From Gary... My perfect home...

I really like this house; I could call it home in a heartbeat!!!  What first caught my eye was that veranda.  Most homes do not have these, but I wish more did; just the place for outside furniture.  And how unusual is that multi-sided entrance?  Even the brick paver’s seem well placed; someone put a lot of thought into the design of this little beauty.  This home could be a place where I would live, but where I really live is inside my own skin and that house is showing its age.  Wouldn't it be nice if I could change that abode to something more pleasing?  Well, it will happen, sooner or later as The God of heaven, will supply me with a new spiritual body and a new place to live in as well.  Jesus puts it this way...

John, Chapter 14

 1  “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.   2  In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you.   3  If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.   4  Where I go, you know, and you know the way.” 

  5  Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 

  6  Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.   7  If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on, you know him, and have seen him.”

If God were to design a home, what would it be like?  Don't know, but from what I hear, that first home for humans (the garden of Eden) was a nice place.  Perhaps, God will just read our minds and give us our hearts desire or maybe have someone like Moses or Elijah get us to fill out a "wish list" form.  I think mine would include a swimming pool out back (salt based purification, thank you) and a veranda and a heated pool for relaxation as well.  I don't know where God will put it in heaven- I guess I will just have to ask Jesus to show me the way!!! Why not????

From Mark Copeland... Paul's Prayer For The Philippians (1:9-11)

                     "THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS"

                Paul's Prayer For The Philippians (1:9-11)

INTRODUCTION

1. True to the form found in several of his epistles, Paul follows his
   salutation and thanksgiving with a prayer for his readers

2. Found in 1:9-11, we find in this prayer that Paul is concerned about
   four things in the spiritual growth and development of the brethren at
   Philippi

[The first of these is...]

I. THAT THEIR LOVE MAY ABOUND (9)

   A. "STILL MORE AND MORE"...
      1. We have seen where they had excelled in their love toward Paul
         and others in the past
         a. Towards Paul - Php 4:15-16
         b. Towards the needy saints in Jerusalem - 2Co 8:1-5
      2. But a cardinal principle of Christian growth is that it should
         never stop!
         a. In developing the graces of a Christ-like character, we
            should always be increasing - cf. 2Pe 1:5-8
         b. Even if we are in no need for someone to teach us "how" to
            love, we can always use the admonition to "increase" our
            love! - e.g., 1Th 4:9-10
      3. And so, Paul prays that their love may abound "still more and
         more"

   B. "IN KNOWLEDGE AND ALL DISCERNMENT"...
      1. These are the "guidelines" in which their love was to abound
         a. "in knowledge" - according to the right moral principles
            (which comes from God's Word)
         b. "all discernment" - using wisdom to apply these moral
            principles most effectively (such wisdom comes from asking
            for it in prayer - Jm 1:5; Pr 2:1-9)
      2. Thus Paul's prayer is that their love may abound for the right
         things and in the right way!

[If Paul felt such was necessary for the Philippians, how much more for
ourselves today!  May we never be satisfied with the degree of love
that we may have, but strive to increase our knowledge and wisdom of
how to love others more abundantly.

As Paul continues, it is his prayer for the Philippians...]

II. THAT THEY MAY APPROVE THE THINGS THAT ARE EXCELLENT (10a)

   A. THE "PURPOSE" OF ABOUNDING IN LOVE STILL MORE AND MORE?
      1. It is possible that Paul is being progressive in his thoughts
         here
      2. I.e., rather than just listing four equal but unrelated thoughts
         in this prayer, each of the four are related and the last three
         are but building on the thoughts which precede them (a form of
         "stairlike" progressive parallelism common in Hebrew writings)
      3. If such is the case, then Paul is now explaining "why" our love
         should abound...

   B. "MAY APPROVE THE THINGS THAT ARE EXCELLENT"...
      1. To "approve" is to "try, test, demonstrate"
      2. This passage is reminiscent of Ro 12:2, where we learn that we
         are to "prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will
         of God"
      3. Prove to whom?
         a. To ourselves?  Certainly...
         b. But even more so, to prove to others that God's way is the
            best way! - cf. 1Pe 2:15

[Therefore, by abounding in love still more and more with all knowledge 
and discernment, we are able to demonstrate by our "actions" that God's 
way is the more excellent way!

But there is another reason, as we continue to see that Paul is 
concerned for the Philippians...]

III. THAT THEY MAY BE SINCERE AND WITHOUT OFFENSE (10b)
   
   A. DEFINING "SINCERE" AND "WITHOUT OFFENSE"...
      1. "sincere" involves:
         a. Having perfect openness toward God and man
         b. With a clear conscience (not hypocritical)
      2. "without offense" means not to provide occasions for others to
         stumble - Ro 14:13

   B. SUCH VIRTUES WILL BE FOUND IN THOSE WHO ARE...
      1. Abounding in love still more and more, in knowledge and all
         discernment!
      2. Approving the things that are excellent by their conduct!
      -- See Paul's progression in thought?

   C. PAUL'S CONCERN IS THAT THESE VIRTUES WILL LAST "TILL THE DAY OF
      CHRIST"...
      1. This is the second time in this epistle Paul has referred to
         this "day" (cf. 1:6)
      2. He is referring to the day when Christ comes again, a day of
         "destruction" for some, but "glory" for others! - 2 Th 1:7-12
      3. Perhaps Paul's concern that these virtues of being "sincere and
         without offense" lasting till the day of Christ is based upon
         what will happen to those in the kingdom who are guilty of such
         things - cf. Mt 13:41-43

[Such a strong warning by Jesus Himself should encourage us to take the 
thoughts of Paul very seriously!

Finally, we notice in Paul's prayer for the Philippians a concern for 
their...]

IV. BEING FILLED WITH THE FRUITS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS (11)

   A. WHICH APPEAR TO BE THE RESULT OF...
      1. Abounding in love still more and more in knowledge and all
         discernment
      2. Approving the things that are excellent
      3. Being sincere and without offense
      -- Notice again the "stairlike" progressive parallelism@!

