From Gary... Old Friends

If you are over 55, there is a pretty good chance that you will know who these people are.  If not, then you probably will recognize Walt Disney (in the center of the picture).  As a youngster, I remember coming home from school, playing a bit and then putting on "The Mickey Mouse Club".  They were entertaining and it wasn't long before I viewed them as my "friends".  Of course, that was a little presumptuous on my part, but when you are 7 or 8, you take a lot of things for granted.  Still, I loved the show, and couldn't wait to see it.  I especially liked "Annette" and had the biggest crush on her you could possibly imagine.  Decades have passed and my youthful look at the world has changed considerably, but one question remains valid whatever my age is: How do I define a friend?  Jesus puts it this way...

John, Chapter 15

 12  “This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.   13  Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.   14  You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you.   15  No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn’t know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you.   16  You didn’t choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.

Seeking the highest good for another, being willing to really sacrifice for them is the hallmark of true love.  In reference to the Almighty, this means obedience.  Not just a plain "I believe", but a constant trust; AN OBEDIENT TRUST!!!  Frankly, my wish for everyone out there is to find as many friends as possible and to attempt to be the best friend you can be yourself.  Begin by making Jesus your friend first, learn from him and go from there.  Now, I know that I will probably never, ever even meet one of the people in the picture, but I still consider them my friends because of the joy they have brought into my life.  I hope that my life will bring joy to God and that yours will as well. 

From Mark Copeland... The Unity That Produces Joy (Philippians 2:1-4)

                    "THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS"

                   The Unity That Produces Joy (2:1-4)

INTRODUCTION

1. At this point in his epistle to the Philippians, Paul is exhorting
   his brethren in regards to Christian living

2. In the previous section, we noticed that he encouraged them to
   manifest "Conduct Worthy Of The Gospel" (1:27-30)

3. In our text for this study, Paul exhorts them to manifest "The Unity
   That Produces Joy" (2:1-4)

4. In doing so, Paul describes three aspects of such unity:
   a. The MOTIVATION for having unity that produces joy (1)
   b. The NATURE of unity that produces joy (2)
   c. The ATTITUDES required for unity that produces joy (3,4)

[As we begin, let's carefully consider Paul's description of...]

I. THE "MOTIVATION" FOR HAVING UNITY THAT PRODUCES JOY (1)

   A. DO WE NOT HAVE ANY "CONSOLATION IN CHRIST"?
      1. When Paul says "if there is any consolation...", he is not
         doubting that there is
         a.  This is a common use of the conditional "if...then" where
             given the reality of the "if" clause, "then" a point should
             naturally follow
         b. For example, consider Ga 3:29...
            1) Where Paul wrote "If you are Christ's, then..."
            2) The "if" does not suggest doubt that they could be
               Christ's for in the previous verse he said that they
               were!
         c. In such cases, the "if" means the same thing as "since"
      2. Indeed, there is MUCH consolation (comfort) to be found in
         Christ!
         a. As expressed to the brethren at Thessalonica, there is
            consolation from Christ in "every good word and work"
            - 2Th 2:16-17
         b. And as written to the Corinthians, such consolation abounds
            even in the midst of tribulation - 2Co 1:3-5

   B. DO WE NOT HAVE ANY "COMFORT OF LOVE"?
      1. Do we not enjoy any comfort that comes from love?
      2. Does not the love that comes from God, Christ, the Holy Spirit,
         and even our brethren provide any comfort? - again, cf. 2 Co 1:3-5
      3. Indeed, it does to those who will receive it!

   C. DO WE NOT HAVE ANY "FELLOWSHIP OF THE SPIRIT"?
      1. Indeed, all who have been baptized into Christ has received the
         gift of the Holy Spirit - Ac 2:38-39; 5:32
      2. As the church (the temple of God), the Spirit dwells in us 
         - 1Co 3:16
      3. Even our individual bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit 
         - 1Co 6:19
      4. Not only by the Spirit have we all been baptized into one body,
         but have all been made to drink of the one Spirit - 1Co 12:13
         cf. Jn 7:37-39
      5. Indeed there is a true "communion of the Holy Spirit" available
         for Christians - 2Co 13:14

   D. DO WE NOT HAVE ANY "AFFECTION AND MERCY"?
      1. There is the "affection" that comes from Jesus and from other
         brethren - e.g., Php 1:8
      2. There is the "mercy" that comes from our loving Father in
         heaven - Ep 2:4-7

[Enjoying all these benefits, should they not serve to encourage us to 
have "The Unity That Produces Joy"?  It certainly moved Paul to write 
and encourage the Philippians toward this "unity"!

