From Mark Copeland... The Devices Of Satan (2 Corinthians 2:11)

                "THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS"

                      The Devices Of Satan (2:11)

INTRODUCTION

1. When Paul wrote his second epistle to the Corinthians, he alluded to
   the possibility that Satan might take advantage of them:

   "lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant
   of his devices." (2Co 2:11)

2. Informed Christians, however, need not be in a position to be caught
   off guard...
   a. Satan's advantage is based upon one being "ignorant of his 
      devices"
   b. But if we are aware of the methods Satan uses to lead people 
      astray, we can resist him successfully!

3. What are some of "The Devices Of Satan"?  How can we defend 
   ourselves against them?

[In study we shall attempt to answer these questions.  We begin by 
noticing a "device" of Satan that Paul described later in this same 
epistle...]

I. BLIND THE MINDS OF PEOPLE

   A. REGARDING THIS "DEVICE" OF SATAN...
      1. There are some whom "the god of this age" has blinded - cf. 
         2Co 4:3-4
      2. The Spirit warned this would be done through "doctrines of 
         demons" - 1Ti 4:1-3
      3. Today, many minds are blinded to the truth...
         a. By the doctrine of ATHEISM - there is no God
         b. By the doctrine of EVOLUTION - we are simply animals
         c. By the doctrine of HUMANISM - man is the measure of all 
            things, and in him alone is the solution to our problems
      -- Those who are so blinded are hindered from receiving the truth

   B. OUR BEST DEFENSE AGAINST IT...
      1. Is actually a strong offense, involving a war for the 
         "thoughts" of men - 2Co 10:3-5
      2. Our greatest weapon is TRUTH, which can defeat the false
         arguments and free those who have been blinded into captivity
         - cf. Jn 8:32
         a. Thus the need for discussion and debate, in order to cast
            down "arguments" - 2Co 10:5
         b. Consider the example of Paul, who "reasoned" with others - 
            Ac 17:2-3; 19:8-9
      3. Other weapons involve CHRIST-LIKE ATTITUDES that are "mighty 
         in God"...
         a. E.g., the meekness and gentleness of Christ - 2Co 10:1-4
         b. E.g., patience and humility in correcting others - 2Ti 2:
            24-26
      -- "Speaking the truth in love" (Ep 4:15), we can be defeat 
         this "device of Satan"!

[Another "device of Satan" is to...]

II. GET PEOPLE HOOKED ON "THE THINGS OF THE WORLD"

   A. REGARDING THIS "DEVICE" OF SATAN...
      1. I am referring to those things described in 1Jn 2:15-17
         a. The lust of the flesh
         b. The lust of the eyes
         c. The pride of life
      2. Satan used these tactics against EVE - cf. Gen 3:6
         a. What she saw was "good for food" (the lust of the flesh)
         b. It was "pleasant to the eyes" (lust of the eyes)
         c. It was "desirable to make one wise" (pride of life)
      3. Satan also tried these tactics in tempting Jesus - Mt 4:1-11
         a. "command that these stones become bread" (lust of the 
            flesh)
         b. "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down..." (pride 
            of life)
         c. "All these things I will give you if..." (lust of the eyes)
      4. Today, Satan uses these tactics with a vengeance, tempting
         people through...
         a. Immorality (lust of the flesh)
         b. Materialism (lust of the eyes)
         c. Arrogance (pride of life)

   B. OUR BEST DEFENSE AGAINST IT...
      1. Saturate ourselves with the Word of God!
         a. This is how Jesus overcame His temptations by the devil
         b. Note how He answered each temptation by saying "It is 
            written..." - Mt 4:4,7,10
      2. Develop a strong love for the Father!
         a. For that love is incompatible with a love for the world 
            - cf. 1Jn 2:15
         b. One cannot be a friend of the world and maintain friendship
            with God - Jm 4:4
      -- By saturating ourselves with God's Word and being strong in 
         our love for Him, we will effectively submit to Him and be 
         able to resist the devil, causing him to flee! - Jm 4:7

[Yet let's not think that Satan will give up easily; there are other 
"devices" up his sleeve, including...]

III. PERSECUTE THOSE TRYING TO DO RIGHT

   A. REGARDING THIS "DEVICE" OF SATAN...
      1. Peter warned that the devil sought to devour Christians 
         through persecutions - 1Pe 5:8-9
      2. Paul worried that afflictions brought about by Satan might 
         tempt the Thessalonians to give up - 1Th 3:1-5
      3. Even today, Satan persecutes Christians!
         a. Some literally, through great suffering as Christians
         b. Others through social pressures that are often equally 
            effective:
            1) Peer pressure
            2) Ridicule
            3) Ostracism
   
   B. OUR BEST DEFENSE AGAINST IT...
      1. Encourage one another!
         a. This is what Peter sought to do - cf. 1Pe 5:8-10
         b. Paul sent Timothy to do the same - cf. 1Th 3:2-3
      2. Adopt the proper attitude:  Rejoice!
         a. Knowing that trials can make us stronger - cf. Jm 1:2-4; 
            Ro 5:3-4
         b. Knowing that those who endure are blessed by God - cf. 

            1 Pe 4:12-14; Mt 5:10-12
      3. Commit yourself to God in doing good - cf. 1Pe 4:19
         a. God is a faithful Creator
         b. He takes note of our suffering, and will one day repay 
            those who trouble us (including Satan himself!), and give 
            us rest - cf. 2Th 1:4-8; Re 20:10

[There is another "device" of Satan, that often has deadly effect...]

IV. GET PEOPLE TO ENJOY EVIL COMPANY

   A. REGARDING THIS "DEVICE" OF SATAN...
      1. The wrong companions can defeat one's effort to do good - cf.
         1Co 15:33
      2. Amnon was led astray by the counsel of his "friend", Jonadab 
         - 2Sa 13:1ff
      3. Today, many Christians are hindered in their spiritual 
         growth...
         a. By the company they keep
         b. By the activities in which such company engages

   B. OUR BEST DEFENSE AGAINST IT...
      1. Realize the danger of the wrong companions - cf. Pr 13:20
      2. Heed the advice Paul made to the Corinthians:
         a. "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers..."
            - 2Co 6:14-16
         b. "Come out from among them..." - 2Co 6:17-18
         c. "...perfecting holiness in the fear of God." - 2Co 7:1

[Finally, let's look at one more "device" of Satan...]

