From Gary.... MINE!!!

"Now, doggy, come on... give me that leaf...". And now, look at the dog; I don't think this is going to happen- DO YOU?  Just look at those EYES, they virtually scream- Are you CRAZY???  Now, what does that dog want with a leaf, anyway?  Oh, I suppose he can sit on it- to clean himself after he has done his business.  Or, he can drop it and try to catch it on the way to the ground.  Maybe he just likes the color GOLD?  As far as I can tell, there is really no understandable reason NOT to give it up!!!  Possessions are funny things, because they are only "ours" for a little while.  The ones that endure, will only change hands when we die- so what is the big deal about them?  I am tempted to say that we are programmed to want things all through our life by the media and this would be true; but what about a time before there was television, radio or even newspapers for that matter?  What about ancient times? Specifically, the days that Jesus of Nazareth walked the face of the Earth.  Then I thought of this passage from the book of Matthew...

Matthew, Chapter 19

 16  Behold, one came to him and said, “Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” 

  17  He said to him, “Why do you call me good?  No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 

  18  He said to him, “Which ones?” 

Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder.’ ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ ‘You shall not steal.’ ‘You shall not offer false testimony.’   19  ‘Honor your father and mother.’  And, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” 

  20  The young man said to him, “All these things I have observed from my youth. What do I still lack?” 

  21  Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”   22 But when the young man heard the saying, he went away sad, for he was one who had great possessions.  23 Jesus said to his disciples,“Most certainly I say to you, a rich man will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty.   24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.” 

  25  When the disciples heard it, they were exceedingly astonished, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 

  26  Looking at them, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” 

  27  Then Peter answered, “Behold, we have left everything, and followed you. What then will we have?” 

  28  Jesus said to them, “Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of  Israel.   29  Everyone who has left houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive one hundred times, and will inherit eternal life.   30  But many will be last who are first; and first who are last.

Now, I have written posts on the "rich young ruler" before, so I will just mention in passing that he loved his possessions more that God and we need to listen to the lesson (s) that portion of the Scriptures teach.  But, what about the highlighted portion of this passage?  What strikes me as a bit odd, is the disciples reaction in verse 25 to the two preceding statements about a rich man and the kingdom of heaven.  And even more unusual is verse 26, with its reliance upon God to allow the impossibility of a rich man into heaven.  Humm, then we encounter Peter saying "What then will be have"?  Jesus replies as to their future work in heaven and eternal life. THEN, he states the familiar ... the last and the first puzzle.  I am quite certain that all the disciples were NOT rich, so what in the world were they thinking when they ask "who then can be saved"?  For me, it seems reasonable that they were talking in general about Jewish attitudes towards wealth.  It is the only thing that makes sense to my mind, but hey, that is just me; I could be wrong.  With that problem "resolved", I find myself back at the "What then will we have" statement.  If they don't have possessions, what WILL they have?  The answer is service and responsibility.  Society teaches us that wealth is equal to greatness, but Jesus teaches that SERVICE IS GREATNESS!!!  Possessions are mere leaves blowing in the wind, the emblem of the transitory nature of life.  But service, however humble it may be, is far greater; especially spiritual service. Give things up to get things- sounds a bit crazy, but it is NOT!  Then again, WITH GOD- ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE!!!!!

From Mark Copeland... Philippians:Introduction To The Epistle

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS"

                       Introduction To The Epistle

INTRODUCTION

1. Of all the letters written by the apostle Paul, Philippians is perhaps
   the most personal and heartwarming in nature.

2. So revealing is it of Paul's character, this epistle has been called
   "a window into the apostle's own bosom."

3. Throughout the epistle, the keynote is the word "JOY"
   a. Note how frequently the word "joy" (or a variation of it) is found:
      1:3-4,18,25; 2:1-2,16-18; 3:1; 4:1, 4
   b. In view of this, we can understand why some call this epistle
      "Paul's hymn of joy"

4. As we begin to study this very short epistle, it might be helpful to
   see the VALUE this book has for us, especially in light of today's
   society

I. THE SEARCH FOR PEACE OF MIND

   A. "PEACE OF MIND" IS SOMETHING MANY PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR TODAY
      1. To find it, many are swallowing tons of tranquilizers
      2. In addition to DRUGS (both prescription and illegal drugs),
         there are tranquilizing BOOKS (e.g., best-sellers promising
         secrets to having peace of mind)

   B. BUT SUCH "PEACEFULIZERS" OFTEN DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD, FOR IN MANY
      WAYS THEY FAIL...
      1. They fail to provide LASTING PEACE in the face of life's often
         harsh realities
      2. They fail to deal with the PROBLEM OF SIN, the true underlying
         cause of much anxiety
      3. They do not provide PEACE WITH GOD, the only true basis for
         lasting peace of mind
      4. Those trusting in tranquilizers, whether books or pills, are
         trying to ESCAPE rather than face reality

[What does all this have to do with the book of Philippians?]

II. PHILIPPIANS AND THE SEARCH FOR PEACE OF MIND

   A. THIS SMALL BOOK IS WRITTEN BY A MAN WHO HAD FOUND TRUE PEACE OF
       MIND...
      1. Even though he was imprisoned at the time! - Php 1:12-18
      2. Even though he might soon be a martyr! - Php 2:17-18
      3. He had the joy that comes from peace of mind, and wanted to
         share it with others! - Php 4:4-7,11-13

   B. THEREFORE, HERE ARE SOME GOOD REASONS FOR STUDYING THE EPISTLE 
      TO THE PHILIPPIANS...
      1. It reveals the NATURE of true peace and joy!
         a. The joy is found only "in the Lord" - Php 4:4
         b. The peace is one that "surpasses understanding" and is like a
            fortress - Php 4:6-7
      2. It reveals a MAN who provides AN EXAMPLE of what produces
         joy and peace (again, the epistle is like "a window into the
         apostle's own bosom.") - Php 4:9
         a. His love for his brethren - Php 1:8
         b. His devotion to his Lord - Php 1:21; 3:7-11
         c. His striving for perfection - Php 3:12-14
         d. His concern for the enemies of the cross - Php 3:18
      3. It reveals the CHRIST Who is the ultimate source of this joy
         and peace!
         a. The mind-set of this Lord who provides peace and joy
            - Php 2:5-8
         b. The exaltation of Him who gives this peace and joy
            - Php 2:9-11

CONCLUSION

1. These are some of the reasons why this epistle is certainly very
   relevant for present-day living!

2. Do you have the PEACE that "passes understanding"?  The JOY that is 
   "in the Lord"?
   a. If not, then I hope you will want to learn more about it from this
      epistle
   b. If not, and you know why and what you should do about it, then why
      not do it today?

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Jim McGuiggan... False Advertising and True

False Advertising and True

In Prienne, on the coast of northern Turkey, they discovered an inscription that has been dated 9 BC. It proclaims "good news" and gives thanks to the gods for giving Augustus to the world. Here's what it says:

"Whereas the Providence which has ordered the whole of our life, showing concern and zeal, has ordained the most perfect consummation for human life by giving to it Augustus, by filling him with virtue for doing the work of a benefactor among men, and by sending in him, as it were, a saviour for us and those who come after us, to make war to cease, to create order everywhere and whereas the birthday of the God [Augustus] was the beginning for the world of the glad tidings that have come to men through him.Paulus Fabius Maximus, the proconsul of the province has devised a way of honouring Augustus."