But exactly what kind of unity is it that produces joy...?]

II. THE "NATURE" OF THE UNITY THAT PRODUCES JOY (2)
 
   A. IT INVOLVES "BEING LIKE-MINDED"...
      1. Which means to "think the same thing"
      2. That this is a necessary quality of unity is evident from
         Paul's comments in 1Co 1:10

   B. IT INVOLVES "HAVING THE SAME LOVE"...
      1. This is a natural consequence if we are first "like-minded"
      2. Having the same love, we will love:
         a. The same things, in matters pertaining to Christ and His
            church!
         b. One another with the same kind of love
            1) Our love for one another will be of the same kind: 
               sincere, fervert, and from a pure heart - 1Pe 1:23
            2) Our love for one another will be mutual, not one-sided,
               as is often the case

   C. IT INVOLVES "BEING OF ONE ACCORD"...
      1. Literally, "of one soul; having your souls joined together"
      2. It suggests acting together as if ONE soul is driving them
      3. Therefore, working together in complete harmony, not as
         separate entities going our separate ways

   D. IT INVOLVES BEING "OF ONE MIND"...
      1. The NASV says "intent on one purpose"
      2. Not only working together outwardly, but inwardly, having the
         same purpose and intentions

[When such conditions exist in a local congregation, then "The Unity 
That Produces Joy" will be fully experienced!

But what are the attitudes required for having such unity?]

III. THE "ATTITUDES" REQUIRED FOR THE UNITY THAT PRODUCES JOY (3,4)
         
   A. "LET NOTHING BE DONE THROUGH SELFISH AMBITION OR CONCEIT"...
      1. First, it is necessary to point out those attitudes we should
         NOT have!
      2. Possessing these attitudes will destroy unity
         a. For both involve "self-centered" attitude
         b. Rather than a "Christ-centered" attitude
      3. Therefore, it is required that we rid ourselves of:
         a. The DESIRE FOR EXALTING SELF ("selfish ambition")
         b. The IMPROPER ESTIMATION OF SELF ("conceit")
      4. In place of these, we should substitute...

   B. "LOWLINESS OF MIND"...
      1. In other words, humility
      2. This will effectively replace the problem of "conceit"
      3. Humility should be easy to maintain if we remember our own
         faults

   C. "LET EACH ESTEEM OTHERS BETTER THAN HIMSELF"...
      1. This should be easy for us to do...
         a. For we are aware of our own defects, but we do not have the
            same clear view of the defects of others
         b. We can only see their OUTWARD conduct; in our case,  we can
            look WITHIN
         c. We see our own hearts, with all its faults; we cannot so
            look into the hearts of others
      2. In writing to the brethren at Rome, Paul exhorted them to outdo
         one another in this regard - "in honor giving preference to one
         another" - Ro 12:10b

   D. "LOOK OUT...FOR THE INTERESTS OF OTHERS"...
      1. This attitude eliminates the problem of "selfish ambition"
      2. It is the attitude of MATURITY, and was the attitude of Christ!
         - Ro 15:1-3
      3. So it should be the attitude of every Christian!

CONCLUSION

1. These attitudes are essential if we are going to have "The Unity That
   Produces Joy"!

2. This is not to suggest that these attitudes ALONE will bring about
   such unity...
   a. For "The Unity That Produces Joy" comes only when it it is unity
      based upon the truths Jesus taught
   b. These attitudes without that truth will only produce a false sense
      of joy
   c. But without these attitudes, holding to the truth itself will not
      give us the joy we seek!

Therefore, let us "fulfill our joy" by making sure that we manifest
these attitudes as we attempt to live according to the truth that is in
Jesus!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Jim McGuiggan... Rubbish & Vision

Rubbish & Vision 

 

What kind of vision must Paul have had to look at all the things we treasure and call them "rubbish"? What did he see to make him look at them in this way? What feelings surged through him to leave him feeling this way about them? What did he know that led him to understand them to be rubbish?Get the sense of what he has said. Imagine yourself walking into your brand new house and seeing a pile of dirt and trash on your living room floor. You wouldn't leave it there to be admired would you? You wouldn't hesitate to get rid of it. There'd be no inner debate. Without regret and without a moment's hesitation you'd dump it.

Without denying their essential goodness this is what Paul thought of the all the good things in his life's experience. In comparison to what he had found and what was there to be uncovered he saw the goods of this phase of life to be just so much clutter, so much needless baggage. But one can't see, feel and understand this way just by wishing it were so. You can't simply will yourself into this way of seeing life. Nor is it simply a matter of character. Men and women of character as grand as Paul's didn't see life's worldly goods in the way Paul did.