V. DISCOURAGE PEOPLE THROUGH UNCHRIST-LIKE CHRISTIANS

   A. REGARDING THIS "DEVICE" OF SATAN...
      1. This relates to Paul's concern in our text - cf. 2Co 2:6-11
         a. A sinning brother was disciplined, and had repented
         b. The need now was for the church to confirm their love and
            forgiveness
         c. Otherwise, Satan might take advantage of this situation:
            1) Defeating the church by their unwillingness to forgive
            2) Overcoming the weak brother by his being swallowed up in
               sorrow if forgiveness was not granted by the 
               congregation
      2. Today, Satan sometimes wins many souls by this "device"
         a. Christians who are unloving, unmerciful, and unforgiving,
            become stumblingblocks to others
         b. Christians who are apathetic, sluggish, in their service 
            and devotion to God, adversely influence new Christians

   B. OUR BEST DEFENSE AGAINST IT...
      1. Place our ultimate faith in the Lord, not in brethren - cf. 
         2Ti 4:16-18
         a. This is not to suggest that brethren can't be trusted
         b. But brethren are fallible, the Lord is not!
      2. Remember that not all brethren set the proper example - e.g., 
         3Jn 9-12
         a. Imitate the good examples
         b. Don't let the bad ones discourage us

CONCLUSION

1. This is not an exhaustive list, rather only a sampling of "The
   Devices Of Satan"
   a. The Scriptures certainly reveal much more about how the "Great 
      Deceiver" works
   b. There is also an interesting work of fiction that provides some
      interesting insights; it is called "The Screwtape Letters", by 
      C. S. Lewis

2. I trust this study has been sufficient to show, however...
   a. That our adversary is indeed strong
   b. That ignorance of his devices make us susceptible
   c. That if we are not diligent, he can indeed take advantage of us!

Remember, therefore, these important words of the apostle Paul...

   "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of
   His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able
   to stand against the wiles of the devil."

   "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against
   principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
   darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in
   the heavenly places."

   "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able
   to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."

                                 (Ep 6:10-13)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

 

From Jim McGuiggan... Peacock tongues and Polynesian kababs

Peacock tongues and Polynesian kababs

Those whose lives have been one long grim slog have my permission (without offence to me) to fling away from this piece in acute irritation. The remarks are addressed to those of us that have done quite well in life and still aren’t satisfied. They’re addressed to those among us that want an already good life fine-tuned so that every "right" we can imagine is fulfilled. (Not that that’ll ever happen. So many of us with plenty to be happy about will spend much of our time in sour discontent, like Ahab who had everything but went to bed, thoroughly peeved because Naboth wouldn’t sell him his lovely garden. Compare 1 Kings 21:4, and the story there.)

Shape a community or a nation and its words reflect the change. In the West the word "freedom" stresses individual rights, his or her independence, the fact that he or she is a free-standing unit among many. That’s not what it meant in ancient Greece, for example. To be free then and there meant that the person had a right to share in the shaping and governing of the society of which they felt they were a part. A slave had no vote, a resident alien had some influence but only the free had a genuine share in how the society would function and the direction it would take. Of course, this assumed that they cared about the society as a community in which they lived, and that assumption was part of the makeup of the people. But even that has changed significantly (hasn’t it?)! Freedom has come to stress the individual and the individual talks mainly of his or her individual rights rather than their right to shape and guide for the better the society of which they’re a part. So J.F Kennedy’s famous phrase, "Ask not what America can do you for you, but what you can do for America" is more at home in Greece’s past than in the West’s present. "What’s in it for me?" is the essence of freedom. "As a citizen, society owes me..." and a list as long as a football field follows.

It’s this fine-tuning that hacks me off. Nothing is to be overlooked; I have my rights! The rude waiter, the irritable shop assistant, the abrupt civil servant, the child that doesn’t express gratitude, the husband that isn’t interested right now in "talking it all out" or the wife who’s too busy to pour oil on my hurt ego—none of this is to be tolerated! I shouldn’t be treated this way. It doesn’t matter that on the whole my life is filled with pleasing experiences, multitudes of tiny pleasantries, scores of major gifts and wondrous relationships—riches that I could list with ease if I were in the mood. I want more! It’s my right.

We do it in marriages and other family relationships. Because we’re capable (certainly in the abstract, and for many of us in the concrete) of becoming better and finer people our relationships can grow in richness. And we should expect it and work toward that. (Did I really need to say that?) But consciously attempting to fine-tune something that is growing in the right direction can backfire. We go to some marriage seminars (often marvellous things and sometimes essential) and come away discontent. What is pictured there is a degree of sensitivity to one another’s felt needs that is unhealthy! Things we hardly would have noticed now loom big. Storms in teacups begin to look like tsunamis and silly stuff that we shrugged off now must be "thrashed out". Words and looks that we know are not appropriate become assaults against our very person when previously we saw them as part of the rough and tumble of life—to be noted before moving on. (Do I need to qualify all this with statements about the obvious?)

We do it in our religious life. We don’t ask what we can do for the congregation (or the church as a whole); we want to know what the congregation can do for us. How many programmes do they have that meet our felt needs and how close do they come to making us feel blessed and content? They mustn’t allow us to leave the building not quite "soaring" or "richly blessed". They must take into account all our conscience concerns or respond adequately to all our biblical or theological reservations. Bless me, if we judge it to be a matter foundational to faith then we must respond to it as such, but is everything a salvation and fellowship issue? Or is it of such magnitude that our personal consciences cannot abide the company of those we believe are in Jesus Christ? Maybe our consciences are too fine-tuned! Even should it be the case that this view or that on this text or that purpose is mistaken—does that mean we should lunge for the Yellow Pages and go church-hunting, one more time?

Vast needs stare at us! A new creation beckons us! A destiny has embraced us and we’ve been entrusted with a mission with cosmic dimensions and we demand more! We press church leaders—leaders too anxious to please us and some eager to make a name for themselves by promoting the presently popular—we press leaders for more and more and when we get it...we ask for more. We don’t ask for more of the riches of the everlasting gospel, or to be led into a deeper fellowship with Christ (a la Philippians 3). We want the "church cafeteria" to have more on the menu of what we have a taste for. Don’t bother us with profound biblical and theological issues, don’t gouge us with conviction about who we are why we are here, don’t torment us with our hoarding and don’t remind us that one of these days we’re going to meet the earnest God that has given his all in holy love (compare 1 Peter 1:13-21). No, just keep delightfully surprising us with new ways to make us feel blessed. ("Oh, look, peacock tongues and Polynesian Kababs are on the menu today.")

©2004 Jim McGuiggan. All materials are free to be copied and used as long as money is not being made.

Many thanks to brother Ed Healy, for allowing me to post from his website, the abiding word.com.

From Gary... Bible Reading and Study, August 21

Bible Reading and Study

August 21

The World English Bible

Aug. 21

Job 20-23

Job 20:1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered,

Job 20:2 "Therefore do my thoughts give answer to me, even by reason of my haste that is in me.

Job 20:3 I have heard the reproof which puts me to shame. The spirit of my understanding answers me.

Job 20:4 Don't you know this from old time, since man was placed on earth,

Job 20:5 that the triumphing of the wicked is short, the joy of the godless but for a moment?

Job 20:6 Though his height mount up to the heavens, and his head reach to the clouds,

Job 20:7 yet he shall perish forever like his own dung. Those who have seen him shall say, 'Where is he?'

Job 20:8 He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found. Yes, he shall be chased away like a vision of the night.

Job 20:9 The eye which saw him shall see him no more, neither shall his place any more see him.

Job 20:10 His children shall seek the favor of the poor. His hands shall give back his wealth.

Job 20:11 His bones are full of his youth, but youth shall lie down with him in the dust.

Job 20:12 "Though wickedness is sweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue,

Job 20:13 though he spare it, and will not let it go, but keep it still within his mouth;

Job 20:14 yet his food in his bowels is turned. It is cobra venom within him.

Job 20:15 He has swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again. God will cast them out of his belly.