Then into the town came a Jewish tentmaker who would have immediately noticed all the advertising. The name above every other name would have been the current Roman emperor's. Famous actors, authors and chariot-drivers would all have had their mention but the name at which every knee would bow would be Augustus. The advertising would have spoken of Augustus as "lord" and "saviour" and bringer of "peace" and all who would want to "get ahead" and have the good-will of Rome would call on that name in one way or another. No wonder the proconsul was anxious to celebrate the birth of the emperor.

When he was ready the Jewish tentmaker would gather people around him in some market area and proclaim that the name above every name was not Augustus but Jesus Christ. He would say that the saviour and peace-bringer was no Roman emperor but the incarnate God who had come in and as Jesus of Nazareth. He would say that the truly "good news" was about God in Christ and not about Roman history or power. He would say that sovereignty came not by making a name for oneself but by self-emptying in holy obedience to the Father.

And as surely as the Prienne inscription was no mere invitation, so the tentmaker would say, the true "good news" is no mere invitation. This wasn't an offer to "let Jesus come into your heart!" This was a proclamation that Jesus is Lord whether we like it or not.

©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 Ben Fronczek... What a Team – Acts 18

What a Team – Acts 18

 

 

What A Team       Acts 18:18-28

(Based on a sermon by Jeff Strite)

OPENING STORY: A couple was celebrating their golden wedding anniversary. Their domestic tranquility had long been the talk of the town. A local newspaper reporter was inquiring as to the secret of their long and happy marriage.  ”Well, it dates back to our honeymoon,” explained the man. “We visited the Grand Canyon and took a trip down to the bottom on the canyon by pack mule. We hadn’t gone too far when my wife’s mule stumbled. My wife quietly said, ’That’s once.’ We proceeded a little further and the mule stumbled again. Once more my wife quietly said, ’That’s twice.’  We hadn’t gone a half-mile when the mule stumbled the third time. My wife quietly removed a revolver from her pocket and shot the mule dead. I started to protest over her treatment of the mule when she looked at me and quietly said ’That’s once.’”

Let me tell you another story maybe a little more in line with our sermon this morning:  A traveler was driving along one day and had an accident. He drove his car into a ditch in a desolate area. Luckily, a local farmer came by to help with his horse named Buddy. Well, the farmer hitched Buddy up to the car and yelled, “Pull, Nellie, pull!” Buddy didn’t move. Once more the farmer hollered, “Pull, Nellie, pull!” Buddy didn’t respond. The farmer repeated this action again, with the same results. Then the farmer nonchalantly said, “Pull, Buddy, pull!” And the horse finally dragged the car out of the ditch. The motorist was really appreciative but he was also curious. He said to the farmer “I really appreciate what you did for me, but why did you call your horse by the wrong name 3 times.” The farmer said, “Oh, Buddy is blind – and if he thought he was the only one pulling, he wouldn’t even try.”

APPLICATION: Like “Buddy” people usually don’t like to think they are pulling the load all by themselves. That’s why Jesus sent his disciples out in teams of two. It’s easier to serve and do a ministry when you’re part of a team.   

Read Acts 18:18-28  “Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Before he sailed, he had his hair cut off at Cenchrea because of a vow he had taken. They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. When he landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch.

After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor  and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.

When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.”

In Acts 18, we’re introduced to the ultimate ministry team – Priscilla and Aquila. They are the only Christian married couple mentioned by name in the NT. They are mentioned at least 4 times (Annanias and Saphira were mentioned, but I’m thinking more in terms of someone who was admirable and Godly). The Apostles had wives, and Jesus’ half brothers had wives, and they took them with them when they preached (I Cor. 9:5), BUT the names of their wives is never given in Scripture. Priscilla’s is.

I. Some scholars have made a big deal out of this.  Some have given Priscilla’s role in this passage the wrong kind of emphasis. It is in regards to her name being mentioned first in Acts 18. Ever since the “feminist movement” caught fire, there have been religious scholars who have pointed to Priscilla’s prominence in this text and concluded that she was either the “head of her household” OR that she was dominant teacher in their relationship. The picture that is often painted by these scholars is that Priscilla took the lead in ministry, and may have even been the power force in the marriage… with Aquila quietly tagging along for the ride and watching from the sidelines as his more knowledgeable wife taught Apollos about baptism.

I have a couple of problems with that:

1st – This argument is based mostly on innuendo and implications from this text that can’t really be proven. In other words, there isn’t anything IN the text that would necessarily lead one to believe that this was true.

2nd – Paul, a man who many of these scholars regard as a bit chauvinist. He wrote many passages in Scripture that cause feminists to cringe… Later in his letters, this same Paul, referred to this couple as both    “AQUILA & Priscilla” (in I Corinthians 16:19),  AND   “PRISCILLA & Aquila” (in Romans 16:3).

In other words, Paul put both Priscilla and Aquila 1st in different letters to different churches.  That would seem to indicate that the order of a couple’s names as they were introduced was not all that significant to THAT culture in THAT day.

II. BUT the point is, Priscilla’s name IS mentioned in Acts 18… and that is significant!

IN FACT, you don’t ever find Aquila mentioned without Priscilla NOR Priscilla mentioned without Aquila.
You know what that means?  It means that they were not only husband and wife,  Priscilla and Aquila were a team, they were partners in ministry.  They obviously worked well together as they strove to build up the Kingdom of God and His church, because they recognized how important it was for them to do that, because it was bigger than either one of them.

Priscilla was no door mat. No doubt she was an intelligent and vibrant woman. But I doubt she would have thought of herself as the “head” of her family or a better teacher than her husband. To imply such a competition in their relationship deprives this passage of its true beauty and depth. We live in a world where men put their wives down in front of their friends, and where women belittle their husbands when they are out with the girls.  Sometimes individuals don’t even wait to be alone  with their friends before they trash their spouse. Sometimes they do it in public in front of each other. Sometimes we even make our spouse the brunt or punch-line  of our jokes. That should not to be ! (I started to do that years ago and Nancy quietly look at me and said, “That’s #1) Feminist theology imposes the type of competition and struggle to this 1st century couple that is entirely foreign to anything taught anywhere else in scripture. What these feminist scholars miss is the beauty of what Priscilla had. Priscilla seemingly had; the ideal Christian marriage. She wouldn’t have overshadowed Aquila and Aquila wouldn’t obviously didn’t crowd her out of ministry. This couple had something that every married Christian couple should strive for, to become a effective team as we work and do our best to serve Jesus together. Often times it’s one or the other who serves, the man will get excited and stand up and serves in some way or form, but his wife will stay quietly in the background, not sharing any part of that ministry. Or a woman will do her best to serve Jesus, but will have an unbelieving husband, or a husband who has no desire to be involved in serving Jesus in any way or form. Aquila and Priscilla didn’t have that problem. They were both blessed by having a spouse who would work side by side with them. As far as we know, Aquila and Priscilla apparently had a good marriage. They weren’t in competition with each other. They worked together in partnership. And because of that, because they were a married couple that “pulled together” Apollos (a good man though a little misinformed) was transformed by their united effort and teaching, into a powerhouse for God.