The explanation for his Philippians 3 is that he saw something. No, he met someone and having seen him the whole universe was changed, nothing ever looked the same. G.K. Chesterton said, "A man came into my world more than eighteen hundred years ago and since he has come I can't look at a tree without thinking of him" To the degree that we see what Paul saw we too will judge this world's goods as trivial at best.

But the vision doesn't come by grunting and sweating and wishing and worrying. And saying we judge life's precious things as comparative rubbish is not the same as feeling it and acting on it. It's that deeper level sense of things we're in need of.

Now, where's my map so I can find the place marked "the Damascus Road"? Maybe if...

©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 24 “Not Today!”

Acts 24 “Not Today!”

Acts 24  “Not Today!”

Have you ever thought about doing something, maybe something you really wanted or something you really needed to do, but then you put it off never getting around to doing it at all? We call that procrastination.  And today as we look at Acts chapter 24, we see a man who does just that.

A Little Background:
After Paul returned to Jerusalem and was arrested in Chapter 23 we read about the plot of some 40 radical Jews who plan to kill Paul. After learning about this plot the Roman commander there in Jerusalem puts together a small army of men to protect and escort Paul out of Jerusalem to Caesarea and into the hand of Governor Felix. In chapter 24, we read that the Jews come down to Caesarea and lobby their charges against Paul before Felix. And after they lobby their charges, Paul has an opportunity to give his defense. Felix then told them that he was going to put off his decision until the Commander Lysias  arrived. But what I find interesting in this story is the fact that Felix, who was said to be well acquainted with the Way, (that is familiar with Christianity) decides to meet with Paul on another occasion.

Read Acts 24:24-26 “Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁵ As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” ²⁶At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him. ²⁷ When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews, he left Paul in prison.”

Have you ever had an experience that left you a bit shaken? Like losing a loved one? Or being involved in or seeing a terrible accident? How about when someone close to you has been diagnosed with a life threatening illness? — all of these experiences can shake us up. How about when God’s word shakes you up, like when He uses His word to speak to us directly. 

In Isaiah 55:11 God spoke thru Isaiah saying, “So will My word which goes forth from My mouth;  It will not return to Me empty,  Without accomplishing what I desire,  And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” (NAS)

God’s word is powerful and always has a purpose, and as a result, we can be left shaken (or convicted) . 

Hebrews 4:12-13 says, “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ¹³ Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” 

God’s word is powerful. Never underestimate it effect. Many times in the Bible God, used those “Shaking Experiences” to get someone’s attention, and as a result lives were changed. For example: The Apostle Paul himself. His life was changed after he was shaken up on the road to Damascus, when he saw the light of God flash around him and when he heard the Lord speak to him.  Paul was shaken up, and we read that after he was led blind into Damascus blind, he did not eat or drink for 3 days. If that isn’t being shook up I don’t know what is. As a result, he was saved (Acts 9).

The Philippian jailer was left shaken after the jailhouse was rocked by an earthquake (Acts 16) We read that Paul and his companions were in his jail; and knowing Paul he was probably sharing the good news about Jesus and singing songs of praise to Him. After the earthquake and all the prison doors open, the jailor having been shook up fell at Paul’s feet and asked what he needed to do to be saved.

In Acts 2, on the day of Pentecost, we read that the gifts of the Holy Spirit were poured out on the believers and they started doing miraculous things like prophesying and speaking in different languages, and more. When the Jews came to inquire as to what was going on, Peter told them that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. He also told them that they had murdered the One who was to come, their Messiah, Jesus. When they heard this they were shaken to the core and asked Peter they needed to do. God’s word stirred and convicted their hearts.

However, not all the life shaking experiences in the Bible led to salvation, for example, Felix , who we will look at today. He was shaken, but not saved!

Who is Felix? – He was a cruel ruler whose name brought terror to his people. Historians tell us that his cruelty knew no bounds, crucifying 100’s of Jews accusing them of being thieves. the Roman goverment even took away his job as governor and brought his back to Rome and charged him with excessive cruelty on his subjects.  He was also known for taking bribes which led to the downfall of morality in Jerusalem. Drusilla became his wife having left her husband for Felix when she was 16. She was about 22 years of age when she came with her husband Felix to hear Paul. I have no doubt she was somewhat acquainted with the teachings of Christ. Her father was king Herod Agrippa I, who killed the apostle James in Acts 12. Her great-uncle, Herod Antipas, had killed John the Baptist at the request of his wife’s daughter. Her great-grandfather, Herod the Great, killed many innocent children of Bethlehem in his unsuccessful attempt to destroy the baby Jesus.