Job 20:16 He shall suck cobra venom. The viper's tongue shall kill him.

Job 20:17 He shall not look at the rivers, the flowing streams of honey and butter.

Job 20:18 That for which he labored he shall restore, and shall not swallow it down. According to the substance that he has gotten, he shall not rejoice.

Job 20:19 For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor. He has violently taken away a house, and he shall not build it up.

Job 20:20 "Because he knew no quietness within him, he shall not save anything of that in which he delights.

Job 20:21 There was nothing left that he didn't devour, therefore his prosperity shall not endure.

Job 20:22 In the fullness of his sufficiency, distress shall overtake him. The hand of everyone who is in misery shall come on him.

Job 20:23 When he is about to fill his belly, God will cast the fierceness of his wrath on him. It will rain on him while he is eating.

Job 20:24 He shall flee from the iron weapon. The bronze arrow shall strike him through.

Job 20:25 He draws it forth, and it comes out of his body. Yes, the glittering point comes out of his liver. Terrors are on him.

Job 20:26 All darkness is laid up for his treasures. An unfanned fire shall devour him. It shall consume that which is left in his tent.

Job 20:27 The heavens shall reveal his iniquity. The earth shall rise up against him.

Job 20:28 The increase of his house shall depart. They shall rush away in the day of his wrath.

Job 20:29 This is the portion of a wicked man from God, the heritage appointed to him by God."

Job 21:1 Then Job answered,

Job 21:2 "Listen diligently to my speech. Let this be your consolation.

Job 21:3 Allow me, and I also will speak; After I have spoken, mock on.

Job 21:4 As for me, is my complaint to man? Why shouldn't I be impatient?

Job 21:5 Look at me, and be astonished. Lay your hand on your mouth.

Job 21:6 When I remember, I am troubled. Horror takes hold of my flesh.

Job 21:7 "Why do the wicked live, become old, yes, and grow mighty in power?

Job 21:8 Their child is established with them in their sight, their offspring before their eyes.

Job 21:9 Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them.

Job 21:10 Their bulls breed without fail. Their cows calve, and don't miscarry.

Job 21:11 They send forth their little ones like a flock. Their children dance.

Job 21:12 They sing to the tambourine and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the pipe.

Job 21:13 They spend their days in prosperity. In an instant they go down to Sheol.

Job 21:14 They tell God, 'Depart from us, for we don't want to know about your ways.

Job 21:15 What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? What profit should we have, if we pray to him?'

Job 21:16 Behold, their prosperity is not in their hand. The counsel of the wicked is far from me.

Job 21:17 "How often is it that the lamp of the wicked is put out, that their calamity comes on them, that God distributes sorrows in his anger?

Job 21:18 How often is it that they are as stubble before the wind, as chaff that the storm carries away?

Job 21:19 You say, 'God lays up his iniquity for his children.' Let him recompense it to himself, that he may know it.

Job 21:20 Let his own eyes see his destruction. Let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

Job 21:21 For what does he care for his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off?

Job 21:22 "Shall any teach God knowledge, seeing he judges those who are high?

Job 21:23 One dies in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet.

Job 21:24 His pails are full of milk. The marrow of his bones is moistened.

Job 21:25 Another dies in bitterness of soul, and never tastes of good.

Job 21:26 They lie down alike in the dust. The worm covers them.

Job 21:27 "Behold, I know your thoughts, the devices with which you would wrong me.

Job 21:28 For you say, 'Where is the house of the prince? Where is the tent in which the wicked lived?'

Job 21:29 Haven't you asked wayfaring men? Don't you know their evidences,

Job 21:30 that the evil man is reserved to the day of calamity, That they are led forth to the day of wrath?

Job 21:31 Who shall declare his way to his face? Who shall repay him what he has done?

Job 21:32 Yet he will be borne to the grave. Men shall keep watch over the tomb.

Job 21:33 The clods of the valley shall be sweet to him. All men shall draw after him, as there were innumerable before him.

Job 21:34 So how can you comfort me with nonsense, seeing that in your answers there remains only falsehood?"

Job 22:1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,

Job 22:2 "Can a man be profitable to God? Surely he who is wise is profitable to himself.

Job 22:3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that you are righteous? Or does it benefit him, that you make your ways perfect?

Job 22:4 Is it for your piety that he reproves you, that he enters with you into judgment?

Job 22:5 Isn't your wickedness great? Neither is there any end to your iniquities.

Job 22:6 For you have taken pledges from your brother for nothing, and stripped the naked of their clothing.

Job 22:7 You haven't given water to the weary to drink, and you have withheld bread from the hungry.

Job 22:8 But as for the mighty man, he had the earth. The honorable man, he lived in it.

Job 22:9 You have sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.

Job 22:10 Therefore snares are around you. Sudden fear troubles you,

Job 22:11 or darkness, so that you can not see, and floods of waters cover you.

Job 22:12 "Isn't God in the heights of heaven? See the height of the stars, how high they are!

Job 22:13 You say, 'What does God know? Can he judge through the thick darkness?

Job 22:14 Thick clouds are a covering to him, so that he doesn't see. He walks on the vault of the sky.'

Job 22:15 Will you keep the old way, which wicked men have trodden,

Job 22:16 who were snatched away before their time, whose foundation was poured out as a stream,

Job 22:17 who said to God, 'Depart from us;' and, 'What can the Almighty do for us?'

Job 22:18 Yet he filled their houses with good things, but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

Job 22:19 The righteous see it, and are glad. The innocent ridicule them,

Job 22:20 saying, 'Surely those who rose up against us are cut off. The fire has consumed the remnant of them.'

Job 22:21 "Acquaint yourself with him, now, and be at peace. Thereby good shall come to you.

Job 22:22 Please receive instruction from his mouth, and lay up his words in your heart.

Job 22:23 If you return to the Almighty, you shall be built up, if you put away unrighteousness far from your tents.

Job 22:24 Lay your treasure in the dust, the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks.

Job 22:25 The Almighty will be your treasure, and precious silver to you.

Job 22:26 For then you will delight yourself in the Almighty, and shall lift up your face to God.

Job 22:27 You shall make your prayer to him, and he will hear you. You shall pay your vows.

Job 22:28 You shall also decree a thing, and it shall be established to you. Light shall shine on your ways.

Job 22:29 When they cast down, you shall say, 'be lifted up.' He will save the humble person.

Job 22:30 He will even deliver him who is not innocent. Yes, he shall be delivered through the cleanness of your hands."

Job 23:1 Then Job answered,

Job 23:2 "Even today my complaint is rebellious. His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.

Job 23:3 Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!

Job 23:4 I would set my cause in order before him, and fill my mouth with arguments.

Job 23:5 I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would tell me.

Job 23:6 Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No, but he would listen to me.

Job 23:7 There the upright might reason with him, so I should be delivered forever from my judge.

Job 23:8 "If I go east, he is not there; if west, I can't find him;

Job 23:9 He works to the north, but I can't see him. He turns south, but I can't catch a glimpse of him.

Job 23:10 But he knows the way that I take. When he has tried me, I shall come forth like gold.

Job 23:11 My foot has held fast to his steps. I have kept his way, and not turned aside.