   B. SUCH FRUITS ARE POSSIBLE ONLY "BY JESUS CHRIST"...
      1. For without Him, we would not know what true love really is! 
         - 1Jn 3:16
      2. For without Him, we would not have the ability to demonstrate
         what is excellent - cf. Php 4:13

   C. SUCH FRUITS ARE TO BE OFFERED "TO THE GLORY AND PRAISE OF GOD"...
      1. Just as Jesus said in letting our light shine - Mt 5:16
      2. Just as Peter wrote in speaking of our good works - 1Pe 2:12
      3. And rightfully so, for it is God who through the gift of His Son
         has...
         a. Shown us what love really is
         b. Taught us what things are really excellent in His sight
         c. Empowered us to be able to demonstrate the excellence of His
            Will, that we may be sincere and without offense!

CONCLUSION

1. Such is Paul's prayer for the Philippians, for a church that had
   demonstrated it's love and faithfulness to Paul again and again

2. Even as excellent as the church was, Paul could still pray for them to
   abound still more and more!

3. How much more, then, should we!  May we take the prayer of Paul, and
   make it our own for  ourselves and for brethren we know!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Jim McGuiggan.... Gifts: Prized and Despised

Gifts: 

Prized and Despised

 The Philippians were given a double-barrelled gift. He speaks of the trouble they're going through (1:28) and he wants to put it in the right context. So in 1:29-30 he makes this astonishing claim: "For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have."
He says it has been "granted" to them. This isn't the language of mere "allowance" and still less is it the language of "luck". The Greek verb is echaristhe, which has the word "charis" at its heart. "Charis" is the word we usually translate grace. Can you imagine that? It has been given to them as a gift not only to believe on Christ but also to suffer for his sake.
How pleased we are to hear that God has been gracious to them in their coming to believe in Jesus Christ. This gift of faith isn't forced on anyone since it wouldn't then be a gift but Paul's claim is plain enough, the faith the Philippians had in Christ didn't come to them by willing it or earning it or creating it. It came as God's gracious gift. Who wouldn't be pleased?
But the gift that came with their faith was the gracious gift of a difficult life. This privilege and grace came from God! Paul knew that it came via the hands of their enemies but he insisted that they were simply carrying God's gift to the Philippians. Their enemies meant it for evil and God meant it for good. The Philippian pain and loss was a gift from God for redemptive purposes.
Can pain and loss be a "gift from God" to us as well? And if he sends a gift in strange and ominous hands, but clearly marked, "To you, from God," should we refuse it and mark it, "Return to sender"?

©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.... Acts 20 Paul’s Example

Acts 20 Paul’s Example

Paul’s Example  -   Acts 20:17-38

Have you ever thought about if you had one last thing to say or share with this church what would it be? In our story from Acts 20, Paul is on his way back home from his third missionary journey. And the sad reality was, he knew that he would never see those people again this side of heaven. I just imagine just how he felt knowing that they would probably never see him again. Some of us have had to deal with those feeling at one time or another in our life. 

Read this story in  Acts 20:17-38

I think Paul shared some important things with these people in this text before he said goodbye.   Yes he was sad about having to have to say goodbye, but I also think he left them with something to chew on and think about even after he left. Here Paul talked about his own ministry while with them. I can’t help but think that since he knew that this was the last time that he would ever speak to them he probably chose his words very carefully.  Actually, I think he left them with a great example to follow. The question I have for you is, do you have what it takes to follow his example? Today I would like to briefly look at what he told them, his example, and maybe look at what he said that we can apply to ourselves as we try to walk this Christian walk.

Re-read 20:17-19     ” ¹⁷ From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. ¹⁸ When they arrived, he said to them: “You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia. ¹⁹ I served the Lord with great humility and with tears and in the midst of severe testing by the plots of my Jewish opponents. ²⁰ You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house.”                                                                             

#1) The first thing he mentions concerning how he lived among them is how he served the Lord with great humility. The Greek word used here denotes the idea of having a humble opinion of one’s self, a deep sense of one’s own moral littleness, a sense of modesty and lowliness of mind. Paul did not come into Ephesus like some kind of big shot preacher. He was gentle and meek, without a high and mighty or puffed up attitude.

 Later when Paul wrote to the Ephesians in Chapter 4:2-3 he wrote, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love, make every effort to keep the bond of unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,”

Question, are you bearing with one another in love? Are you putting with those brothers and sister in Christ that got you upset or angry?  Are you making every effort to keep the peace which is a bond ordained by the Spirit of God? Are you perusing peace? Or are you letting Satan get a foot-hold in your heart by  holding on to that anger and frustration with others?  If you are, you just have to let it go. Turn it all over to Jesus. You might be thinking, “Easier said than done.” Did you ever think, ‘Maybe you just don’t want to let it go.’ You might be thinking, ‘But I was right and they were wrong. Who were they do or say that to ME?’ I’m not saying that it was right for them to hurt you, but you need to let those feeling go before Satan uses those feeling to destroy you. And believe me, ‘That’s just what he wants to do.’  He is playing with you and your feeling.  And just smiling all the way as you play into his hands. Paul had a lot to be angry and frustrated about, especially how he was treated, but he seem to just let it go and give it over to Jesus. You need to do that as well or you’re never going to find peace. Paul learned how to become a humble and gentle man, and so should we. Ultimately, this will show and demonstrates our trust in Jesus.

#2) The second thing he mentions is the fact that he not only served the Lord with humility, but also with tears.  As I read this I couldn’t not help but think about the passion this man had as he served the Lord.  We know that Paul was a very passionate when it came to serving our Lord and the church.

Verse 31 says, “be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.”

When he saw people fall in love with Jesus, change their lives, and give  themselves to the Lord I’m sure it touched his heart. And I’m sure when he saw people ignoring, and ‘poo pooing’ the message of the cross and how people turned away, it probably really bothered him.  It especially got him upset when Christians began to turn away from Jesus, the church, and the truth of the Gospel to a lie. (Like in Galatians) Paul took message of the Cross and his service to Christ to heart. He was passionate about it. What about you?

