="JOB.9.17"></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JOB.9.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">He would not let me catch my breath</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JOB.9.18"><span class="content">but would overwhelm me with misery.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="JOB.9.18"></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="JOB.9.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">If it is a matter of strength, he is mighty!</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="JOB.9.19"><span class="content">And if it is a matter of justice, who can challenge him</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class="body"><span class="fr">9:19 </span><span class="ft">See Septuagint; Hebrew </span><span class="fqa">me.</span></span></span><span class="content">?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="JOB.9.19"></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="JOB.9.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="JOB.9.20"><span class="content">if I were blameless, it would pronounce me guilty.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="JOB.9.20"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="JOB.9.20"></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JOB.9.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">&#8220;Although I am blameless,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JOB.9.21"><span class="content">I have no concern for myself;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JOB.9.21"><span class="content">I despise my own life.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="JOB.9.21"></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="JOB.9.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">It is all the same; that is why I say,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="JOB.9.22"><span class="content">&#8216;He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="JOB.9.22"></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="JOB.9.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">When a scourge brings sudden death,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="JOB.9.23"><span class="content">he mocks the despair of the innocent.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="JOB.9.23"></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="JOB.9.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">When a land falls into the hands of the wicked,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="JOB.9.24"><span class="content">he blindfolds its judges.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="JOB.9.24"><span class="content">If it is not he, then who is it?</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="JOB.9.24"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="JOB.9.24"></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="JOB.9.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">&#8220;My days are swifter than a runner;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="JOB.9.25"><span class="content">they fly away without a glimpse of joy.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="JOB.9.25"></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="JOB.9.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">They skim past like boats of papyrus,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="JOB.9.26"><span class="content">like eagles swooping down on their prey.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="JOB.9.26"></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="JOB.9.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">If I say, &#8216;I will forget my complaint,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="JOB.9.27"><span class="content">I will change my expression, and smile,&#8217;</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="JOB.9.27"></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="JOB.9.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">I still dread all my sufferings,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="JOB.9.28"><span class="content">for I know you will not hold me innocent.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="JOB.9.28"></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="JOB.9.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">Since I am already found guilty,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="JOB.9.29"><span class="content">why should I struggle in vain?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="JOB.9.29"></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="JOB.9.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Even if I washed myself with soap</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="JOB.9.30"><span class="content">and my hands with cleansing powder,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="JOB.9.30"></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="JOB.9.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">you would plunge me into a slime pit</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="JOB.9.31"><span class="content">so that even my clothes would detest me.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="JOB.9.31"></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="JOB.9.31"></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="JOB.9.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">&#8220;He is not a mere mortal like me that I might answer him,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="JOB.9.32"><span class="content">that we might confront each other in court.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="JOB.9.32"></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="JOB.9.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">If only there were someone to mediate between us,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="JOB.9.33"><span class="content">someone to bring us together,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="JOB.9.33"></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="JOB.9.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">someone to remove God&#8217;s rod from me,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="JOB.9.34"><span class="content">so that his terror would frighten me no more.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="JOB.9.34"></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="JOB.9.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">Then I would speak up without fear of him,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="JOB.9.35"><span class="content">but as it now stands with me, I cannot.</span></span></div><div class="b"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="JOB.9.35"></span></div>
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