Felix and Drusilla would do anything to gain power and maintain their lifestyle. They were unjust, irreligious, and immoral—unafraid of God and man.

Why did Felix want to meet with Paul? No one knows for sure…            

                                                  

1. It may have been out of curiosity. Vs 22 indicates that he knew of the gospel. Many people in our day visit a Bible based church out of curiosity. They see the life of one of its members; they notice a change in the life of a family member or old friend. They want to know what’s going on.

2. It may have been out of boredom (to get the latest news about the Christian movement).

3. It may have been for material gain. Verse 26 seems to indicate this possibility. He was looking for a bribe.  Felix may have thought the early church would pay to get Paul released.

4. Or was it because of a hungry heart? They may have longed in their soul for a better way of life, they may have been burdened for the way they were living their life and had thoughts of God, eternity, and judgment. Some people search for the answers. They know that there is something more than this life.

Paul’s Message
Here is Paul, who is innocent coming before the man who had the power to release him. Paul could have easily been tempted to argue or plea for his release, but he wasted no time at all. As a matter of fact, I think Paul chose to stay there so that he could talk more with Felix.  At every opportunity he preached Christ. The latter part of verse 24 says that he spoke about faith in Christ. And in Verse 25 it says that he talked about righteousness, self control, and the judgment to come. Felix must have been affected by what Paul told him, because the text goes on to tell us that he was afraid. The original Greek word mean: ‘thrown into fear, terrified.’ What Paul told him shook this hard man to the core. As I see it, Felix had two choices just like the rest of us when we hear the truth of the Gospel, either accept it and change, or reject it. Felix didn’t do either, rather he just put it off. He didn’t do anything,                                                                        - he procrastinated.  He didn’t deny what Paul preached, neither did he outright reject it. He did not laugh, he didnot sneer, he didn’t cry. He trembled and he trembled with conviction.Felix knew that everything Paul was saying was true. Here was a man, who was married to another man’s wife, whose very name means pleasure. He was living his life with the attitude of eat, drink and be merry. He was a lost sinner who had the opportunity to listen to Paul preach and the effect of God’s word made him tremble.Felix did not deny Gods word or outwardly reject it. All he did was put the decision off until later. Why did he put it off? No reason is given in the text. This was a bad move. It’s like ignoring the oil light when it comes on in your car.  Ignored that light too long and it cost you a new engine. If you ignore the warning light of Jesus Christ it will cost you your soul and an eternity in hell.

Someone once said, “A vast majority of the time the things that God wants to do with us and in us will come at the most inconvenient times of life.

(He goes on to say) A high charge, a noble calling, a holy resolution visits us. It stands at the door and knocks. But we reason, this is going to wreck my schedule, this will disturb my comfort, this will be a great hindrance to my selfishness.    Procrastination is the mother of failure.”

So we dismiss the convicting pull of the Spirit to turn from a sinful practice and convert, to grow spiritually, to nurture our relationship with God . . .to a more convenient time.  We think, or say:   • Tomorrow, I will pray.   • Tomorrow, I will stop doing this or that , and fast.  • Tomorrow, I will find a talent to devote to God.    • Tomorrow, I will allow God to use my life in the way that He wants.     • Tomorrow I will tell so and so aboutJesus   • Tomorrow, when I am older and more mature, I will find time for God. • Tomorrow, Tomorrow… We hear a sermon that convict us to pray, or to lift the burdens of others, or to hunger and thirst for God, and desire for spiritual maturity. . . . but we we put those things off because it just isn’t a convenient time in our life to peruse those things. Or we put off a brother or sisters advice, or push aside a scripture verse that speaks to us. How many spiritual blessings have been lost and or silenced because it just wasn’t a convenient time in our life? My encouragement this morning is not to become like Felix. Don’t procrastinate when it comes to spiritual things; when that warning light comes on in your heart! In closing I would like to share with you a story that reminded me of Felix.