Look again at Acts 18:24-28.  “Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor  and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.

When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.”

Did you catch what its saying there? It’s telling us, that because Priscilla and Aquila invited Apollos over to their home for coffee and donuts and worked together to teach him more about the Christian faith, Apollos receive the encouragement and resources to go on and become even more a more effective teacher.

III. Another thing I would like to mention here. Aquila and Priscilla worked together and accomplished something they might never have achieved alone. I think many of us are more like that ol’ horse Buddy than we realize. Just believing or knowing someone is at your side whether it be a spouse, a relative or even a friend makes all the difference in the world. We’ll do things we just won’t bother to do if we are all by our self. We’re braver, we’re stronger, we’re more ambitious, and even more passionate about doing things when there is someone else to support us along the way.

Solomon put it this way in Prov. 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

I believe that’s what Aquila and Priscilla were doing.  AND possibly that’s why they are the only couple mentioned like this in all the NT, with both names recorded for us to remember. Not only did they work together to instruct Apollos about baptism, but Paul tells us a couple of other things about them.

In Romans 16:3-5, Paul tells the Roman Christians “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I, but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house.”

Paul thought of Aquila and Priscilla as his “fellow workers.” What had they done to make themselves such reliable helpers to Paul? Well, for one thing…

He said that they risked their live for him. I don’t exactly know how they risked their lives for him, but in doing so we see that together they were courageous.

2^nd  Somehow along the way, Paul also mentions in this text that Aquila and Priscilla also encourage other Gentile churches they visited. How? We don’t know; but they did it together.

3^rd  They had started a church in their home. In both Romans and I Corinthians Paul referred to churches that met in their home. That apparently “meant something” to Paul especially in a time where Christians were being persecuted.  I believe that this shows their level of commitment to the Lord and their desire to propagate the church together  where ever they went. If there was wasn’t a church in town, they were probably the kind of people who said, “Honey, there is no Christian church here in our community. Let’s start inviting people into our home and teach them about Jesus.” Together they were not only hospitable, they were also evangelistic, and definitely committed.  What a team! Some of you opened your home when we first started out here in Granville. You took turns and that was great. This couple probably did it every week. And I can’t help but believe that even though they had to put themselves out there and dealt with a little inconvenience in their life and home, they probably felt real good that they could serve Jesus in this special way together. Jesus said that it would be more blessed to give, and to serve and help others, than receive. Do you want to get a spiritual boost, to feel some joy in your live again? Become hospitable, open up your home for the cause of Christ. Invite folks over for fellowship to encourage them and make them feel important. Host a Bible study or devo. in your home. Have a picnic and sing along,  Don’t ever underestimate the value of hospitality and teaming up with someone in order to become a better servant of our Lord.

You may be thinking, “Well I don’t have a significant other; I’m not married, I’m single.  Or, my husband is not even interested in being a Christian. Does that prohibit you from getting together with another Christian to team up with them and do a project together for Jesus?  Paul was single but he always seemed to find someone to team up with. You can do the same thing. There comes a point where the Christian won’t feel a sense of fulfillment, that is until they give back, until they themselves find a way to serve Jesus and others in some way or form.  And what will help us to become an even more effective servant as we try to serve is to find someone who will help us, who will team up with us, like Aquila and Priscilla.

Challenge: I want you to think about 2 things this week: 

#1. I want to encourage you to make a decision or at least consider giving back to the Lord and serving Him in some new way.

#2. And then consider who you can ask to help you. It may be your spouse, which would be great, or you may ask your Christian friend or relative. It can even be more than one person. Maybe try opening up your home and hosting a dinner party once a month, or a Bible study, or maybe taking on a service project together like visiting others together, or helping at a food pantry together. Whatever your can think of to serve others and serve our Lord. Its giving back to the Lord not because we have to, but rather because we want to because we love Him. And then I can’t help but believe that the Lord will bless you, and make you feel all good on the inside.

(Based on a sermon by Jeff Strite)

For more lessons click on the following link: http://granvillenychurchofchrist.org/?page_id=566

From Gary.... Bible Reading and Study October 11

Bible Reading and Study  

October 11

The World English Bible

Oct. 11

Proverbs 5-8

Pro 5:1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom. Turn your ear to my understanding:

Pro 5:2 that you may maintain discretion, that your lips may preserve knowledge.

Pro 5:3 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey. Her mouth is smoother than oil,

Pro 5:4 But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a two-edged sword.

Pro 5:5 Her feet go down to death. Her steps lead straight to Sheol.

Pro 5:6 She gives no thought to the way of life. Her ways are crooked, and she doesn't know it.

Pro 5:7 Now therefore, my sons, listen to me. Don't depart from the words of my mouth.

Pro 5:8 Remove your way far from her. Don't come near the door of her house,

Pro 5:9 lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one;

Pro 5:10 lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich another man's house.

Pro 5:11 You will groan at your latter end, when your flesh and your body are consumed,

Pro 5:12 and say, "How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

Pro 5:13 neither have I obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor turned my ear to those who instructed me!

Pro 5:14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin, in the midst of the gathered assembly."

Pro 5:15 Drink water out of your own cistern, running water out of your own well.

Pro 5:16 Should your springs overflow in the streets, streams of water in the public squares?

Pro 5:17 Let them be for yourself alone, not for strangers with you.

Pro 5:18 Let your spring be blessed. Rejoice in the wife of your youth.

Pro 5:19 A loving doe and a graceful deer-- let her breasts satisfy you at all times. Be captivated always with her love.

Pro 5:20 For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another?

Pro 5:21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of Yahweh. He examines all his paths.

Pro 5:22 The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare him. The cords of his sin hold him firmly.

Pro 5:23 He will die for lack of instruction. In the greatness of his folly, he will go astray.

Pro 6:1 My son, if you have become collateral for your neighbor, if you have struck your hands in pledge for a stranger;

Pro 6:2 You are trapped by the words of your mouth. You are ensnared with the words of your mouth.

Pro 6:3 Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself, seeing you have come into the hand of your neighbor. Go, humble yourself. Press your plea with your neighbor.

Pro 6:4 Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids.

Pro 6:5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.

Pro 6:6 Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise;

Pro 6:7 which having no chief, overseer, or ruler,

Pro 6:8 provides her bread in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.

Pro 6:9 How long will you sleep, sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep?

Pro 6:10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

Pro 6:11 so your poverty will come as a robber, and your scarcity as an armed man.

Pro 6:12 A worthless person, a man of iniquity, is he who walks with a perverse mouth;

Pro 6:13 who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet, who motions with his fingers;

Pro 6:14 in whose heart is perverseness, who devises evil continually, who always sows discord.

Pro 6:15 Therefore his calamity will come suddenly. He will be broken suddenly, and that without remedy.

Pro 6:16 There are six things which Yahweh hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him:

Pro 6:17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood;

Pro 6:18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief,

Pro 6:19 a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers.

Pro 6:20 My son, keep your father's commandment, and don't forsake your mother's teaching.

Pro 6:21 Bind them continually on your heart. Tie them around your neck.

Pro 6:22 When you walk, it will lead you. When you sleep, it will watch over you. When you awake, it will talk with you.

Pro 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light. Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,

Pro 6:24 to keep you from the immoral woman, from the flattery of the wayward wife's tongue.