Is Sunday morning the only time you think about Jesus, the church and how lost so many people without Jesus?  The less compassionate you are, the less your mind will be focus on these things, and the harder you’re going to become. You are not going to want to treat one another with love or even make an effort to keep the bond of peace intact. You’re going to be less patient with people and start thinking they’re all jerks. Paul was no wimp. He endured beatings like none of us can imagine and probably did not shed a tear.. Yet when it came to this stuff, his heart melted and tears flowed.

#3. The next things that Paul goes on to mention in the text is in verse 20. 

He said,  

“You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. ²¹ I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.”

Because of his love, because of his passion, Paul couldn’t help but speak about Jesus when and wherever he could. Yes he was an Apostle, yes he was commissioned by Jesus to bring the Good New to the Gentiles, but no one could forced him to have such a loving and passionate spirit like he had, with a willingness to always go the 2^nd mile for Jesus. It probably really bothered him when he didn’t speak up knowing full well that those people would die without Jesus and probably go to eternal damnation. Sometimes I think we push that truth aside…

#4. Paul also goes on to remind them of one more thing in verses 33-35 concerning how he acted when he worked with them.  

“I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. ³⁴ You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. ³⁵ In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak.”

When it came to serving the Lord and the brethren, I don’t think there was a greedy selfish bone in Paul’s body.  It says a lot about his motives. I have known some who because they couldn’t find work decided to go to preacher school because they knew that someone or some church would support them while they were in school and then after they graduated had nothing to do with the church. I know some preachers who go through churches like stepping stones  to make more money as they go on to bigger and bigger churches.  I’ve heard of members who sell insurance, or have other businesses who switch churches for business reasons so that they can network with  new people with each change.

That’s not why Paul went from place to place preaching. Paul did it because He loved our Lord and wanted to get the Good News out and so he would have done anything to serve him, including die.

Read verses 22-24 “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. ²³ I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. ²⁴ However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. “  

So we read here that even though the Holy Spirit let him know of the hardship that was ahead,  it didn’t matter, he had to finish the course set out before him.

In another place Paul later wrote while in prison,  

“For to me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

So how could he do what he did? How could he live like that? 

-  We read here that he was sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. As a matter of fact he said that he was compelled by the Spirit in vs. 22.

-  Some of you have asked me, “How do I know if I doing what God wants me to do?” Or how do I know if God want me to do something?”

-  I think if God wants you to do something His Spirit will let you know. You will be compelled. The Spirit’s has a way of prompting us. Maybe it will be this uncanny urge, gut feeling like you should do something. I think if God wants you do something you’ll know it. An this will not conflict with what He tells us to do in His word.

-   We also read here that Paul adopted a humble, compassionate, non-greedy attitude as he went about serving. These are all personal choices we make. We choose to be humble. We choose not to be greedy. We choose  to serve in the name of Jesus. And we also allow ourselves to be sensitive and compassionate.

The questions is can you do that?  I know that you can. Some of you are doing these things already. Are any of us perfect? No. But we need to keep being reminded that this way of life is something we should strive for. It will give us the most peace, and will help us to be a better servant.

In Verse 36-37 we read that  “When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed.  (After that)  They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. ³⁸ What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. “

I can’t help but believe that if you follow Paul’s example of humility, love, and compassion that will touch the heart of people like Paul's did. I Pray that his example will inspire you and move you to examine yourself, and your motives and enable you to say, “I want to be like that.”

Prayer  & Invitation

From Gary... Bible Reading and Study October 14

Bible Reading and Study  

October 14

The World English Bible

Oct. 14

Proverbs 15-17

Pro 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Pro 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of fools gush out folly.

Pro 15:3 Yahweh's eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

Pro 15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit.

Pro 15:5 A fool despises his father's correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence.

Pro 15:6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.

Pro 15:7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the heart of fools.

Pro 15:8 The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but the prayer of the upright is his delight.

Pro 15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but he loves him who follows after righteousness.

Pro 15:10 There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way: whoever hates reproof shall die.

Pro 15:11 Sheol and Abaddon are before Yahweh-- how much more then the hearts of the children of men!

Pro 15:12 A scoffer doesn't love to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.

Pro 15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face; but an aching heart breaks the spirit.

Pro 15:14 The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

Pro 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are wretched, but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.

Pro 15:16 Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh, than great treasure with trouble.

Pro 15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, than a fattened calf with hatred.

Pro 15:18 A wrathful man stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.

Pro 15:19 The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, but the path of the upright is a highway.

Pro 15:20 A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother.

Pro 15:21 Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a man of understanding keeps his way straight.

Pro 15:22 Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established.

Pro 15:23 Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time!

Pro 15:24 The path of life leads upward for the wise, to keep him from going downward to Sheol.

Pro 15:25 Yahweh will uproot the house of the proud, but he will keep the widow's borders intact.

Pro 15:26 Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.

Pro 15:27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live.

Pro 15:28 The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.

Pro 15:29 Yahweh is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

Pro 15:30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news gives health to the bones.

Pro 15:31 The ear that listens to reproof lives, and will be at home among the wise.

Pro 15:32 He who refuses correction despises his own soul, but he who listens to reproof gets understanding.

Pro 15:33 The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.

Pro 16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh.

Pro 16:2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but Yahweh weighs the motives.

Pro 16:3 Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed.

Pro 16:4 Yahweh has made everything for its own end-- yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Pro 16:5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh: they shall certainly not be unpunished.

Pro 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of Yahweh men depart from evil.

Pro 16:7 When a man's ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Pro 16:8 Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice.

Pro 16:9 A man's heart plans his course, but Yahweh directs his steps.

Pro 16:10 Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king. He shall not betray his mouth.

Pro 16:11 Honest balances and scales are Yahweh's; all the weights in the bag are his work.

Pro 16:12 It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness.

Pro 16:13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who speaks the truth.

Pro 16:14 The king's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it.

Pro 16:15 In the light of the king's face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.

Pro 16:16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

Pro 16:17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul.

Pro 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Pro 16:19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud.

Pro 16:20 He who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed.

Pro 16:21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.

Pro 16:22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly.

Pro 16:23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.

Pro 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Pro 16:25 There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.