Job 23:12 I haven't gone back from the commandment of his lips. I have treasured up the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

Job 23:13 But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? What his soul desires, even that he does.

Job 23:14 For he performs that which is appointed for me. Many such things are with him.

Job 23:15 Therefore I am terrified at his presence. When I consider, I am afraid of him.

Job 23:16 For God has made my heart faint. The Almighty has terrified me.

Job 23:17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face. 

The Composite Bible

The World English Bible

Darby's Translation

Young's Literal Translation

The Composite Bible is a effort to understand the Bible by considering it from different perspectives and different levels of literalcy. First, read the World English Bible (the least literal-black text) for comprehension of the text. Next, read both the World English Bible with the Darby Translation (more literal-blue text)to make comparisons and lastly, read all three versions (Young's is the most literal translation- red text) at one time to obtain an overview of the text. Doing this will make you think about what the Scriptures are actually saying and avoid reading in a superficial manner.

Job

Job 20 1

Then Zophar the Naamathite answered,

And Zophar the Naamathite answered and said,

And Zophar the Naamathite answereth and saith: --

Job 20 2

"Therefore do my thoughts give answer to me, Even by reason of my haste that is in me.

Therefore do my thoughts give me an answer, and for this is my haste within me.

Therefore my thoughts cause me to answer, And because of my sensations in me.

Job 20 3

I have heard the reproof which puts me to shame; The spirit of my understanding answers me.

I hear a reproof putting me to shame; and [my] spirit answereth me by mine

understanding.

The chastisement of my shame I hear, And the spirit of mine understanding Doth

cause me to answer:

Job 20 4

Don`t you know this from old time, Since man was placed on earth,

Knowest thou [not] this, that of old, since man was placed upon earth,

This hast thou known from antiquity? Since the placing of man on earth?

Job 20 5

That the triumphing of the wicked is short, The joy of the godless but for a moment?

The exultation of the wicked is short, and the joy of the ungodly man but for a moment?

That the singing of the wicked [is] short, And the joy of the profane for a moment,

Job 20 6

Though his height mount up to the heavens, And his head reach to the clouds,

Though his height mount up to the heavens, and his head reach unto the clouds,

Though his excellency go up to the heavens, And his head against a cloud he strike

--

Job 20 7

Yet he shall perish forever like his own dung, Those who have seen him shall say, `Where is he?`

Like his own dung doth he perish for ever; they which have seen him shall say, Where is

he?

As his own dung for ever he doth perish, His beholders say: `Where [is] he?`

Job 20 8

He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: Yes, he shall be chased away like a vision of

the night.

He flieth away as a dream, and is not found; and is chased away as a vision of the night.

As a dream he fleeth, and they find him not, And he is driven away as a vision of

the night,

Job 20 9

The eye which saw him shall see him no more, Neither shall his place any more see him.

The eye which saw him shall [see him] not again; and his place beholdeth him no more.

The eye hath not seen him, and addeth not. And not again doth his place behold

him.

Job 20 10

His children shall seek the favor of the poor. His hands shall give back his wealth.

His children shall seek the favour of the poor, and his hands restore his wealth.

His sons do the poor oppress, And his hands give back his wealth.

Job 20 11

His bones are full of his youth, But youth shall lie down with him in the dust.

His bones were full of his youthful strength; but it shall lie down with him in the dust.

His bones have been full of his youth, And with him on the dust it lieth down.

Job 20 12

"Though wickedness is sweet in his mouth, Though he hide it under his tongue,

Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth [and] he hide it under his tongue,

Though he doth sweeten evil in his mouth, Doth hide it under his tongue,

Job 20 13

Though he spare it, and will not let it go, But keep it still within his mouth;

[Though] he spare it, and forsake it not, but keep it within his mouth,

Hath pity on it, and doth not forsake it, And keep it back in the midst of his

Job 20 14

Yet his food in his bowels is turned. It is cobra venom within him.

His food is turned in his bowels; it is the gall of asps within him.

His food in his bowels is turned, The bitterness of asps [is] in his heart.

Job 20 15

He has swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again. God will cast them out of his

belly.

He hath swallowed down riches, but he shall vomit them up again: ·God shall cast them

out of his belly.

Wealth he hath swallowed, and doth vomit it. From his belly God driveth it out.

Job 20 16

He shall suck cobra venom. The viper`s tongue shall kill him.

He shall suck the poison of asps; the viper`s tongue shall kill him.

Gall of asps he sucketh, Slay him doth the tongue of a viper.

Job 20 17

He shall not look at the rivers, The flowing streams of honey and butter.

He shall not see streams, rivers, brooks of honey and butter.

He looketh not on rivulets, Flowing of brooks of honey and butter.

Job 20 18

That for which he labored he shall restore, and shall not swallow it down; According to the

substance that he has gotten, he shall not rejoice.

That which he laboured for shall he restore, and not swallow down; its restitution shall

be according to the value, and he shall not rejoice [therein].

He is giving back [what] he laboured for, And doth not consume [it]; As a bulwark

[is] his exchange, and he exults not.

Job 20 19

For he has oppressed and forsaken the poor. He has violently taken away a house, and he shall

not build it up.

For he hath oppressed, hath forsaken the poor; he hath violently taken away a house that

he did not build.

For he oppressed -- he forsook the poor, A house he hath taken violently away, And

he doth not build it.

Job 20 20

"Because he knew no quietness within him, He shall not save anything of that in which he

delights.

Because he knew no rest in his craving, he shall save nought of what he most desired.

For he hath not known ease in his belly. With his desirable thing he delivereth

not himself.

Job 20 21

There was nothing left that he didn`t devour, Therefore his prosperity shall not endure.

Nothing escaped his greediness; therefore his prosperity shall not endure.

There is not a remnant to his food, Therefore his good doth not stay.

Job 20 22

In the fullness of his sufficiency, distress shall overtake him: The hand of everyone who is in

misery shall come on him.

In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits; every hand of the wretched shall

come upon him.

In the fulness of his sufficiency he is straitened. Every perverse hand doth meet

him.

Job 20 23

When he is about to fill his belly, God will cast the fierceness of his wrath on him. It will

rain on him while he is eating.

It shall be that, to fill his belly, he will cast his fierce anger upon him, and will rain it

upon him into his flesh.

It cometh to pass, at the filling of his belly, He sendeth forth against him The

fierceness of His anger, Yea, He raineth on him in his eating.

Job 20 24

He shall flee from the iron weapon. The bronze arrow shall strike him through.

If he have fled from the iron weapon, the bow of brass shall strike him through.

He fleeth from an iron weapon, Pass through him doth a bow of brass.

Job 20 25

He draws it forth, and it comes out of his body. Yes, the glittering point comes out of his liver.

Terrors are on him.

He draweth it forth; it cometh out of his body, and the glittering point out of his gall:

terrors are upon him.

One hath drawn, And it cometh out from the body, And a glittering weapon from

his gall proceedeth. On him [are] terrors.

Job 20 26

All darkness is laid up for his treasures. An unfanned fire shall devour him. It shall consume

that which is left in his tent.

All darkness is laid up for his treasures: a fire not blown shall devour him; it shall feed

upon what is left in his tent.