The Danger Of Delay

A German farmer settled in Guatemala and became very prosperous. After a while he decided he would go back to visit his family in Germany. So he saved his money and got on a ship. After a few days at sea he noticed he had an infection in his toe and realized that a small tropical flea was under the nail and had laid its eggs. This caused him terrible itching and inflammation. The cure was to take a needle and bore through the nail and remove it. The German farmer decided to do that. So he got a needle and sat down. Then he thought, “My uncle and his family in Hamburg have never seen one of these tropical flees.” So he decided to leave it under the nail and after he had shown them he would remove it. By the time he reached Hamburg his toe was swollen and his foot was hurting terribly. He showed it to his Uncle Otto who looked and said, “Aw, the whole family would like to see this.” So he left it in until all the family could see it. But the difficulty was that the infection got out of control and got into the blood and he died.. (Adapted from The Tale of the Tardy Oxcart, Charles Swindoll, p. 471) The German farmer procrastinated and lost his life. Jesus taught parables about not putting off what you should do today till tomorrow, because you don’t know if tomorrow will come.

What about you?

From Gary... Bible Reading and Study October 18

Bible Reading and Study   

October 18

The World English Bible

Oct. 18

Proverbs 27-29

Pro 27:1 Don't boast about tomorrow; for you don't know what a day may bring forth.

Pro 27:2 Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

Pro 27:3 A stone is heavy, and sand is a burden; but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.

Pro 27:4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before jealousy?

Pro 27:5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

Pro 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; although the kisses of an enemy are profuse.

Pro 27:7 A full soul loathes a honeycomb; but to a hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet.

Pro 27:8 As a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man who wanders from his home.

Pro 27:9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest counsel from a man's friend.

Pro 27:10 Don't forsake your friend and your father's friend. Don't go to your brother's house in the day of your disaster: better is a neighbor who is near than a distant brother.

Pro 27:11 Be wise, my son, and bring joy to my heart, then I can answer my tormentor.

Pro 27:12 A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.

Pro 27:13 Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger. Hold it for a wayward woman!

Pro 27:14 He who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse by him.

Pro 27:15 A continual dropping on a rainy day and a contentious wife are alike:

Pro 27:16 restraining her is like restraining the wind, or like grasping oil in his right hand.

Pro 27:17 Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens his friend's countenance.

Pro 27:18 Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit. He who looks after his master shall be honored.

Pro 27:19 As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.

Pro 27:20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; and a man's eyes are never satisfied.

Pro 27:21 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace for gold; but man is refined by his praise.

Pro 27:22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain, yet his foolishness will not be removed from him.

Pro 27:23 Know well the state of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds:

Pro 27:24 for riches are not forever, nor does even the crown endure to all generations.

Pro 27:25 The hay is removed, and the new growth appears, the grasses of the hills are gathered in.

Pro 27:26 The lambs are for your clothing, and the goats are the price of a field.

Pro 27:27 There will be plenty of goats' milk for your food, for your family's food, and for the nourishment of your servant girls.

Pro 28:1 The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

Pro 28:2 In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.

Pro 28:3 A needy man who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.

Pro 28:4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them.

Pro 28:5 Evil men don't understand justice; but those who seek Yahweh understand it fully.

Pro 28:6 Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is rich.

Pro 28:7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.

Pro 28:8 He who increases his wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.

Pro 28:9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

Pro 28:10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, he will fall into his own trap; but the blameless will inherit good.

Pro 28:11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through him.

Pro 28:12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.

Pro 28:13 He who conceals his sins doesn't prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

Pro 28:14 Blessed is the man who always fears; but one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

Pro 28:15 As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.

Pro 28:16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.

Pro 28:17 A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death; no one will support him.

Pro 28:18 Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.

Pro 28:19 One who works his land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

Pro 28:20 A faithful man is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

Pro 28:21 To show partiality is not good; yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

Pro 28:22 A stingy man hurries after riches, and doesn't know that poverty waits for him.

Pro 28:23 One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue.

Pro 28:24 Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, "It's not wrong." He is a partner with a destroyer.

Pro 28:25 One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper.

Pro 28:26 One who trusts in himself is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

Pro 28:27 One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes his eyes will have many curses.

Pro 28:28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive.

Pro 29:1 He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.

Pro 29:2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Pro 29:3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

Pro 29:4 The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down.

Pro 29:5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

Pro 29:6 An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad.

Pro 29:7 The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren't concerned about knowledge.

Pro 29:8 Mockers stir up a city, but wise men turn away anger.

Pro 29:9 If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.

Pro 29:10 The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.

Pro 29:11 A fool vents all of his anger, but a wise man brings himself under control.

Pro 29:12 If a ruler listens to lies, all of his officials are wicked.

Pro 29:13 The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: Yahweh gives sight to the eyes of both.

Pro 29:14 The king who fairly judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever.

Pro 29:15 The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.

Pro 29:16 When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.

Pro 29:17 Correct your son, and he will give you peace; yes, he will bring delight to your soul.

Pro 29:18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the law is blessed.