Pro 16:26 The appetite of the laboring man labors for him; for his mouth urges him on.

Pro 16:27 A worthless man devises mischief. His speech is like a scorching fire.

Pro 16:28 A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends.

Pro 16:29 A man of violence entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good.

Pro 16:30 One who winks his eyes to plot perversities, one who compresses his lips, is bent on evil.

Pro 16:31 Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.

Pro 16:32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules his spirit, than he who takes a city.

Pro 16:33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from Yahweh.

Pro 17:1 Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.

Pro 17:2 A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.

Pro 17:3 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but Yahweh tests the hearts.

Pro 17:4 An evildoer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.

Pro 17:5 Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.

Pro 17:6 Children's children are the crown of old men; the glory of children are their parents.

Pro 17:7 Arrogant speech isn't fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a prince.

Pro 17:8 A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; wherever he turns, he prospers.

Pro 17:9 He who covers an offense promotes love; but he who repeats a matter separates best friends.

Pro 17:10 A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool.

Pro 17:11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

Pro 17:12 Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

Pro 17:13 Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

Pro 17:14 The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.

Pro 17:15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.

Pro 17:16 Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, seeing he has no understanding?

Pro 17:17 A friend loves at all times; and a brother is born for adversity.

Pro 17:18 A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of his neighbor.

Pro 17:19 He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.

Pro 17:20 One who has a perverse heart doesn't find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.

Pro 17:21 He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.

Pro 17:22 A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Pro 17:23 A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.

Pro 17:24 Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

Pro 17:25 A foolish son brings grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him.

Pro 17:26 Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.

Pro 17:27 He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.

Pro 17:28 Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be discerning.

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 15 1

A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.

A soft answer turneth away fury; but a grievous word stirreth up anger.

A soft answer turneth back fury, And a grievous word raiseth up anger.

Proverbs 15 2

The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, But the mouth of fools gush out folly.

The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright; but the mouth of the foolish poureth out folly.

The tongue of the wise maketh knowledge good, And the mouth of fools uttereth folly.

Proverbs 15 3

Yahweh`s eyes are everywhere, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.

The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.

In every place are the eyes of Jehovah, Watching the evil and the good.

Proverbs 15 4

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, But deceit in it crushes the spirit.

Gentleness of tongue is a tree of life; but crookedness therein is a breaking of the spirit.

A healed tongue [is] a tree of life, And perverseness in it -- a breach in the spirit.

Proverbs 15 5

A fool despises his father`s correction, But he who heeds reproof shows prudence.

A fool despiseth his father`s instruction; but he that regardeth reproof becometh

A fool despiseth the instruction of his father, And whoso is regarding reproof is prudent.

Proverbs 15 6

In the house of the righteous is much treasure, But the income of the wicked brings trouble.

In the house of a righteous [man] is much treasure; but in the revenue of a wicked [man]

is disturbance.

[In] the house of the righteous [is] abundant strength, And in the increase of the wicked -- trouble.

Proverbs 15 7

The lips of the wise spread knowledge; Not so with the heart of fools.

The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but not so the heart of the foolish.

The lips of the wise scatter knowledge, And the heart of fools [is] not right.

Proverbs 15 8

The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, But the prayer of the upright is his delight.

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to Jehovah; but the prayer of the upright is

his delight.

The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination to Jehovah, And the prayer of the

upright [is] His delight.

Proverbs 15 9

The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, But he loves him who follows after

righteousness.

The way of a wicked [man] is an abomination to Jehovah; but him that pursueth

righteousness he loveth.

An abomination to Jehovah [is] the way of the wicked, And whoso is pursuing

righteousness He loveth.

Proverbs 15 10

There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way: Whoever hates reproof shall die.

Grievous correction is for him that forsaketh the path; he that hateth reproof shall die.

Chastisement [is] grievous to him who is forsaking the path, Whoso is hating reproof dieth.

Proverbs 15 11

Sheol and Abaddon are before Yahweh -- How much more then the hearts of the children of  men!

Sheol and destruction are before Jehovah; how much more then the hearts of the children

of men!

Sheol and destruction [are] before Jehovah, Surely also the hearts of the sons of

men.

Proverbs 15 12

A scoffer doesn`t love to be reproved; He will not go to the wise.

A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him; he will not go unto the wise.

A scorner loveth not his reprover, Unto the wise he goeth not.

Proverbs 15 13

A glad heart makes a cheerful face; But an aching heart breaks the spirit.

A joyful heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.

A joyful heart maketh glad the face, And by grief of heart is the spirit smitten.

Proverbs 15 14

The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, But the mouths of fools feed on folly.

The heart of an intelligent [man] seeketh knowledge; but the mouth of the foolish feedeth

on folly.

The heart of the intelligent seeketh knowledge, And the mouth of fools enjoyeth

folly.

Proverbs 15 15

All the days of the afflicted are wretched, But one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.

All the days of the afflicted are evil; but a cheerful heart is a continual feast.

All the days of the afflicted [are] evil, And gladness of heart [is] a perpetual banquet.

Proverbs 15 16

Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh, Than great treasure with trouble.

Better is little with the fear of Jehovah than great store and disquietude therewith.

Better [is] a little with the fear of Jehovah, Than much treasure, and tumult with it.

Proverbs 15 17

Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, Than a fattened calf with hatred.

Better is a meal of herbs where love is, than a fatted ox and hatred therewith.

Better [is] an allowance of green herbs and love there, Than a fatted ox, and hatred with it.

Proverbs 15 18

A wrathful man stirs up contention, But one who is slow to anger appeases strife.

A furious man stirreth up contention; but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

A man of fury stirreth up contention, And the slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Proverbs 15 19

The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, But the path of the upright is a highway.

The way of the sluggard is as a hedge of thorns; but the path of the upright is made plain.

The way of the slothful [is] as a hedge of briers, And the path of the upright is raised up.

Proverbs 15 20

A wise son makes a father glad, But a foolish man despises his mother.

A wise son maketh a glad father; but a foolish man despiseth his mother.

A wise son rejoiceth a father. And a foolish man is despising his mother.

Proverbs 15 21

Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, But a man of understanding keeps his way  straight.