All darkness is hid for his treasures, Consume him doth a fire not blown, Broken

is the remnant in his tent.

Job 20 27

The heavens shall reveal his iniquity, The earth shall rise up against him.

The heavens shall reveal his iniquity, and the earth shall rise up against him.

Reveal do the heavens his iniquity, And earth is raising itself against him.

Job 20 28

The increase of his house shall depart; They shall rush away in the day of his wrath.

The increase of his house shall depart, flowing away in the day of his anger.

Remove doth the increase of his house, Poured forth in a day of His anger.

Job 20 29

This is the portion of a wicked man from God, The heritage appointed to him by God."

This is the portion of the wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed to him by

·God.

This [is] the portion of a wicked man from God. And an inheritance appointed him

by God.

Job 21 1

Then Job answered,

And Job answered and said,

And Job answereth and saith: --

Job 21 2

"Listen diligently to my speech. Let this be your consolation.

Hear attentively my speech, and let this replace your consolations.

Hear ye diligently my word, And this is your consolation.

Job 21 3

Allow me, and I also will speak; After I have spoken, mock on.

Suffer me and I will speak; and after I have spoken, mock on!

Bear with me, and I speak, And after my speaking -- ye may deride.

Job 21 4

As for me, is my complaint to man? Why shouldn`t I be impatient?

As for me, is my complaint to a man? or wherefore should not my spirit be impatient?

I -- to man [is] my complaint? and if [so], wherefore May not my temper become

short?

Job 21 5

Look at me, and be astonished. Lay your hand on your mouth.

Mark me, and be astonished, and lay the hand upon the mouth.

Turn unto me, and be astonished, And put hand to mouth.

Job 21 6

When I remember, I am troubled. Horror takes hold of my flesh.

Even when I think [thereon], I am affrighted, and trembling taketh hold of my flesh.

Yea, if I have remembered, then I have been troubled. And my flesh hath taken

fright.

Job 21 7

"Why do the wicked live, Become old, yes, and grow mighty in power?

Wherefore do the wicked live, grow old, yea, become mighty in power?

Wherefore do the wicked live? They have become old, Yea, they have been mighty

in wealth.

Job 21 8

Their child is established with them in their sight, Their offspring before their eyes.

Their seed is established with them in their sight, and their offspring before their eyes.

Their seed is established, Before their face with them, And their offspring before

their eyes.

Job 21 9

Their houses are safe from fear, Neither is the rod of God upon them.

Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of +God upon them.

Their houses [are] peace without fear, Nor [is] a rod of God upon them.

Job 21 10

Their bulls breed without fail. Their cows calve, and don`t miscarry.

Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf.

His bullock hath eaten corn, and doth not loath. His cow bringeth forth safely, And

doth not miscarry.

Job 21 11

They send forth their little ones like a flock. Their children dance.

They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance.

They send forth as a flock their sucklings, And their children skip,

Job 21 12

They sing to the tambourine and harp, And rejoice at the sound of the pipe.

They shout to the tambour and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the pipe.

They lift [themselves] up at timbrel and harp, And rejoice at the sound of an

organ.

Job 21 13

They spend their days in prosperity. In an instant they go down to Sheol.

They spend their days in prosperity, and in a moment go down to Sheol.

They wear out in good their days, And in a moment [to] Sheol go down.

Job 21 14

They tell God, `Depart from us, For we don`t want to know about your ways.

And they say unto ·God, Depart from us, for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways!

And they say to God, `Turn aside from us, And the knowledge of Thy ways We have

not desired.

Job 21 15

What is the Almighty, that we should serve him? What profit should we have, if we pray to

him?`

What is the Almighty that we should serve him? and what are we profited if we pray unto

him?

What [is] the Mighty One that we serve Him? And what do we profit when we meet

with Him?`

Job 21 16

Behold, their prosperity is not in their hand: The counsel of the wicked is far from me.

Behold, their prosperity is not in their hand. The counsel of the wicked be far from me!

Lo, not in their hand [is] their good, (The counsel of the wicked Hath been far

from me.)

Job 21 17

"How often is it that the lamp of the wicked is put out? That their calamity comes on them?

That God distributes sorrows in his anger?

How often is the lamp of the wicked put out, and cometh their calamity upon them? Doth

he distribute sorrows [to them] in his anger?

How oft is the lamp of the wicked extinguished, And come on them doth their

calamity? Pangs He apportioneth in His anger.

Job 21 18

That they are as stubble before the wind, As chaff that the storm carries away?

Do they become as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away?

They are as straw before wind, And as chaff a hurricane hath stolen away,

Job 21 19

You say, `God lays up his iniquity for his children.` Let him recompense it to himself, that he

may know it.

+God layeth up [the punishment of] his iniquity for his children; he rewardeth him, and

he shall know [it]:

God layeth up for his sons his sorrow, He giveth recompense unto him -- and he

knoweth.

Job 21 20

Let his own eyes see his destruction. Let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the fury of the Almighty.

His own eyes see his destruction, And of the wrath of the Mighty he drinketh.

Job 21 21

For what does he care for his house after him, When the number of his months is cut off?

For what pleasure should he have in his house after him, when the number of his months

is cut off?

For what [is] his delight in his house after him, And the number of his months cut

off?

Job 21 22

"Shall any teach God knowledge, Seeing he judges those who are high?

Can any teach ·God knowledge? And he it is that judgeth those that are high.

To God doth [one] teach knowledge, And He the high doth judge?

Job 21 23

One dies in his full strength, Being wholly at ease and quiet.

One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet;

This [one] dieth in his perfect strength, Wholly at ease and quiet.

Job 21 24

His pails are full of milk. The marrow of his bones is moistened.

His sides are full of fat, and the marrow of his bones is moistened;

His breasts have been full of milk, And marrow his bones doth moisten.

Job 21 25

Another dies in bitterness of soul, And never tastes of good.

And another dieth in bitterness of soul, and hath not tasted good:

And this [one] dieth with a bitter soul, And have not eaten with gladness.

Job 21 26

They lie down alike in the dust, The worm covers them.

Together they lie down in the dust, and the worms cover them.

Together -- on the dust they lie down, And the worm doth cover them over.

Job 21 27

"Behold, I know your thoughts, The devices with which you would wrong me.

Lo, I know your thoughts, and the devices ye wrongfully imagine against me.

Lo, I have known your thoughts, And the devices against me ye do wrongfully.

Job 21 28

For you say, `Where is the house of the prince? Where is the tent in which the wicked lived?`

For ye say, Where is the house of the noble? and where the tent of the dwellings of the

wicked?

For ye say, `Where [is] the house of the noble? And where the tent -- The

tabernacles of the wicked?`

Job 21 29

Haven`t you asked wayfaring men? Don`t you know their evidences,

Have ye not asked the wayfarers? and do ye not regard their tokens:

Have ye not asked those passing by the way? And their signs do ye not know?

Job 21 30

That the evil man is reserved to the day of calamity? That they are led forth to the day of

wrath?

That the wicked is reserved for the day of calamity? They are led forth to the day of

wrath.

That to a day of calamity is the wicked spared. To a day of wrath they are brought.

Job 21 31

Who shall declare his way to his face? Who shall repay him what he has done?