Pro 6:25 Don't lust after her beauty in your heart, neither let her captivate you with her eyelids.

Pro 6:26 For a prostitute reduces you to a piece of bread. The adulteress hunts for your precious life.

Pro 6:27 Can a man scoop fire into his lap, and his clothes not be burned?

Pro 6:28 Or can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be scorched?

Pro 6:29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor's wife. Whoever touches her will not be unpunished.

Pro 6:30 Men don't despise a thief, if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry:

Pro 6:31 but if he is found, he shall restore seven times. He shall give all the wealth of his house.

Pro 6:32 He who commits adultery with a woman is void of understanding. He who does it destroys his own soul.

Pro 6:33 He will get wounds and dishonor. His reproach will not be wiped away.

Pro 6:34 For jealousy arouses the fury of the husband. He won't spare in the day of vengeance.

Pro 6:35 He won't regard any ransom, neither will he rest content, though you give many gifts.

Pro 7:1 My son, keep my words. Lay up my commandments within you.

Pro 7:2 Keep my commandments and live! Guard my teaching as the apple of your eye.

Pro 7:3 Bind them on your fingers. Write them on the tablet of your heart.

Pro 7:4 Tell wisdom, "You are my sister." Call understanding your relative,

Pro 7:5 that they may keep you from the strange woman, from the foreigner who flatters with her words.

Pro 7:6 For at the window of my house, I looked out through my lattice.

Pro 7:7 I saw among the simple ones. I discerned among the youths a young man void of understanding,

Pro 7:8 passing through the street near her corner, he went the way to her house,

Pro 7:9 in the twilight, in the evening of the day, in the middle of the night and in the darkness.

Pro 7:10 Behold, there a woman met him with the attire of a prostitute, and with crafty intent.

Pro 7:11 She is loud and defiant. Her feet don't stay in her house.

Pro 7:12 Now she is in the streets, now in the squares, and lurking at every corner.

Pro 7:13 So she caught him, and kissed him. With an impudent face she said to him:

Pro 7:14 "Sacrifices of peace offerings are with me. This day I have paid my vows.

Pro 7:15 Therefore I came out to meet you, to diligently seek your face, and I have found you.

Pro 7:16 I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry, with striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt.

Pro 7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

Pro 7:18 Come, let's take our fill of loving until the morning. Let's solace ourselves with loving.

Pro 7:19 For my husband isn't at home. He has gone on a long journey.

Pro 7:20 He has taken a bag of money with him. He will come home at the full moon."

Pro 7:21 With persuasive words, she led him astray. With the flattering of her lips, she seduced him.

Pro 7:22 He followed her immediately, as an ox goes to the slaughter, as a fool stepping into a noose.

Pro 7:23 Until an arrow strikes through his liver, as a bird hurries to the snare, and doesn't know that it will cost his life.

Pro 7:24 Now therefore, sons, listen to me. Pay attention to the words of my mouth.

Pro 7:25 Don't let your heart turn to her ways. Don't go astray in her paths,

Pro 7:26 for she has thrown down many wounded. Yes, all her slain are a mighty army.

Pro 7:27 Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.

Pro 8:1 Doesn't wisdom cry out? Doesn't understanding raise her voice?

Pro 8:2 On the top of high places by the way, where the paths meet, she stands.

Pro 8:3 Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entry doors, she cries aloud:

Pro 8:4 "To you men, I call! I send my voice to the sons of mankind.

Pro 8:5 You simple, understand prudence. You fools, be of an understanding heart.

Pro 8:6 Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things.

Pro 8:7 For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

Pro 8:8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.

Pro 8:9 They are all plain to him who understands, right to those who find knowledge.

Pro 8:10 Receive my instruction rather than silver; knowledge rather than choice gold.

Pro 8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can't be compared to it.

Pro 8:12 "I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion.

Pro 8:13 The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.

Pro 8:14 Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power.

Pro 8:15 By me kings reign, and princes decree justice.

Pro 8:16 By me princes rule; nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

Pro 8:17 I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

Pro 8:18 With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity.

Pro 8:19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; my yield than choice silver.

Pro 8:20 I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice;

Pro 8:21 That I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.

Pro 8:22 "Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work, before his deeds of old.

Pro 8:23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

Pro 8:24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water.

Pro 8:25 Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was brought forth;

Pro 8:26 while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

Pro 8:27 When he established the heavens, I was there; when he set a circle on the surface of the deep,

Pro 8:28 when he established the clouds above, when the springs of the deep became strong,

Pro 8:29 when he gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not violate his commandment, when he marked out the foundations of the earth;

Pro 8:30 then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before him,

Pro 8:31 Rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.

Pro 8:32 "Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.

Pro 8:33 Hear instruction, and be wise. Don't refuse it.

Pro 8:34 Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my door posts.

Pro 8:35 For whoever finds me, finds life, and will obtain favor from Yahweh.

Pro 8:36 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul. All those who hate me love death."

 

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.

Proverbs

Proverbs 5 1

My son, pay attention to my wisdom. Turn your ear to my understanding:

My son, attend unto my wisdom, incline thine ear to my understanding;

My son! to my wisdom give attention, To mine understanding incline thine ear,

Proverbs 5 2

That you may maintain discretion, That your lips may preserve knowledge.

that thou mayest keep reflection, and that thy lips may preserve knowledge.

To observe thoughtfulness, And knowledge do thy lips keep.

Proverbs 5 3

For the lips of an adulteress drip honey. Her mouth is smoother than oil,

For the lips of the strange woman drop honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil;

For the lips of a strange woman drop honey, And smoother than oil [is] her mouth,

Proverbs 5 4

But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, And as sharp as a two-edged sword.

but her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.

And her latter end [is] bitter as wormwood, Sharp as a sword [with] mouths.

Proverbs 5 5

Her feet go down to death. Her steps lead straight to Sheol.

Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold on Sheol.

Her feet are going down to death, Sheol do her steps take hold of.

Proverbs 5 6

She gives no thought to the way of life. Her ways are crooked, and she doesn`t know it.

Lest she should ponder the path of life, her ways wander, she knoweth not [whither].

The path of life -- lest thou ponder, Moved have her paths -- thou knowest not.

Proverbs 5 7

Now therefore, my sons, listen to me. Don`t depart from the words of my mouth.

And now, children, hearken unto me, and depart not from the words of my mouth.

And now, ye sons, hearken to me, And turn not from sayings of my mouth.

Proverbs 5 8

Remove your way far from her. Don`t come near the door of her house,

Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house:

Keep far from off her thy way, And come not near unto the opening of her house,

Proverbs 5 9

Lest you give your honor to others, And your years to the cruel one;

lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years unto the cruel;

Lest thou give to others thy honour, And thy years to the fierce,

Proverbs 5 10

Lest strangers feast on your wealth, And your labors enrich another man`s house.

lest strangers be filled with thy wealth, and the fruits of thy toil [come] into the house of

a stranger;

Lest strangers be filled [with] thy power, And thy labours in the house of a

stranger,

Proverbs 5 11

You will groan at your latter end, When your flesh and your body are consumed,

and thou mourn in thine end, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed;

And thou hast howled in thy latter end, In the consumption of thy flesh and thy

food,

Proverbs 5 12

And say, "How I have hated instruction, And my heart despised reproof;

and thou say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof!