Folly is joy to him that is void of sense; but a man of understanding regulateth his walk.

Folly is joy to one lacking heart, And a man of intelligence directeth [his] going.

Proverbs 15 22

Where there is no counsel, plans fail; But in a multitude of counselors they are established.

Without counsel purposes are disappointed; but in the multitude of counsellors they are

established.

Without counsel [is] the making void of purposes, And in a multitude of counsellors it is established.

Proverbs 15 23

Joy comes to a man with the reply of his mouth. How good is a word at the right time!

A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth; and a word in its season, how good is it!

Joy [is] to a man in the answer of his mouth, And a word in its season -- how good!

Proverbs 15 24

The path of life leads upward for the wise, To keep him from going downward to Sheol.

The path of life is upwards for the wise, that he may depart from Sheol beneath.

A path of life [is] on high for the wise, To turn aside from Sheol beneath.

Proverbs 15 25

Yahweh will uproot the house of the proud, But he will keep the widow`s borders intact.

Jehovah plucketh up the house of the proud; but he establisheth the boundary of the widow.

The house of the proud Jehovah pulleth down, And He setteth up the border of the widow.

Proverbs 15 26

Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked, But the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.

The thoughts of the evil [man] are an abomination to Jehovah; but pure words are

pleasant.

An abomination to Jehovah [are] thoughts of wickedness, And pure [are] sayings of

pleasantness.

Proverbs 15 27

He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live.

He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.

A dishonest gainer is troubling his house, And whoso is hating gifts liveth.

Proverbs 15 28

The heart of the righteous weighs answers, But the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.

The heart of a righteous [man] studieth to answer; but the mouth of the wicked poureth

out evil things.

The heart of the righteous meditateth to answer, And the mouth of the wicked uttereth evil things.

Proverbs 15 29

Yahweh is far from the wicked, But he hears the prayer of the righteous.

Jehovah is far from the wicked; but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

Far [is] Jehovah from the wicked, And the prayer of the righteous He heareth.

Proverbs 15 30

The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news gives health to the bones.

That which enlighteneth the eyes rejoiceth the heart; good tidings make the bones fat.

The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart, A good report maketh fat the bone.

Proverbs 15 31

The ear that listens to the reproof lives, And will be at home among the wise.

The ear that heareth the reproof of life shall abide among the wise.

An ear that is hearing the reproof of life Doth lodge among the wise.

Proverbs 15 32

He who refuses correction despises his own soul, But he who listens to reproof gets

understanding.

He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul; but he that heareth reproof getteth sense.

Whoso is refusing instruction is despising his soul, And whoso is hearing reproof

Is getting understanding.

Proverbs 15 33

The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.

The fear of Jehovah is the discipline of wisdom, and before honour [goeth] humility.

The fear of Jehovah [is] the instruction of wisdom, And before honour [is] humility!

Proverbs 16 1

The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh.

The purposes of the heart are of man, but the answer of the tongue is from Jehovah.

Of man [are] arrangements of the heart, And from Jehovah an answer of the tongue.

Proverbs 16 2

All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; But Yahweh weighs the motives.

All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes; but Jehovah weigheth the spirits.

All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, And Jehovah is pondering the spirits.

Proverbs 16 3

Commit your deeds to Yahweh, And your plans shall succeed.

Commit thy works unto Jehovah, and thy thoughts shall be established.

Roll unto Jehovah thy works, And established are thy purposes,

Proverbs 16 4

Yahweh has made everything for its own end -- Yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Jehovah hath wrought everything on his own account, yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

All things hath Jehovah wrought for Himself, And also the wicked [worketh] for a day of evil.

Proverbs 16 5

Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh: They shall assuredly not be

unpunished.

Every proud heart is an abomination to Jehovah: hand for hand, he shall not be held

innocent.

An abomination to Jehovah [is] every proud one of heart, Hand to hand he is not acquitted.

Proverbs 16 6

By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of Yahweh men depart from evil.

By loving-kindness and truth iniquity is atoned for; and by the fear of Jehovah [men]

depart from evil.

In kindness and truth pardoned is iniquity, And in the fear of Jehovah Turn thou

aside from evil.

Proverbs 16 7

When a man`s ways please Yahweh, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

When a man`s ways please Jehovah, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.

When a man`s ways please Jehovah, even his enemies, He causeth to be at peace with him.

Proverbs 16 8

Better is a little with righteousness, Than great revenues with injustice.

Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues without right.

Better [is] a little with righteousness, Than abundance of increase without

Proverbs 16 9

A man`s heart plans his course, But Yahweh directs his steps.

The heart of man deviseth his way, but Jehovah directeth his steps.

The heart of man deviseth his way, And Jehovah establisheth his step.

Proverbs 16 10

Inspired judgments are on the lips of the king. His shall not betray his mouth.

An oracle is on the lips of the king: his mouth will not err in judgment.

An oath [is] on the lips of a king, In judgment his mouth trespasseth not.

Proverbs 16 11

Honest balances and scales are Yahweh`s; All the weights in the bag are his work.

The just balance and scales are Jehovah`s; all the weights of the bag are his work.

A just beam and balances [are] Jehovah`s, His work [are] all the stones of the bag.

Proverbs 16 12

It is an abomination for kings to do wrong, For the throne is established by righteousness.

It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness; for the throne is established by

righteousness.

An abomination to kings [is] doing wickedness, For by righteousness is a throne established.

Proverbs 16 13

Righteous lips are the delight of kings. They value one who speaks the truth.

Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him that speaketh aright.

The delight of kings [are] righteous lips, And whoso is speaking uprightly he loveth,

Proverbs 16 14

The king`s wrath is a messenger of death, But a wise man will pacify it.

The fury of a king is [as] messengers of death; but a wise man will pacify it.

The fury of a king [is] messengers of death, And a wise man pacifieth it.

Proverbs 16 15

In the light of the king`s face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.

In the light of the king`s countenance is life, and his favour is as a cloud of the latter

In the light of a king`s face [is] life, And his good-will [is] as a cloud of the latter rain.

Proverbs 16 16

How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen

rather than silver.