Pro 29:19 A servant can't be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond.

Pro 29:20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Pro 29:21 He who pampers his servant from youth will have him become a son in the end.

Pro 29:22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a wrathful man abounds in sin.

Pro 29:23 A man's pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.

Pro 29:24 Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify.

Pro 29:25 The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.

Pro 29:26 Many seek the ruler's favor, but a man's justice comes from Yahweh.

Pro 29:27 A dishonest man detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.

 

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 27 1

Don`t boast about tomorrow; For you don`t know what a day may bring forth.

Boast not thyself of to-morrow, for thou knowest not what a day will bring forth.

Boast not thyself of to-morrow, For thou knowest not what a day bringeth forth.

Proverbs 27 2

Let another man praise you, And not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.

Let another praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.

Let another praise thee, and not thine own mouth, A stranger, and not thine own

lips.

Proverbs 27 3

A stone is heavy, And sand is a burden; But a fool`s provocation is heavier than both.

A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool`s vexation is heavier than them both.

A stone [is] heavy, and the sand [is] heavy, And the anger of a fool Is heavier than they both.

Proverbs 27 4

Wrath is cruel, And anger is overwhelming; But who is able to stand before jealousy?

Fury is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before jealousy?

Fury [is] fierce, and anger [is] overflowing, And who standeth before jealousy?

Proverbs 27 5

Better is open rebuke Than hidden love.

Open rebuke is better than hidden love.

Better [is] open reproof than hidden love.

Proverbs 27 6

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; Although the kisses of an enemy are profuse.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are profuse.

Faithful are the wounds of a lover, And abundant the kisses of an enemy.

Proverbs 27 7

A full soul loathes a honeycomb; But to a hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet.

The full soul trampleth on a honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

A satiated soul treadeth down a honeycomb, And [to] a hungry soul every bitter thing [is] sweet.

Proverbs 27 8

As a bird that wanders from her nest, So is a man who wanders from his home.

As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

As a bird wandering from her nest, So [is] a man wandering from his place.

Proverbs 27 9

Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; So does earnest counsel from a man`s friend.

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart; and the sweetness of one`s friend is [the fruit]

of hearty counsel.

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart, And the sweetness of one`s friend -- from counsel of the soul.

Proverbs 27 10

Don`t forsake your friend and your father`s friend. Don`t go to your brother`s house in the  day of your disaster: Better is a neighbor who is near than a distant brother.

Thine own friend, and thy father`s friend, forsake not; and go not into thy brother`s

house in the day of thy calamity: better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.

Thine own friend, and the friend of thy father, forsake not, And the house of thy

brother enter not In a day of thy calamity, Better [is] a near neighbour than a brother afar off.

Proverbs 27 11

Be wise, my son, And bring joy to my heart, Then I can answer my tormentor.

Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad, that I may have wherewith to answer him that

reproacheth me.

Be wise, my son, and rejoice my heart. And I return my reproacher a word.

Proverbs 27 12

A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it:

A prudent [man] seeth the evil, [and] hideth himself; the simple pass on, [and] are punished.

The prudent hath seen the evil, he is hidden, The simple have passed on, they are punished.

Proverbs 27 13

Take his garment when he puts up collateral for a stranger; Hold it for a wayward woman!

Take his garment that is become surety [for] another, and hold him in pledge for a strange woman.

Take his garment, when a stranger hath been surety, And for a strange woman pledge it.

Proverbs 27 14

He who blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, It will be taken as a

curse by him.

He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be

reckoned a curse to him.

Whoso is saluting his friend with a loud voice, In the morning rising early, A

light thing it is reckoned to him.

Proverbs 27 15

A continual dropping on a rainy day And a contentious wife are alike:

A continual dropping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike:

A continual dropping in a day of rain, And a woman of contentions are alike,

Proverbs 27 16

Restraining her is like restraining the wind, Or like grasping oil in his right hand.

whosoever will restrain her restraineth the wind, and his right hand encountereth oil.

Whoso is hiding her hath hidden the wind, And the ointment of his right hand

calleth out.

Proverbs 27 17

Iron sharpens iron; So a man sharpens his friend`s countenance.

Iron is sharpened by iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Iron by iron is sharpened, And a man sharpens the face of his friend.

Proverbs 27 18

Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit. He who looks after his master shall be  honored.

Whoso keepeth the fig-tree shall eat the fruit thereof; and he that guardeth his master

shall be honoured.

The keeper of a fig-tree eateth its fruit, And the preserver of his master is honoured.

Proverbs 27 19

As water reflects a face, So a man`s heart reflects the man.