And hast said, `How have I hated instruction, And reproof hath my heart despised,

Proverbs 5 13

Neither have I obeyed the voice of my teachers, Nor turned my ear to those who instructed me!

and I have not hearkened unto the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to those

that instructed me;

And I have not hearkened to the voice of my directors, And to my teachers have

not inclined mine ear.

Proverbs 5 14

I have come to the brink of utter ruin, In the midst of the gathered assembly."

I was well nigh in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.

As a little thing I have been all evil, In the midst of an assembly and a company.

Proverbs 5 15

Drink water out of your own cistern, Running water out of your own well.

Drink waters out of thine own cistern, and running waters out of thine own well.

Drink waters out of thine own cistern, Even flowing ones out of thine own well.

Proverbs 5 16

Should your springs overflow in the streets, Streams of water in the public squares?

Thy fountains shall be poured forth, as water-brooks in the broadways.

Let thy fountains be scattered abroad, In broad places rivulets of waters.

Proverbs 5 17

Let them be for yourself alone, Not for strangers with you.

Let them be only thine own, and not strangers` with thee.

Let them be to thee for thyself, And not to strangers with thee.

Proverbs 5 18

Let your spring be blessed. Rejoice in the wife of your youth.

Let thy fountain be blessed; and have joy of the wife of thy youth.

Let thy fountain be blessed, And rejoice because of the wife of thy youth,

Proverbs 5 19

A loving hind and a pleasant doe -- Let her breasts satisfy you at all times. Be captivated

always with her love.

As a lovely hind and a graceful roe, let her breasts satisfy thee at all times: be thou

ravished continually with her love.

A hind of loves, and a roe of grace! Let her loves satisfy thee at all times, In her

love magnify thyself continually.

Proverbs 5 20

For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of

another?

And why shouldest thou, my son, be ravished with a strange woman, and embrace the

bosom of a stranger?

And why dost thou magnify thyself, My son, with a stranger? And embrace the

bosom of a strange woman?

Proverbs 5 21

For the ways of man are before the eyes of Yahweh. He examines all his paths.

For the ways of man are before the eyes of Jehovah, and he pondereth all his paths.

For over-against the eyes of Jehovah are the ways of each, And all his paths He is

pondering.

Proverbs 5 22

The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare him. The cords of his sin hold him firmly.

His own iniquities shall take the wicked, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sin.

His own iniquities do capture the wicked, And with the ropes of his sin he is holden.

Proverbs 5 23

He will die for lack of instruction. In the greatness of his folly, he will go astray.

He shall die for want of discipline; and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray.

He dieth without instruction, And in the abundance of his folly magnifieth

Proverbs 6 1

My son, if you have become collateral for your neighbor, If you have struck your hands in

pledge for a stranger;

My son, if thou hast become surety for thy friend, if thou hast stricken thy hand for a

stranger,

My son! if thou hast been surety for thy friend, Hast stricken for a stranger thy hand,

Proverbs 6 2

You are trapped by the words of your mouth. You are ensnared with the words of your  mouth.

thou art snared with the words of thy mouth, thou art taken with the words of thy mouth.

Hast been snared with sayings of thy mouth, Hast been captured with sayings of thy mouth,

Proverbs 6 3

Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself, Seeing you have come into the hand of your

neighbor. Go, humble yourself. Press your plea with your neighbor.

Do this now, my son, and deliver thyself, since thou hast come into the hand of thy friend:

go, humble thyself, and be urgent with thy friend.

Do this now, my son, and be delivered, For thou hast come into the hand of thy

friend. Go, trample on thyself, and strengthen thy friend,

Proverbs 6 4

Give no sleep to your eyes, Nor slumber to your eyelids.

Give not sleep to thine eyes, nor slumber to thine eyelids:

Give not sleep to thine eyes, And slumber to thine eyelids,

Proverbs 6 5

Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, Like a bird from the snare of the

fowler.

deliver thyself as a gazelle from the hand [of the hunter], and as a bird from the hand of

the fowler.

Be delivered as a roe from the hand, And as a bird from the hand of a fowler.

Proverbs 6 6

Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider her ways, and be wise;

Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways and be wise:

Go unto the ant, O slothful one, See her ways and be wise;

Proverbs 6 7

Which having no chief, Overseer, or ruler,

which having no chief, overseer, or ruler,

Which hath not captain, overseer, and ruler,

Proverbs 6 8

Provides her bread in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest.

provideth her bread in the summer, [and] gathereth her food in the harvest.

She doth prepare in summer her bread, She hath gathered in harvest her food.

Proverbs 6 9

How long will you sleep, sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep?

How long, sluggard, wilt thou lie down? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

Till when, O slothful one, dost thou lie? When dost thou arise from thy sleep?

Proverbs 6 10

A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep:

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest!

A little sleep, a little slumber, A little clasping of the hands to rest,

Proverbs 6 11

So your poverty will come as a robber, And your scarcity as an armed man.

So shall thy poverty come as a roving plunderer, and thy penury as an armed man.

And thy poverty hath come as a traveller, And thy want as an armed man.

Proverbs 6 12

A worthless person, a man of iniquity, Is he who walks with a perverse mouth;

A man of Belial, a wicked person, is he that goeth about with a perverse mouth;

A man of worthlessness, a man of iniquity, Walking [with] perverseness of mouth,

Proverbs 6 13

Who winks with his eyes, who signals with his feet, Who motions with his fingers;

he winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;

Winking with his eyes, speaking with his feet, Directing with his fingers,

Proverbs 6 14

In whose heart is perverseness, Who devises evil continually, Who always sows discord.

deceits are in his heart; he deviseth mischief at all times, he soweth discords.

Frowardness [is] in his heart, devising evil at all times, Contentions he sendeth

forth.

Proverbs 6 15

Therefore his calamity will come suddenly. He will be broken suddenly, and that without

remedy.

Therefore shall his calamity come suddenly: in a moment shall he be broken, and without

remedy.

Therefore suddenly cometh his calamity, Instantly he is broken -- and no healing.

Proverbs 6 16

There are six things which Yahweh hates; Yes, seven which are an abomination to him:

These six [things] doth Jehovah hate, yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

These six hath Jehovah hated, Yea, seven [are] abominations to His soul.

Proverbs 6 17

Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood;

haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood;

Eyes high -- tongues false -- And hands shedding innocent blood --

Proverbs 6 18

A heart that devises wicked schemes, Feet that are swift in running to mischief,

a heart that deviseth wicked imaginations; feet that are swift in running to mischief;

A heart devising thoughts of vanity -- Feet hasting to run to evil --

Proverbs 6 19

A false witness who utters lies, And he who sows discord among brothers.

a false witness that uttereth lies, and he that soweth discords among brethren.

A false witness [who] doth breathe out lies -- And one sending forth contentions

between brethren.

Proverbs 6 20

My son, keep your father`s commandment, And don`t forsake your mother`s teaching.

My son, observe thy father`s commandment, and forsake not the teaching of thy mother;

Keep, my son, the command of thy father, And leave not the law of thy mother.

Proverbs 6 21

Bind them continually on your heart. Tie them around your neck.

bind them continually upon thy heart, tie them about thy neck:

Bind them on thy heart continually, Tie them on thy neck.