Who shall declare his way to his face? and who shall repay him what he hath done?

Who doth declare to his face his way? And [for] that which he hath done, Who doth

give recompence to him?

Job 21 32

Yet shall he be borne to the grave, Men shall keep watch over the tomb.

Yet is he carried to the graves, and watch is kept over the tomb.

And he -- to the graves he is brought. And over the heap a watch is kept.

Job 21 33

The clods of the valley shall be sweet to him. All men shall draw after him, As there were

innumerable before him.

The clods of the valley are sweet unto him; and every man followeth suit after him, as

there were innumerable before him.

Sweet to him have been the clods of the valley, And after him every man he

draweth, And before him there is no numbering.

Job 21 34

So how can you comfort me with nonsense, Seeing that in your answers there remains only

falsehood?"

How then comfort ye me in vain? Your answers remain perfidious.

And how do ye comfort me [with] vanity, And in your answers hath been left

trespass?

Job 22 1

Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,

And Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,

And Eliphaz the Temanite answereth and saith: --

Job 22 2

"Can a man be profitable to God? Surely he who is wise is profitable to himself.

Can a man be profitable to ·God? surely it is unto himself that the wise man is profitable.

To God is a man profitable, Because a wise man to himself is profitable?

Job 22 3

Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that you are righteous? Or does it benefit him, that you

make your ways perfect?

Is it any pleasure to the Almighty if thou art righteous? And is it gain [to him] that thou

makest thy ways perfect?

Is it a delight to the Mighty One That thou art righteous? is it gain, That thou

makest perfect thy ways?

Job 22 4

Is it for your piety that he reproves you, That he enters with you into judgment?

Will he reason with thee for fear of thee? Will he enter with thee into judgment?

Because of thy reverence Doth He reason [with] thee? He entereth with thee into

judgment:

Job 22 5

Isn`t your wickedness great? Neither is there any end to your iniquities.

Is not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities without end?

Is not thy wickedness abundant? And there is no end to thine iniquities.

Job 22 6

For you have taken pledges from your brother for nothing, And stripped the naked of their

clothing.

For thou hast taken a pledge of thy brother for nought, and stripped off the clothing of

the naked.

For thou takest a pledge of thy brother for nought, And the garments of the naked

Thou dost strip off.

Job 22 7

You haven`t given water to the weary to drink, And you have withheld bread from the hungry.

Thou hast not given water to the fainting to drink, and thou hast withholden bread from

the hungry.

Thou causest not the weary to drink water, And from the hungry thou withholdest

bread.

Job 22 8

But as for the mighty man, he had the earth. The honorable man, he lived in it.

But the powerful man, he had the land; and the man of high rank dwelt in it.

As to the man of arm -- he hath the earth, And the accepted of face -- he dwelleth

in it.

Job 22 9

You have sent widows away empty, And the arms of the fatherless have been broken.

Widows hast thou sent empty away, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.

Widows thou hast sent away empty, And the arms of the fatherless are bruised.

Job 22 10

Therefore snares are round about you. Sudden fear troubles you,

Therefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee;

Therefore round about thee [are] snares, And trouble thee doth fear suddenly.

Job 22 11

Or darkness, so that you can not see, And floods of waters cover you.

Or darkness, that thou canst not see, and floods of waters cover thee.

Or darkness -- thou dost not see, And abundance of waters doth cover thee.

Job 22 12

"Isn`t God in the heights of heaven? See the height of the stars, how high they are!

Is not +God in the height of the heavens? And behold the summit of the stars: how exalted

are they!

Is not God high [in] heaven? And see the summit of the stars, That they are high.

Job 22 13

You say, `What does God know? Can he judge through the thick darkness?

And thou sayest, What doth ·God know? will he judge through the dark cloud?

And thou hast said, `What -- hath God known? Through thickness doth He judge?

Job 22 14

Thick clouds are a covering to him, so that he doesn`t see. He walks on the vault of the sky.`

Thick clouds are a covering to him, that he seeth not; and he walketh on the vault of the

heavens.

Thick clouds [are] a secret place to Him, And He doth not see;` And the circle of

the heavens He walketh habitually,

Job 22 15

Will you keep the old way Which wicked men have trodden,

Dost thou mark the ancient path which wicked men have trodden?

The path of the age dost thou observe, That men of iniquity have trodden?

Job 22 16

Who were snatched away before their time, Whose foundation was poured out as a stream,

Who were carried off before the time, whose foundation was overflowed with a flood;

Who have been cut down unexpectedly, A flood is poured out on their foundation.

Job 22 17

Who said to God, `Depart from us;` And, `What can the Almighty do for us?`

Who said unto ·God, Depart from us! and what could the Almighty do to them?

Those saying to God, `Turn aside from us,` And what doth the Mighty One to them?

Job 22 18

Yet he filled their houses with good things, But the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

Yet he filled their houses with good. But the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

And he hath filled their houses [with] good: (And the counsel of the wicked Hath

been far from me.)

Job 22 19

The righteous see it, and are glad; The innocent laugh them to scorn,

The righteous see it, and are glad; and the innocent laugh them to scorn:

See do the righteous and they rejoice, And the innocent mocketh at them,

Job 22 20

Saying, `Surely those who rose up against us are cut off, The fire has consumed the remnant of

them.`

Is not he who rose against us destroyed, and doth not the fire consume his residue?

`Surely our substance hath not been cut off, And their excellency hath fire

consumed.`

Job 22 21

"Acquaint yourself with him, now, and be at peace. Thereby good shall come to you.

Reconcile thyself now with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee.

Acquaint thyself, I pray thee, with Him, And be at peace, Thereby thine increase

[is] good.

Job 22 22

Please receive the law from his mouth, And lay up his words in your heart.

Receive, I pray thee, instruction from his mouth, and lay up his words in thy heart.

Receive, I pray thee, from His mouth a law, And set His sayings in thy heart.

Job 22 23

If you return to the Almighty, you shall be built up, If you put away unrighteousness far from

your tents.

If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up. If thou remove unrighteousness far

from thy tents,

If thou dost return unto the Mighty Thou art built up, Thou puttest iniquity far

from thy tents.

Job 22 24

Lay your treasure in the dust, The gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks.

And put the precious ore with the dust, and [the gold of] Ophir among the stones of the

torrents,

So as to set on the dust a defence, And on a rock of the valleys a covering.

Job 22 25

The Almighty will be your treasure, Precious silver to you.

Then the Almighty will be thy precious ore, and silver heaped up unto thee;

And the Mighty hath been thy defence, And silver [is] strength to thee.

Job 22 26

For then shall you delight yourself in the Almighty, And shall lift up your face to God.

Yea, then shalt thou delight thyself in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto +God:

For then on the Mighty thou delightest thyself, And dost lift up unto God thy face,

Job 22 27

You shall make your prayer to him, and he will hear you. You shall pay your vows.

Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he will hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows;

Thou dost make supplication unto Him, And He doth hear thee, And thy vows thou

completest.

Job 22 28

You shall also decree a thing, and it shall be established to you. Light shall shine on your

ways.

And thou shalt decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee; and light shall shine

upon thy ways.

And thou decreest a saying, And it is established to thee, And on thy ways hath

light shone.