As [in] water face [answereth] to face, so the heart of man to man.

As [in] water the face [is] to face, So the heart of man to man.

Proverbs 27 20

Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; And a man`s eyes are never satisfied.

Sheol and destruction are insatiable; so the eyes of man are never satisfied.

Sheol and destruction are not satisfied, And the eyes of man are not satisfied.

Proverbs 27 21

The crucible is for silver, And the furnace for gold; But man is refined by his praise.

The fining-pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold; so let a man be to the mouth that

praiseth him.

A refining pot [is] for silver, and a furnace for gold, And a man according to his praise.

Proverbs 27 22

Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain, Yet his foolishness will

not be removed from him.

If thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his folly

depart from him.

If thou dost beat the foolish in a mortar, Among washed things -- with a pestle, His

folly turneth not aside from off him.

Proverbs 27 23

Know well the state of your flocks, And pay attention to your herds:

Be well acquainted with the appearance of thy flocks; look well to thy herds:

Know well the face of thy flock, Set thy heart to the droves,

Proverbs 27 24

For riches are not forever, Nor does even the crown endure to all generations.

for wealth is not for ever; and doth the crown [endure] from generation to generation?

For riches [are] not to the age, Nor a crown to generation and generation.

Proverbs 27 25

The hay is removed, and the new growth appears, The grasses of the hills are gathered in.

The hay is removed, and the tender grass sheweth itself, and herbs of the mountains are

gathered in.

Revealed was the hay, and seen the tender grass, And gathered the herbs of mountains.

Proverbs 27 26

The lambs are for your clothing, And the goats are the price of a field.

The lambs are for thy clothing, and the goats are the price of a field;

Lambs [are] for thy clothing, And the price of the field [are] he-goats,

Proverbs 27 27

There will be plenty of goats` milk for your food, For your family`s food, And for the

nourishment of your servant girls.

and there is goats` milk enough for thy food, for the food of thy household, and sustenance

for thy maidens.

And a sufficiency of goats` milk [is] for thy bread, For bread to thy house, and life to thy damsels!

Proverbs 28 1

The wicked flee when no one pursues; But the righteous are as bold as a lion.

The wicked flee when no man pursueth; but the righteous are bold as a lion.

The wicked have fled and there is no pursuer. And the righteous as a young lion is

confident.

Proverbs 28 2

In rebellion, a land has many rulers, But order is maintained by a man of understanding and knowledge.

By the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof; but by a man of

understanding [and] of knowledge, [its] stability is prolonged.

By the transgression of a land many [are] its heads. And by an intelligent man,

Who knoweth right -- it is prolonged.

Proverbs 28 3

A needy man who oppresses the poor Is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.

A poor man who oppresseth the helpless is a sweeping rain which leaveth no food.

A man -- poor and oppressing the weak, [Is] a sweeping rain, and there is no bread.

Proverbs 28 4

Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; But those who keep the law contend with them.

They that forsake the law praise the wicked; but such as keep the law contend with them.

Those forsaking the law praise the wicked, Those keeping the law plead against them.

Proverbs 28 5

Evil men don`t understand justice; But those who seek Yahweh understand it fully.

Evil men understand not judgment; but they that seek Jehovah understand everything.

Evil men understand not judgment, And those seeking Jehovah understand all.

Proverbs 28 6

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, Than he who is perverse in his ways, and he is

rich.

Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse, double in ways,

though he be rich.

Better [is] the poor walking in his integrity, Than the perverse of ways who is rich.

Proverbs 28 7

Whoever keeps the law is a wise son; But he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father.

Whoso observeth the law is a son that hath understanding; but he that is a companion of

profligates bringeth shame to his father.

Whoso is keeping the law is an intelligent son, And a friend of gluttons, Doth

cause his father to blush.

Proverbs 28 8

He who increases his wealth by excessive interest Gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.

He that by usury and unjust gain increaseth his substance gathereth it for him that is

gracious to the poor.

Whoso is multiplying his wealth by biting and usury, For one favouring the poor

doth gather it.

Proverbs 28 9

He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer is an abomination.

He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

Whoso is turning his ear from hearing the law, Even his prayer [is] an  

abomination.

Proverbs 28 10

Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, He will fall into his own trap; But the blameless will inherit good.

Whoso causeth the upright to go astray in an evil way, shall himself fall into his own pit;

but the perfect shall inherit good.

Whoso is causing the upright to err in an evil way, Into his own pit he doth fall,

And the perfect do inherit good.

Proverbs 28 11

The rich man is wise in his own eyes; But the poor who has understanding sees through  him.