Proverbs 6 22

When you walk, it will lead you. When you sleep, it will watch over you. When you awake, it will talk with you.

when thou walkest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and [when]

thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

In thy going up and down, it leadeth thee, In thy lying down, it watcheth over

thee, And thou hast awaked -- it talketh [with] thee.

Proverbs 6 23

For the commandment is a lamp, And the law is light. Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,

For the commandment is a lamp, and the teaching a light, and reproofs of instruction are

the way of life:

For a lamp [is] the command, And the law a light, And a way of life [are] reproofs

of instruction,

Proverbs 6 24

To keep you from the immoral woman, From the flattery of the wayward wife`s tongue.

to keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

To preserve thee from an evil woman, From the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

Proverbs 6 25

Don`t lust after her beauty in your heart, Neither let her captivate you with her eyelids.

Lust not after her beauty in thy heart, neither let her take thee with her eyelids;

Desire not her beauty in thy heart, And let her not take thee with her eyelids.

Proverbs 6 26

For a prostitute reduces you to a piece of bread. The adulteress hunts for your precious life.

for by means of a whorish woman [a man is brought] to a loaf of bread, and another`s wife

doth hunt for the precious soul.

For a harlot consumeth unto a cake of bread, And an adulteress the precious soul hunteth.

Proverbs 6 27

Can a man scoop fire into his lap, And his clothes not be burned?

Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his garments not be burned?

Doth a man take fire into his bosom, And are his garments not burnt?

Proverbs 6 28

Or can one walk on hot coals, And his feet not be scorched?

Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be scorched?

Doth a man walk on the hot coals, And are his feet not scorched?

Proverbs 6 29

So is he who goes in to his neighbor`s wife. Whoever touches her will not be unpunished.

So he that goeth in to his neighbour`s wife: whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.

So [is] he who hath gone in unto the wife of his neighbour, None who doth touch

her is innocent.

Proverbs 6 30

Men don`t despise a thief, If he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry:

They do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry:

They do not despise the thief, When he stealeth to fill his soul when he is hungry,

Proverbs 6 31

But if he be found, he shall restore seven times. He shall give all the wealth of his house.

and if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

And being found he repayeth sevenfold, All the substance of his house he giveth.

Proverbs 6 32

He who commits adultery with a woman is void of understanding. He who does it destroys his own soul.

Whoso committeth adultery with a woman is void of understanding: he that doeth it

destroyeth his own soul.

He who committeth adultery [with] a woman lacketh heart, He is destroying his

soul who doth it.

Proverbs 6 33

He will get wounds and dishonor. His reproach will not be wiped away.

A wound and contempt shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

A stroke and shame he doth find, And his reproach is not wiped away,

Proverbs 6 34

For jealousy arouses the fury of the husband. He won`t spare in the day of vengeance.

For jealousy is the rage of a man, and he will not spare in the day of vengeance;

For jealousy [is] the fury of a man, And he doth not spare in a day of vengeance.

Proverbs 6 35

He won`t regard any ransom, Neither will he rest content, though you give many gifts.

he will not regard any ransom, neither will he rest content though thou multipliest [thy] gifts.

He accepteth not the appearance of any atonement, Yea, he doth not consent,

Though thou dost multiply bribes!

Proverbs 7 1

My son, keep my words. Lay up my commandments within you.

My son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee.

My son! keep my sayings, And my commands lay up with thee.

Proverbs 7 2

Keep my commandments and live; Guard my teaching as the apple of your eye.

Keep my commandments, and live; and my teaching, as the apple of thine eye.

Keep my commands, and live, And my law as the pupil of thine eye.

Proverbs 7 3

Bind them on your fingers. Write them on the tablet of your heart.

Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the tablet of thy heart.

Bind them on thy fingers, Write them on the tablet of thy heart.

Proverbs 7 4

Tell wisdom, "You are my sister." Call understanding your relative,

Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister, and call intelligence [thy] kinswoman:

Say to wisdom, `My sister Thou [art].` And cry to understanding, `Kinswoman!`

Proverbs 7 5

That they may keep you from the strange woman, From the foreigner who flatters with her words.

that they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger who flattereth with

her words.

To preserve thee from a strange woman, From a stranger who hath made smooth

her sayings.

Proverbs 7 6

For at the window of my house, I looked forth through my lattice.

For at the window of my house, I looked forth through my lattice,

For, at a window of my house, Through my casement I have looked out,

Proverbs 7 7

I saw among the simple ones. I discerned among the youths a young man void of understanding,

and I beheld among the simple ones, I discerned among the sons, a young man void of

understanding,

And I do see among the simple ones, I discern among the sons, A young man

lacking understanding,

Proverbs 7 8

Passing through the street near her corner, He went the way to her house,

passing through the street near her corner; and he went the way to her house,

Passing on in the street, near her corner, And the way [to] her house he doth step,

Proverbs 7 9

In the twilight, in the evening of the day, In the middle of the night and in the darkness.

in the twilight, in the evening of the day, in the blackness of night and the darkness.

In the twilight -- in the evening of day, In the darkness of night and blackness.

Proverbs 7 10

Behold, there a woman met him with the attire of a prostitute, And with crafty intent.

And behold, there met him a woman in the attire of a harlot, and subtle of heart.

And, lo, a woman to meet him -- (A harlot`s dress, and watchful of heart,

Proverbs 7 11

She is loud and defiant. Her feet don`t stay in her house.

She is clamorous and unmanageable; her feet abide not in her house:

Noisy she [is], and stubborn, In her house her feet rest not.

Proverbs 7 12

Now she is in the streets, now in the squares, And lurking at every corner.

now without, now in the broadways, -- and she lieth in wait at every corner.

Now in an out-place, now in broad places, And near every corner she lieth in wait)

--

Proverbs 7 13

So she caught him, and kissed him. With an impudent face she said to him:

And she caught him and kissed him, and with an impudent face said unto him,

And she laid hold on him, and kissed him, She hath hardened her face, and saith to him,

Proverbs 7 14

"Sacrifices of peace-offerings are with me. This day I have paid my vows.

I have peace-offerings with me; this day have I paid my vows:

`Sacrifices of peace-offerings [are] by me, To-day I have completed my vows.

Proverbs 7 15

Therefore I came out to meet you, To diligently seek your face, And I have found you.

therefore came I forth to meet thee, to seek earnestly thy face, and I have found thee.

Therefore I have come forth to meet thee, To seek earnestly thy face, and I find thee.

Proverbs 7 16

I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry, With striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt.

I have decked my bed with tapestry coverlets of variegated linen from Egypt;

[With] ornamental coverings I decked my couch, Carved works -- cotton of Egypt.

Proverbs 7 17

I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

I have perfumed my couch with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

I sprinkled my bed -- myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

Proverbs 7 18

Come, let`s take our fill of loving until the morning. Let`s solace ourselves with loving.

Come, let us revel in love until the morning, let us delight ourselves with loves.

Come, we are filled [with] loves till the morning, We delight ourselves in loves.

Proverbs 7 19

For my husband isn`t at home. He has gone on a long journey.

For the husband is not at home, he is gone a long journey;

For the man is not in his house, He hath gone on a long journey.