How much better is it to get wisdom than fine gold, and the getting of intelligence to be

preferred to silver!

To get wisdom -- how much better than gold, And to get understanding to be

chosen than silver!

Proverbs 16 17

The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. He who keeps his way preserves his soul.

The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that taketh heed to his way keepeth

his soul.

A highway of the upright [is], `Turn from evil,` Whoso is preserving his soul is watching his way.

Proverbs 16 18

Pride goes before destruction, A haughty spirit before a fall.

Pride [goeth] before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Before destruction [is] pride, And before stumbling -- a haughty spirit.`

Proverbs 16 19

It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, Than to divide the plunder with the proud.

Better is it to be of a humble spirit with the meek, than to divide the spoil with the

Better is humility of spirit with the poor, Than to apportion spoil with the proud.

Proverbs 16 20

He who gives heed to the word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed.

He that giveth heed to the word shall find good; and whoso confideth in Jehovah, happy is he.

The wise in any matter findeth good, And whoso is trusting in Jehovah, O his happiness.

Proverbs 16 21

The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.

The wise in heart is called intelligent, and the sweetness of the lips increaseth learning.

To the wise in heart is called, `Intelligent,` And sweetness of lips increaseth learning.

Proverbs 16 22

Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, But the punishment of fools is their folly.

Wisdom is a fountain of life for him that hath it; but the instruction of fools is folly.

A fountain of life [is] understanding to its possessors, The instruction of fools is folly.

Proverbs 16 23

The heart of the wise instructs his mouth, And adds learning to his lips.

The heart of the wise maketh his mouth intelligent, and upon his lips increaseth

The heart of the wise causeth his mouth to act wisely, And by his lips he increaseth learning,

Proverbs 16 24

Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

Pleasant words are [as] a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health for the bones.

Sayings of pleasantness [are] a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and healing to the bone.

Proverbs 16 25

There is a way which seems right to a man, But in the end it leads to death.

There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is the ways of death.

There is a way right before a man, And its latter end -- ways of death.

Proverbs 16 26

The appetite of the laboring man labors for him; For his mouth urges him on.

The appetite of the labourer laboureth for him, for his mouth urgeth him on.

A labouring man hath laboured for himself, For his mouth hath caused [him] to

bend over it.

Proverbs 16 27

A worthless man devises mischief. His speech is like a scorching fire.

A man of Belial diggeth up evil, and on his lips there is as a scorching fire.

A worthless man is preparing evil, And on his lips -- as a burning fire.

Proverbs 16 28

A perverse man stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends.

A false man soweth contention; and a talebearer separateth very friends.

A froward man sendeth forth contention, A tale-bearer is separating a familiar friend.

Proverbs 16 29

A man of violence entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way that is not good.

A violent man enticeth his neighbour, and leadeth him into a way that is not good.

A violent man enticeth his neighbour, And hath causeth him to go in a way not good.

Proverbs 16 30

One who winks his eyes to plot perversities, One who compresses his lips, is bent on evil.

He that shutteth his eyes, [it is] to devise froward things; biting his lips, he bringeth evil to pass.

Consulting his eyes to devise froward things, Moving his lips he hath accomplished evil.

Proverbs 16 31

Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.

The hoary head is a crown of glory, [if] it is found in the way of righteousness.

A crown of beauty [are] grey hairs, In the way of righteousness it is found.

Proverbs 16 32

One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; One who rules his spirit, than he who

takes a city.

He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit than he

that taketh a city.

Better [is] the slow to anger than the mighty, And the ruler over his spirit than he who is taking a city.

Proverbs 16 33

The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from Yahweh.

The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole decision is of Jehovah.

Into the centre is the lot cast, And from Jehovah [is] all its judgment!

Proverbs 17 1

Better is a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting with strife.

Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than a house full of feasting [with] strife.

Better [is] a dry morsel, and rest with it, Than a house full of the sacrifices of strife.

Proverbs 17 2

A servant who deals wisely will rule over a son who causes shame, And shall have a part in the inheritance among the brothers.

A wise servant shall rule over a son that causeth shame, and shall have part in the

inheritance among the brethren.

A wise servant ruleth over a son causing shame, And in the midst of brethren He

apportioneth an inheritance.

Proverbs 17 3

The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, But Yahweh tests the hearts.

The fining-pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; but Jehovah trieth the hearts.

A refining pot [is] for silver, and a furnace for gold, And the trier of hearts [is]

Jehovah.

Proverbs 17 4

An evil-doer gives heed to wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.

The evil-doer giveth heed to iniquitous lips; the liar giveth ear to a mischievous tongue.

An evil doer is attentive to lips of vanity, Falsehood is giving ear to a mischievous tongue.

Proverbs 17 5

Whoever mocks the poor reproaches his Maker. He who is glad at calamity shall not be

unpunished.

Whoso mocketh a poor [man] reproacheth his Maker; he that is glad at calamity shall not

be held innocent.

Whoso is mocking at the poor Hath reproached his Maker, Whoso is rejoicing at calamity is not acquitted.

Proverbs 17 6

Children`s children are the crown of old men; The glory of children are their parents.

Children`s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

Sons` sons [are] the crown of old men, And the glory of sons [are] their fathers.

Proverbs 17 7

Arrogant speech isn`t fitting for a fool, Much less do lying lips fit a prince.

Excellent speech becometh not a vile [man]; how much less do lying lips a noble!

Not comely for a fool is a lip of excellency, Much less for a noble a lip of falsehood.

Proverbs 17 8

A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of him who gives it; Wherever he turns, he prospers.

A gift is a precious stone in the eyes of the possessor: whithersoever it turneth it

prospereth.

A stone of grace [is] the bribe in the eyes of its possessors, Whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

Proverbs 17 9

He who covers an offense promotes love; But he who repeats a matter separates chief friends.

He that covereth transgression seeketh love; but he that bringeth a matter up again

separateth very friends.

Whoso is covering transgression is seeking love, And whoso is repeating a matter Is separating a familiar friend.

Proverbs 17 10

A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding Than a hundred lashes into a fool.