Job 22 29

When they cast down, you shall say, `be lifted up.` He will save the humble person.

When they are made low, then thou shalt say, Rise up! and he shall save him that is of

downcast eyes.

For they have made low, And thou sayest, `Lift up.` And the bowed down of eyes he

saveth.

Job 22 30

He will even deliver him who is not innocent; Yes, he shall be delivered through the cleanness

of your hands."

[Even] him that is not innocent shall he deliver; yea, he shall be delivered by the

pureness of thy hands.

He delivereth the not innocent, Yea, he hath been delivered By the cleanness of

thy hands.

Job 23 1

Then Job answered,

And Job answered and said,

And Job answereth and saith: --

Job 23 2

"Even today is my complaint rebellious. His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.

Even to-day is my complaint bitter: my stroke is heavier than my groaning.

Also -- to-day [is] my complaint bitter, My hand hath been heavy because of my

sighing.

Job 23 3

Oh that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat!

Oh that I knew where I might find him, that I might come to his seat!

O that I had known -- and I find Him, I come in unto His seat,

Job 23 4

I would set my cause in order before him, And fill my mouth with arguments.

I would order the cause before him, and fill my mouth with arguments;

I arrange before Him the cause, And my mouth fill [with] arguments.

Job 23 5

I would know the words which he would answer me, And understand what he would tell me.

I would know the words he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me.

I know the words He doth answer me, And understand what He saith to me.

Job 23 6

Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power? No, but he would listen to me.

Would he plead against me with [his] great power? Nay; but he would give heed unto me.

In the abundance of power doth He strive with me? No! surely He putteth [it] in

me.

Job 23 7

There the upright might reason with him, So I should be delivered forever from my judge.

There would an upright man reason with him; and I should be delivered for ever from my

judge.

There the upright doth reason with Him, And I escape for ever from my judge.

Job 23 8

"If I go east, he is not there; If west, I can`t find him;

Lo, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I do not perceive him;

Lo, forward I go -- and He is not, And backward -- and I perceive him not.

Job 23 9

He works to the north, but I can`t see him; He turns south, but I can`t catch a glimpse of him.

On the left hand, where he doth work, but I behold [him] not; he hideth himself on the

right hand, and I see [him] not.

[To] the left in His working -- and I see not, He is covered [on] the right, and I

behold not.

Job 23 10

But he knows the way that I take. When he has tried me, I shall come forth like gold.

But he knoweth the way that I take; he trieth me, I shall come forth as gold.

For He hath known the way with me, He hath tried me -- as gold I go forth.

Job 23 11

My foot has held fast to his steps. His way have I kept, and not turned aside.

My foot hath held to his steps; his way have I kept, and not turned aside.

On His step hath my foot laid hold, His way I have kept, and turn not aside,

Job 23 12

I haven`t gone back from the commandment of his lips. I have treasured up the words of his

mouth more than my necessary food.

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have laid up the words of

his mouth more than the purpose of my own heart.

The command of His lips, and I depart not. Above my allotted portion I have laid

up The sayings of His mouth.

Job 23 13

But he stands alone, and who can oppose him? What his soul desires, even that he does.

But he is in one [mind], and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, that will he

do.

And He [is] in one [mind], And who doth turn Him back? And His soul hath desired

-- and He doth [it].

Job 23 14

For he performs that which is appointed for me. Many such things are with him.

For he will perform [what] is appointed for me; and many such things are with him.

For He doth complete my portion, And many such things [are] with Him.

Job 23 15

Therefore I am terrified at his presence. When I consider, I am afraid of him.

Therefore am I troubled at his presence; I consider, and I am afraid of him.

Therefore, from His presence I am troubled, I consider, and am afraid of Him.

Job 23 16

For God has made my heart faint. The Almighty has terrified me.

For ·God hath made my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me;

And God hath made my heart soft, And the Mighty hath troubled me.

Job 23 17

Because I was not cut off before the darkness, Neither did he cover the thick darkness from my

face.

Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he hidden the gloom from me.

For I have not been cut off before darkness, And before me He covered thick

darkness.

Study Questions

What is the wicked man's portion? 20:29 (20:4-28)

What is the advantage of being good when both the good and the bad die? (Chapter 21)

Where is God? 22:12

What does Eliphaz say that Job needs to do in order to be restored? 22:23

Job feels that his is guilty before God, true or false? 23:10

The World English Bible

Aug. 21

Romans 2

Rom 2:1 Therefore you are without excuse, O man, whoever you are who judge. For in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself. For you who judge practice the same things.

Rom 2:2 We know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.

Rom 2:3 Do you think this, O man who judges those who practice such things, and do the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?

Rom 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

Rom 2:5 But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath, revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God;

Rom 2:6 who "will pay back to everyone according to their works:"

Rom 2:7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life;

Rom 2:8 but to those who are self-seeking, and don't obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, will be wrath and indignation,

Rom 2:9 oppression and anguish, on every soul of man who works evil, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Rom 2:10 But glory, honor, and peace go to every man who works good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Rom 2:11 For there is no partiality with God.

Rom 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without the law. As many as have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.

Rom 2:13 For it isn't the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be justified

Rom 2:14 (for when Gentiles who don't have the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are a law to themselves,

Rom 2:15 in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with them, and their thoughts among themselves accusing or else excusing them)

Rom 2:16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of men, according to my Good News, by Jesus Christ.

Rom 2:17 Indeed you bear the name of a Jew, and rest on the law, and glory in God,

Rom 2:18 and know his will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,

Rom 2:19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,

Rom 2:20 a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of babies, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth.

Rom 2:21 You therefore who teach another, don't you teach yourself? You who preach that a man shouldn't steal, do you steal?

Rom 2:22 You who say a man shouldn't commit adultery. Do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?

Rom 2:23 You who glory in the law, through your disobedience of the law do you dishonor God?

Rom 2:24 For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," just as it is written.

Rom 2:25 For circumcision indeed profits, if you are a doer of the law, but if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

Rom 2:26 If therefore the uncircumcised keep the ordinances of the law, won't his uncircumcision be accounted as circumcision?

Rom 2:27 Won't the uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfills the law, judge you, who with the letter and circumcision are a transgressor of the law?

Rom 2:28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh;

Rom 2:29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.

The Composite Bible

The World English Bible

Darby's Translation

Young's Literal Translation

The Composite Bible is a effort to understand the Bible by considering it from different perspectives and different levels of literalcy. First, read the World English Bible (the least literal-black text) for comprehension of the text. Next, read both the World English Bible with the Darby Translation (more literal-blue text)to make comparisons and lastly, read all three versions (Young's is the most literal translation- red text) at one time to obtain an overview of the text. Doing this will make you think about what the Scriptures are actually saying and avoid reading in a superficial manner.

Romans

Romans 2 1

Therefore you are without excuse, man, whoever you are who judge. For in that which you judge

another, you condemn yourself. For you who judge practice the same things.

Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, every one who judgest, for in that in which thou

judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.

Therefore, thou art inexcusable, O man -- every one who is judging -- for in that in

which thou dost judge the other, thyself thou dost condemn, for the same things

thou dost practise who art judging,

Romans 2 2

We know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.