Proverbs 7 20

He has taken a bag of money with him. He will come home at the full moon."

he hath taken the money-bag with him, he will come home on the day of the full moon.

A bag of money he hath taken in his hand, At the day of the new moon he cometh to

his house.`

Proverbs 7 21

With persuasive words, she led him astray. With the flattering of her lips, she seduced  him.

With her much enticement she beguiled him; with the smoothness of her lips she

constrained him.

She turneth him aside with the abundance of her speech, With the flattery of her

lips she forceth him.

Proverbs 7 22

He followed her immediately, As an ox goes to the slaughter, As a fool stepping into a  noose.

He went after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, and as stocks [serve] for

the correction of the fool;

He is going after her straightway, As an ox unto the slaughter he cometh, And as a

fetter unto the chastisement of a fool,

Proverbs 7 23

Until an arrow strikes through his liver, As a bird hurries to the snare, And doesn`t know

that it will cost his life.

till an arrow strike through his liver: as a bird hasteth to the snare, and knoweth not

that it is for its life.

Till an arrow doth split his liver, As a bird hath hastened unto a snare, And hath

not known that it [is] for its life.

Proverbs 7 24

Now therefore, sons, listen to me. Pay attention to the words of my mouth.

And now, ye sons, hearken unto me, and attend to the words of my mouth.

And now, ye sons, hearken to me, And give attention to sayings of my mouth.

Proverbs 7 25

Don`t let your heart turn to her ways. Don`t go astray in her paths,

Let not thy heart decline to her ways, go not astray in her paths:

Let not thy heart turn unto her ways, Do not wander in her paths,

Proverbs 7 26

For she has thrown down many wounded. Yes, all her slain are a mighty host.

for she hath cast down many wounded, and all slain by her were strong.

For many [are] the wounded she caused to fall, And mighty [are] all her slain ones.

Proverbs 7 27

Her house is the way to Sheol, Going down to the chambers of death.

Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.

The ways of Sheol -- her house, Going down unto inner chambers of death!

Proverbs 8 1

Doesn`t wisdom cry out? Doesn`t understanding raise her voice?

Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding give forth her voice?

Doth not wisdom call? And understanding give forth her voice?

Proverbs 8 2

On the top of high places by the way, Where the paths meet, she stands.

On the top of high places by the way, at the cross-paths she taketh her stand.

At the head of high places by the way, Between the paths she hath stood,

Proverbs 8 3

Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entry doors, she cries aloud:

Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors, she crieth aloud.

At the side of the gates, at the mouth of the city, The entrance of the openings, she

crieth aloud,

Proverbs 8 4

"To you men, I call! I send my voice to the sons of mankind.

Unto you, men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of man:

`Unto you, O men, I call, And my voice [is] unto the sons of men.

Proverbs 8 5

You simple, understand prudence. You fools, be of an understanding heart.

O ye simple, understand prudence; and ye foolish, understand sense.

Understand, ye simple ones, prudence, And ye fools, understand the heart,

Proverbs 8 6

Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things.

Hear, for I will speak excellent things, and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

Hearken, for noble things I speak, And the opening of my lips [is] uprightness.

Proverbs 8 7

For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

For my palate shall meditate truth, and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

For truth doth my mouth utter, And an abomination to my lips [is] wickedness.

Proverbs 8 8

All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.

All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing tortuous or perverse in

them.

In righteousness [are] all the sayings of my mouth, Nothing in them is froward

and perverse.

Proverbs 8 9

They are all plain to him who understands, Right to those who find knowledge.

They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge.

All of them [are] plain to the intelligent, And upright to those finding knowledge.

Proverbs 8 10

Receive my instruction rather than silver; Knowledge rather than choice gold.

Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold:

Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold.

Proverbs 8 11

For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can`t be compared to it.

for wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things that may be desired are not equal to

it.

For better [is] wisdom than rubies, Yea, all delights are not comparable with it.

Proverbs 8 12

"I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion.

I wisdom dwell [with] prudence, and find the knowledge [which cometh] of reflection.

I, wisdom, have dwelt with prudence, And a knowledge of devices I find out.

Proverbs 8 13

The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse

mouth.

The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil; pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the

froward mouth do I hate.

The fear of Jehovah [is] to hate evil; Pride, and arrogance, and an evil way, And a

froward mouth, I have hated.

Proverbs 8 14

Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power.

Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am intelligence; I have strength.

Mine [is] counsel and substance, I [am] understanding, I have might.

Proverbs 8 15

By me kings reign, And princes decree justice.

By me kings reign, and rulers make just decrees;

By me kings reign, and princes decree righteousness,

Proverbs 8 16

By me princes rule; Nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

by me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth.

By me do chiefs rule, and nobles, All judges of the earth.

Proverbs 8 17

I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

I love those that love me; and they that seek me early shall find me.

I love those loving me, And those seeking me earnestly do find me.

Proverbs 8 18

With me are riches, honor, Enduring wealth, and prosperity.

Riches and honour are with me; durable wealth and righteousness.

Wealth and honour [are] with me, Lasting substance and righteousness.

Proverbs 8 19

My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; My yield than choice silver.

My fruit is better than fine gold, yea, than pure gold; and my revenue than choice silver.

Better [is] my fruit than gold, even fine gold, And mine increase than choice

Proverbs 8 20

I walk in the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice;

I walk in the path of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment:

In a path of righteousness I cause to walk, In midst of paths of judgment,

Proverbs 8 21

That I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.

that I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasuries.

To cause my lovers to inherit substance, Yea, their treasures I fill.

Proverbs 8 22

"Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of his work, Before his deeds of old.

Jehovah possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old.

Jehovah possessed me -- the beginning of His way, Before His works since then.

Proverbs 8 23

I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, Before the earth existed.

I was set up from eternity, from the beginning, before the earth was.

From the age I was anointed, from the first, From former states of the earth.

Proverbs 8 24

When there were no depths, I was brought forth, When there were no springs abounding with water.

When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains

abounding with water.

In there being no depths, I was brought forth, In there being no fountains heavy

[with] waters,

Proverbs 8 25

Before the mountains were settled in place, Before the hills, I was brought forth;

Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth;

Before mountains were sunk, Before heights, I was brought forth.

Proverbs 8 26

While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, Nor the beginning of the dust of the

world.

while as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of

the world.

While He had not made the earth, and out-places, And the top of the dusts of the

world.

Proverbs 8 27

When he established the heavens, I was there; When he set a circle on the surface of the deep,

When he prepared the heavens I was there; when he ordained the circle upon the face of

the deep;

In His preparing the heavens I [am] there, In His decreeing a circle on the face of

the deep,

Proverbs 8 28

When he established the clouds above, When the springs of the deep became strong,

when he established the skies above, when the fountains of the deep became strong;

In His strengthening clouds above, In His making strong fountains of the deep,

Proverbs 8 29

When he gave to the sea its boundary, That the waters should not violate his commandment,

When he marked out the foundations of the earth;

when he imposed on the sea his decree that the waters should not pass his commandment,

when he appointed the foundations of the earth:

In His setting for the sea its limit, And the waters transgress not His command, In

His decreeing the foundations of earth,

Proverbs 8 30

Then I was the craftsman by his side. I was a delight day by day, Always rejoicing before  him,

then I was by him [his] nursling, and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;

Then I am near Him, a workman, And I am a delight -- day by day. Rejoicing before

Him at all times,

Proverbs 8 31

Rejoicing in his whole world. My delight was with the sons of men.

rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth, and my delights [were] with the sons of men.