A reproof entereth more deeply into him that hath understanding than a hundred

stripes into a fool.

Rebuke cometh down on the intelligent More than a hundred stripes on a fool.

Proverbs 17 11

An evil man seeks only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

An evil [man] seeketh only rebellion; but a cruel messenger shall be sent against him.

An evil man seeketh only rebellion, And a fierce messenger is sent against him.

Proverbs 17 12

Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, Rather than a fool in his folly.

Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man rather than a fool in his folly.

The meeting of a bereaved bear by a man, And -- not a fool in his folly.

Proverbs 17 13

Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil shall not depart from his house.

Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

Whoso is returning evil for good, Evil moveth not from his house.

Proverbs 17 14

The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, Therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.

The beginning of contention is [as] when one letteth out water; therefore leave off strife

before it become vehement.

The beginning of contention [is] a letting out of waters, And before it is meddled

with leave the strife.

Proverbs 17 15

He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, Both of them alike are an

abomination to Yahweh.

He that justifieth the wicked, and he that condemneth the righteous, even they both are

abomination to Jehovah.

Whoso is justifying the wicked, And condemning the righteous, Even both of these

[are] an abomination to Jehovah.

Proverbs 17 16

Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, Seeing he has no understanding?

To what purpose is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, seeing [he] hath no

sense?

Why [is] this -- a price in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, And a heart there is none?

Proverbs 17 17

A friend loves at all times; And a brother is born for adversity.

The friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

At all times is the friend loving, And a brother for adversity is born.

Proverbs 17 18

A man void of understanding strikes hands, And becomes collateral in the presence of his

neighbor.

A senseless man striketh hands, becoming surety for his neighbour.

A man lacking heart is striking hands, A surety he becometh before his friend.

Proverbs 17 19

He who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.

He loveth transgression that loveth a quarrel; he that maketh high his gate seeketh

destruction.

Whoso is loving transgression is loving debate, Whoso is making high his entrance is seeking destruction.

Proverbs 17 20

One who has a perverse heart doesn`t find prosperity, And one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.

He that hath a perverse heart findeth no good; and he that shifteth about with his tongue

falleth into evil.

The perverse of heart findeth not good, And the turned in his tongue falleth into

evil.

Proverbs 17 21

He who becomes the father of a fool grieves. The father of a fool has no joy.

He that begetteth a fool [doeth it] to his sorrow, and the father of a vile [man] hath no joy.

Whoso is begetting a fool hath affliction for it, Yea, the father of a fool rejoiceth not.

Proverbs 17 22

A cheerful heart makes good medicine, But a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

A joyful heart promoteth healing; but a broken spirit drieth up the bones.

A rejoicing heart doth good to the body, And a smitten spirit drieth the bone.

Proverbs 17 23

A wicked man receives a bribe in secret, To pervert the ways of justice.

A wicked [man] taketh a gift out of the bosom, to pervert the paths of judgment.

A bribe from the bosom the wicked taketh, To turn aside the paths of judgment.

Proverbs 17 24

Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

Wisdom is before him that hath understanding; but the eyes of a fool are in the ends of

the earth.

The face of the intelligent [is] to wisdom, And the eyes of a fool -- at the end of the earth.

Proverbs 17 25

A foolish son brings grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him.

A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bore him.

A provocation to his father [is] a foolish son, And bitterness to her that bare him.

Proverbs 17 26

Also to punish the righteous is not good, Nor to flog officials for their integrity.

To punish a righteous [man] is not good, nor to strike nobles because of [their]

uprightness.

Also, to fine the righteous is not good, To smite nobles for uprightness.

Proverbs 17 27

He who spares his words has knowledge. He who is even tempered is a man of understanding.

He that hath knowledge spareth his words; and a man of understanding is of a cool spirit.

One acquainted with knowledge is sparing his words, And the cool of temper [is]

a man of understanding.

Proverbs 17 28

Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is counted wise. When he shuts his lips, he is thought to be

discerning.

Even a fool when he holdeth his peace is reckoned wise, [and] he that shutteth his lips,

intelligent.

Even a fool keeping silence is reckoned wise, He who is shutting his lips discerning.

Study Questions

The one who refuses instruction __________ __________ __________ __________? 15:32

Who is an abomination to the LORD? 16:5

Wisdom is better than __________? 16:16

When is a fool wise? 17:28

The World English Bible

 

Oct. 14

Ephesians 5

Eph 5:1 Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children.

Eph 5:2 Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance.

Eph 5:3 But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints;

Eph 5:4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks.

Eph 5:5 Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God.

Eph 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.

Eph 5:7 Therefore don't be partakers with them.

Eph 5:8 For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,

Eph 5:9 for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth,

Eph 5:10 proving what is well pleasing to the Lord.

Eph 5:11 Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them.

Eph 5:12 For the things which are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of.

Eph 5:13 But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light.

Eph 5:14 Therefore he says, "Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

Eph 5:15 Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise;

Eph 5:16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Eph 5:17 Therefore don't be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Eph 5:18 Don't be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,

Eph 5:19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Eph 5:20 giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father;

Eph 5:21 subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.

Eph 5:22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body.

Eph 5:24 But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything.

Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it;

Eph 5:26 that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word,

Eph 5:27 that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

Eph 5:28 Even so husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself.

Eph 5:29 For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly;

Eph 5:30 because we are members of his body, of his flesh and bones.

Eph 5:31 "For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will be joined to his wife. The two will become one flesh."

Eph 5:32 This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the assembly.

Eph 5:33 Nevertheless each of you must also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband. 

 

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 5 1

Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children.