But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth upon those who do such

things.

and we have known that the judgment of God is according to truth, upon those

practising such things.

Romans 2 3

Do you know this, O man who judges those who practice such things, and do the same, that you

will escape the judgment of God?

And thinkest thou this, O man, who judgest those that do such things, and practisest

them [thyself], that *thou* shalt escape the judgment of God?

And dost thou think this, O man, who art judging those who such things are

practising, and art doing them, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

Romans 2 4

Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the

goodness of God leads you to repentance?

or despisest thou the riches of his goodness, and forbearance, and long-suffering, not

knowing that the goodness of God leads thee to repentance?

or the riches of His goodness, and forbearance, and long-suffering, dost thou

despise? -- not knowing that the goodness of God doth lead thee to reformation!

Romans 2 5

But according to your hardness and impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath

in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;

but, according to thy hardness and impenitent heart, treasurest up to thyself wrath, in

[the] day of wrath and revelation of [the] righteous judgment of God,

but, according to thy hardness and impenitent heart, thou dost treasure up to

thyself wrath, in a day of wrath and of the revelation of the righteous judgment of

God,

Romans 2 6

who "will render to every man according to his works:"

who shall render to each according to his works:

who shall render to each according to his works;

Romans 2 7

to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and incorruptibility, eternal

to them who, in patient continuance of good works, seek for glory and honour and

incorruptibility, life eternal.

to those, indeed, who in continuance of a good work, do seek glory, and honour,

and incorruptibility -- life age-during;

Romans 2 8

but to those who are self-seeking, and don`t obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, will be

wrath and indignation,

But to those that are contentious, and are disobedient to the truth, but obey

unrighteousness, [there shall be] wrath and indignation,

and to those contentious, and disobedient, indeed, to the truth, and obeying the

unrighteousness -- indignation and wrath,

Romans 2 9

oppression and anguish, on every soul of man who works evil, on the Jew first, and also on the

Greek.

tribulation and distress, on every soul of man that works evil, both of Jew first, and of

Greek;

tribulation and distress, upon every soul of man that is working the evil, both of

Jew first, and of Greek;

Romans 2 10

But glory and honor and peace to every man who works good, to the Jew first, and also to the

Greek.

but glory and honour and peace to every one that works good, both to Jew first and to

Greek:

and glory, and honour, and peace, to every one who is working the good, both to

Jew first, and to Greek.

Romans 2 11

For there is no partiality with God.

for there is no acceptance of persons with God.

For there is no acceptance of faces with God,

Romans 2 12

For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without the law. As many as have sinned

under the law will be judged by the law.

For as many as have sinned without law shall perish also without law; and as many as have

sinned under law shall be judged by law,

for as many as without law did sin, without law also shall perish, and as many as

did sin in law, through law shall be judged,

Romans 2 13

For it isn`t the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be

justified

(for not the hearers of the law [are] just before God, but the doers of the law shall be

justified.

for not the hearers of the law [are] righteous before God, but the doers of the law

shall be declared righteous: –

Romans 2 14

(for when Gentiles who don`t have the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having

the law, are a law to themselves,

For when [those of the] nations, which have no law, practise by nature the things of the

law, these, having no law, are a law to themselves;

For, when nations that have not a law, by nature may do the things of the law,

these not having a law -- to themselves are a law;

Romans 2 15

in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with

them, and their thoughts among themselves accusing or else excusing them)

who shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing

witness, and their thoughts accusing or else excusing themselves between themselves;)

who do shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also

witnessing with them, and between one another the thoughts accusing or else

defending,

Romans 2 16

in the day when God will judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus Christ.

in [the] day when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my glad tidings, by

Jesus Christ.

in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my good news,

through Jesus Christ.

Romans 2 17

Indeed you bear the name of a Jew, and rest on the law, and glory in God,

But if *thou* art named a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast in God,

Lo, thou art named a Jew, and dost rest upon the law, and dost boast in God,

Romans 2 18

and know his will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,

and knowest the will, and discerningly approvest the things that are more excellent,

being instructed out of the law;

and dost know the will, and dost approve the distinctions, being instructed out of

the law,

Romans 2 19

and are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,

and hast confidence that thou thyself art a leader of the blind, a light of those who [are]

in darkness,

and hast confidence that thou thyself art a leader of blind ones, a light of those in

darkness,

Romans 2 20

a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of babies, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the

truth.

an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and of truth

in the law:

an instructor of foolish ones, a teacher of babes, having the form of the knowledge

and of the truth in the law.

Romans 2 21

You therefore who teach another, don`t you teach yourself? You who preach that a man shouldn`t

steal, do you steal?

thou then that teachest another, dost thou not teach thyself? thou that preachest not to

steal, dost thou steal?

Thou, then, who art teaching another, thyself dost thou not teach?

Romans 2 22

You who say a man shouldn`t commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do

you rob temples?

thou that sayest [man should] not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that

abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?

thou who art preaching not to steal, dost thou steal? thou who art saying not to

commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou who art abhorring the idols,

dost thou rob temples?

Romans 2 23

You who glory in the law, through your disobedience of the law do you dishonor God?

thou who boastest in law, dost thou by transgression of the law dishonour God?

thou who in the law dost boast, through the transgression of the law God dost thou

dishonour?

Romans 2 24

For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," just as it is written.

For the name of God is blasphemed on your account among the nations, according as it is

written.

for the name of God because of you is evil spoken of among the nations, according

as it hath been written.

Romans 2 25

For circumcision indeed profits, if you be a doer of the law, but if you be a transgressor of the

law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

For circumcision indeed profits if thou keep [the] law; but if thou be a law-transgressor,

thy circumcision is become uncircumcision.

For circumcision, indeed, doth profit, if law thou mayest practise, but if a

transgressor of law thou mayest be, thy circumcision hath become

Romans 2 26

If therefore the uncircumcised keep the ordinances of the law, won`t his uncircumcision be

accounted as circumcision?

If therefore the uncircumcision keep the requirements of the law, shall not his

uncircumcision be reckoned for circumcision,

If, therefore the uncircumcision the righteousness of the law may keep, shall not

his uncircumcision for circumcision be reckoned?

Romans 2 27

Won`t the uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfills the law, judge you, who with the

letter and circumcision are a transgressor of the law?

and uncircumcision by nature, fulfilling the law, judge thee, who, with letter and

circumcision, [art] a law-transgressor?

and the uncircumcision, by nature, fulfilling the law, shall judge thee who,

through letter and circumcision, [art] a transgressor of law.

Romans 2 28

For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the

flesh;

For he is not a Jew who [is] one outwardly, neither that circumcision which is outward

in flesh;

For he is not a Jew who is [so] outwardly, neither [is] circumcision that which is

outward in flesh;

Romans 2 29

but he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in

the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God.

but he [is] a Jew [who is so] inwardly; and circumcision, of the heart, in spirit, not in

letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.

but a Jew [is] he who is [so] inwardly, and circumcision [is] of the heart, in spirit,

not in letter, of which the praise is not of men, but of God.

Study Questions

Who does the judgment of God rightly fall upon? 2:1-2

Why is wrath stored up? 2:5

Circumcision has value if _______________________? 2:25