Rejoicing in the habitable part of His earth, And my delights [are] with the sons

of men.

Proverbs 8 32

"Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, For blessed are those who keep my ways.

And now, sons, hearken unto me, and blessed are they that keep my ways:

And now, ye sons, hearken to me, Yea, happy are they who keep my ways.

Proverbs 8 33

Hear instruction, and be wise, Don`t refuse it.

hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it not.

Hear instruction, and be wise, and slight not.

Proverbs 8 34

Blessed is the man who hears me, Watching daily at my gates, Waiting at my door posts.

Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of

my doors.

O the happiness of the man hearkening to me, To watch at my doors day by day, To

watch at the door-posts of my entrance.

Proverbs 8 35

For whoever finds me, finds life, And will obtain favor from Yahweh.

For whoso findeth me findeth life, and obtaineth favour of Jehovah;

For whoso is finding me, hath found life, And bringeth out good-will from Jehovah.

Proverbs 8 36

But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul. All those who hate me love death."

but he that sinneth against me doeth violence to his own soul: all they that hate me love

death.

And whoso is missing me, is wronging his soul, All hating me have loved death!

 Study Questions

Who should a man be happy with? 5:18
 
What does a froward man devised continually? 6:14
 
The LORD hates? 6:17-19
 
How was the young man forced? 7:21
 
The young man was to control his ____________? 7:25
 
Instruction is better than __________ and __________? 8:10
 
The fear of the LORD is __________? 8:13

 The World English Bible

Oct. 11

Ephesians 2

Eph 2:1 You were made alive when you were dead in transgressions and sins,

Eph 2:2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the children of disobedience;

Eph 2:3 among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

Eph 2:4 But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us,

Eph 2:5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

Eph 2:6 and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

Eph 2:7 that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus;

Eph 2:8 for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Eph 2:9 not of works, that no one would boast.

Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.

Eph 2:11 Therefore remember that once you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "uncircumcision" by that which is called "circumcision," (in the flesh, made by hands);

Eph 2:12 that you were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ.

Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition,

Eph 2:15 having abolished in the flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace;

Eph 2:16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having killed the hostility thereby.

Eph 2:17 He came and preached peace to you who were far off and to those who were near.

Eph 2:18 For through him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.

Eph 2:19 So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God,

Eph 2:20 being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone;

Eph 2:21 in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord;

Eph 2:22 in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.

 

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.

Ephesians

 

Ephesians 2 1

You were made alive when you were dead through your trespasses and sins,

and *you*, being dead in your offences and sins --

Also you -- being dead in the trespasses and the sins,

Ephesians 2 2

in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the

powers of the air, of the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience;

in which ye once walked according to the age of this world, according to the ruler of the

authority of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience:

in which once ye did walk according to the age of this world, according to the

ruler of the authority of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience,

Ephesians 2 3

among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

among whom *we* also all once had our conversation in the lusts of our flesh, doing what

the flesh and the thoughts willed to do, and were children, by nature, of wrath, even as

the rest:

among whom also we all did walk once in the desires of our flesh, doing the wishes

of the flesh and of the thoughts, and were by nature children of wrath -- as also

the others,

Ephesians 2 4

But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us,

but God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love wherewith he loved us,

and God, being rich in kindness, because of His great love with which He loved us,

Ephesians 2 5

even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace have you been saved),

(we too being dead in offences,) has quickened us with the Christ, (ye are saved by grace,)

even being dead in the trespasses, did make us to live together with the Christ,

(by grace ye are having been saved,)

Ephesians 2 6

and raised us up with him, and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ  Jesus,

and has raised [us] up together, and has made [us] sit down together in the heavenlies in

Christ Jesus,

and did raise [us] up together, and did seat [us] together in the heavenly [places]

in Christ Jesus,

Ephesians 2 7

that in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus;

that he might display in the coming ages the surpassing riches of his grace in kindness

towards us in Christ Jesus.

that He might show, in the ages that are coming, the exceeding riches of His

grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus,

Ephesians 2 8

for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

For ye are saved by grace, through faith; and this not of yourselves; it is God`s gift:

for by grace ye are having been saved, through faith, and this not of you -- of God

the gift,

Ephesians 2 9

not of works, that no one would boast.

not on the principle of works, that no one might boast.

not of works, that no one may boast;

Ephesians 2 10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.

For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works, which

God has before prepared that we should walk in them.

for of Him we are workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God

did before prepare, that in them we may walk.

Ephesians 2 11

Therefore remember that once you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "uncircumcision"

by that which is called "circumcision," (in the flesh, made by hands);

Wherefore remember that *ye*, once nations in [the] flesh, who [are] called

uncircumcision by that called circumcision in [the] flesh done with the hand;

Wherefore, remember, that ye [were] once the nations in the flesh, who are called

Uncircumcision by that called Circumcision in the flesh made by hands,

Ephesians 2 12

that you were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

that ye were at that time without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and

strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

that ye were at that time apart from Christ, having been alienated from the

commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, having no

hope, and without God, in the world;

Ephesians 2 13

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ.

but now in Christ Jesus *ye* who once were afar off are become nigh by the blood of the

Christ.

and now, in Christ Jesus, ye being once afar off became nigh in the blood of the Christ,

Ephesians 2 14

For he is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition,

For *he* is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of

enclosure,

for he is our peace, who did make both one, and the middle wall of the enclosure

did break down,

Ephesians 2 15

having abolished in the flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man of the two, making peace;

having annulled the enmity in his flesh, the law of commandments in ordinances, that he

might form the two in himself into one new man, making peace;

the enmity in his flesh, the law of the commands in ordinances having done away,

that the two he might create in himself into one new man, making peace,

Ephesians 2 16

and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having killed the hostility thereby.

and might reconcile both in one body to God by the cross, having by it slain the enmity;

and might reconcile both in one body to God through the cross, having slain the

enmity in it,

Ephesians 2 17

He came and preached peace to you who were far off, and peace to those who were near.

and, coming, he has preached the glad tidings of peace to you who [were] afar off, and

[the glad tidings of] peace to those [who were] nigh.

and having come, he did proclaim good news -- peace to you -- the far-off and the nigh,

Ephesians 2 18

For through him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.

For through him we have both access by one Spirit to the Father.

because through him we have the access -- we both -- in one Spirit unto the Father.

Ephesians 2 19

So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God,

So then ye are no longer strangers and foreigners, but ye are fellow-citizens of the saints,

and of the household of God,

Then, therefore, ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens of

the saints, and of the household of God,

Ephesians 2 20

being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief cornerstone;

being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being

the corner-stone,

being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself

being chief corner-[stone],

Ephesians 2 21

in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord;

in whom all [the] building fitted together increases to a holy temple in the Lord;

in whom all the building fitly framed together doth increase to an holy sanctuary

in the Lord,

Ephesians 2 22

in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.

in whom *ye* also are built together for a habitation of God in [the] Spirit.

in whom also ye are builded together, for a habitation of God in the Spirit.

 Study Questions

What did Christ break down? 2:14