Be ye therefore imitators of God, as beloved children,

Become, then, followers of God, as children beloved,

Ephesians 5 2

Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance.

and walk in love, even as the Christ loved us, and delivered himself up for us, an offering

and sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour.

and walk in love, as also the Christ did love us, and did give himself for us, an

offering and a sacrifice to God for an odour of a sweet smell,

Ephesians 5 3

But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints;

But fornication and all uncleanness or unbridled lust, let it not be even named among

you, as it becomes saints;

and whoredom, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be named

among you, as becometh saints;

Ephesians 5 4

nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks.

and filthiness and foolish talking, or jesting, which are not convenient; but rather

thanksgiving.

also filthiness, and foolish talking, or jesting, -- the things not fit -- but rather

thanksgiving;

Ephesians 5 5

Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

For this ye are [well] informed of, knowing that no fornicator, or unclean person, or

person of unbridled lust, who is an idolater, has inheritance in the kingdom of the

Christ and God.

for this ye know, that every whoremonger, or unclean, or covetous person, who is

an idolater, hath no inheritance in the reign of the Christ and God.

Ephesians 5 6

Let no man deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the sons of disobedience.

Let no one deceive you with vain words, for on account of these things the wrath of God

comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Let no one deceive you with vain words, for because of these things cometh the

anger of God upon the sons of the disobedience,

Ephesians 5 7

Don`t be therefore partakers with them.

Be not ye therefore fellow-partakers with them;

become not, then, partakers with them,

Ephesians 5 8

For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light,

for ye were once darkness, but now light in [the] Lord; walk as children of light,

for ye were once darkness, and now light in the Lord; as children of light walk ye,

Ephesians 5 9

for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth,

(for the fruit of the light [is] in all goodness and righteousness and truth,)

for the fruit of the Spirit [is] in all goodness, and righteousness, and truth,

Ephesians 5 10

proving what is well-pleasing to the Lord.

proving what is agreeable to the Lord;

proving what is well-pleasing to the Lord,

Ephesians 5 11

Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them.

and do not have fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather also reprove

[them],

and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of the darkness and rather even convict,

Ephesians 5 12

For the things which are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of.

for the things that are done by them in secret it is shameful even to say.

for the things in secret done by them it is a shame even to speak of,

Ephesians 5 13

But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that is revealed is light.

But all things having their true character exposed by the light are made manifest; for

that which makes everything manifest is light.

and all the things reproved by the light are manifested, for everything that is manifested is light;

Ephesians 5 14

Therefore he says, "Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

Wherefore he says, Wake up, [thou] that sleepest, and arise up from among the dead, and

the Christ shall shine upon thee.

wherefore he saith, `Arouse thyself, thou who art sleeping, and arise out of the

dead, and the Christ shall shine upon thee.`

Ephesians 5 15

Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise;

See therefore how ye walk carefully, not as unwise but as wise,

See, then, how exactly ye walk, not as unwise, but as wise,

Ephesians 5 16

redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

redeeming the time, because the days are evil;

Ephesians 5 17

Therefore don`t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

For this reason be not foolish, but understanding what [is] the will of the Lord.

because of this become not fools, but -- understanding what [is] the will of the

Lord,

Ephesians 5 18

Don`t be drunken with wine, in which is an abandoned life, but be filled with the Spirit,

And be not drunk with wine, in which is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit,

and be not drunk with wine, in which is dissoluteness, but be filled in the Spirit,

Ephesians 5 19

speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and singing praises in your heart to the Lord;

speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and chanting

with your heart to the Lord;

speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and

making melody in your heart to the Lord,

Ephesians 5 20

giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father;

giving thanks at all times for all things to him [who is] God and [the] Father in the name

of our Lord Jesus Christ,

giving thanks always for all things, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the God and Father;

Ephesians 5 21

subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.

submitting yourselves to one another in [the] fear of Christ.

subjecting yourselves to one another in the fear of God.

Ephesians 5 22

Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

Wives, [submit yourselves] to your own husbands, as to the Lord,

The wives! to your own husbands subject yourselves, as to the Lord,

Ephesians 5 23

For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the assembly, being

himself the savior of the body.

for a husband is head of the wife, as also the Christ [is] head of the assembly. *He* [is]

Saviour of the body.

because the husband is head of the wife, as also the Christ [is] head of the

assembly, and he is saviour of the body,

Ephesians 5 24

But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their husbands in everything.

But even as the assembly is subjected to the Christ, so also wives to their own husbands

in everything.

but even as the assembly is subject to Christ, so also [are] the wives to their own husbands in everything.

Ephesians 5 25

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it;

Husbands, love your own wives, even as the Christ also loved the assembly, and has

delivered himself up for it,

The husbands! love your own wives, as also the Christ did love the assembly, and

did give himself for it,

Ephesians 5 26

that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word,

in order that he might sanctify it, purifying [it] by the washing of water by [the] word,

that he might sanctify it, having cleansed [it] with the bathing of the water in

the saying,

Ephesians 5 27

that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

that *he* might present the assembly to himself glorious, having no spot, or wrinkle, or

any of such things; but that it might be holy and blameless.

that he might present it to himself the assembly in glory, not having spot or

wrinkle, or any of such things, but that it may be holy and unblemished;

Ephesians 5 28

Even so ought husbands also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself.

So ought men also to love their own wives as their own bodies: he that loves his own wife

loves himself.

so ought the husbands to love their own wives as their own bodies: he who is

loving his own wife -- himself he doth love;

Ephesians 5 29

For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as Christ also the

assembly;

For no one has ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, even as also the

Christ the assembly:

for no one ever his own flesh did hate, but doth nourish and cherish it, as also the

Lord -- the assembly,

Ephesians 5 30

because we are members of his body, of his flesh and bones.

for we are members of his body; [we are of his flesh, and of his bones.]

because members we are of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones;

Ephesians 5 31

"For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will be joined to his wife. The two will become one flesh."

Because of this a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall be united to his wife,

and the two shall be one flesh.

`for this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his

wife, and they shall be -- the two -- for one flesh;`

Ephesians 5 32

This mystery is great, but I speak in regard of Christ and of the assembly.

This mystery is great, but *I* speak as to Christ, and as to the assembly.

this secret is great, and I speak in regard to Christ and to the assembly;

Ephesians 5 33

Nevertheless each of you must also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

But *ye* also, every one of you, let each so love his own wife as himself; but as to the wife

[I speak] that she may fear the husband.

but ye also, every one in particular -- let each his own wife so love as himself, and

the wife -- that she may reverence the husband.

 

Study Questions

Wives are to be _____ to their husbands. 5:22