A rich man is wise in his own eyes; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him

out.

A rich man is wise in his own eyes, And the intelligent poor searcheth him.

Proverbs 28 12

When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; But when the wicked rise, men hide

themselves.

When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men

conceal themselves.

In the exulting of the righteous the glory [is] abundant, And in the rising of the

wicked man is apprehensive.

Proverbs 28 13

He who conceals his sins doesn`t prosper, But whoever confesses and renounces them finds

mercy.

He that covereth his transgressions shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh

[them] shall obtain mercy.

Whoso is covering his transgressions prospereth not, And he who is confessing

and forsaking hath mercy.

Proverbs 28 14

Blessed is the man who always fears; But one who hardens his heart falls into trouble.

Happy is the man that feareth always; but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into evil.

O the happiness of a man fearing continually, And whoso is hardening his heart

falleth into evil.

Proverbs 28 15

As a roaring lion or a charging bear, So is a wicked ruler over helpless people.

A roaring lion, and a ranging bear, is a wicked ruler over a poor people.

A growling lion, and a ranging bear, [Is] the wicked ruler over a poor people.

Proverbs 28 16

The ruler who lacks judgment is a great tyrant. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long

days.

The prince void of intelligence is also a great oppressor: he that hateth covetousness

shall prolong [his] days.

A leader lacking understanding multiplieth oppressions, Whoso is hating dishonest gain prolongeth days.

Proverbs 28 17

A man who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death; No one will support

A man laden with the blood of [any] person, fleeth to the pit: let no man stay him.

A man oppressed with the blood of a soul, Unto the pit fleeth, none taketh hold on him.

Proverbs 28 18

Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; But one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.

Whoso walketh in integrity shall be saved; but he that is perverted in [his] double ways,

shall fall in one [of them].

Whoso is walking uprightly is saved, And the perverted of ways falleth at once.

Proverbs 28 19

One who works his land will have an abundance of food; But one who chases fantasies will have his fill of poverty.

He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread; but he that followeth the worthless

shall have poverty enough.

Whoso is tilling his ground is satisfied [with] bread, And whoso is pursuing

vanity, Is filled [with] poverty.

Proverbs 28 20

A faithful man is rich with blessings; But one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

A faithful man aboundeth with blessings; but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be

innocent.

A stedfast man hath multiplied blessings, And whoso is hasting to be rich is not

acquitted.

Proverbs 28 21

To show partiality is not good; Yet a man will do wrong for a piece of bread.

To have respect of persons is not good; but for a piece of bread will a man transgress.

To discern faces is not good, And for a piece of bread doth a man transgress.

Proverbs 28 22

A stingy man hurries after riches, And doesn`t know that poverty waits for him.

He that hath an evil eye hasteth after wealth, and knoweth not that poverty shall come

upon him.

Troubled for wealth [is] the man [with] an evil eye, And he knoweth not that want

doth meet him.

Proverbs 28 23

One who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor Than one who flatters with the tongue.

He that rebuketh a man shall afterwards find more favour than he that flattereth with

the tongue.

Whoso is reproving a man afterwards findeth grace, More than a flatterer with

the tongue.

Proverbs 28 24

Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, "It`s not wrong." He is a partner with a

destroyer.

Whoso robbeth his father and his mother, and saith, It is no transgression, the same is

the companion of a destroyer.

Whoso is robbing his father, or his mother, And is saying, `It is not

transgression,` A companion he is to a destroyer.

Proverbs 28 25

One who is greedy stirs up strife; But one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper.

He that is puffed up in soul exciteth contention; but he that relieth upon Jehovah shall be

made fat.

Whoso is proud in soul stirreth up contention, And whoso is trusting on Jehovah

is made fat.

Proverbs 28 26

One who trusts in himself is a fool; But one who walks in wisdom, he is kept safe.

He that confideth in his own heart is a fool; but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be

delivered.

Whoso is trusting in his heart is a fool, And whoso is walking in wisdom is

delivered.

Proverbs 28 27

One who gives to the poor has no lack; But one who closes his eyes will have many curses.

He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack; but he that withdraweth his eyes shall have

many a curse.

Whoso is giving to the poor hath no lack, And whoso is hiding his eyes multiplied

curses.

Proverbs 28 28

When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; But when they perish, the righteous thrive.

When the wicked rise, men hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous

In the rising of the wicked a man is hidden, And in their destruction the

righteous multiply!

Proverbs 29 1

He who is often rebuked and stiffens his neck Will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.

He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and

without remedy.

A man often reproved, hardening the neck, Is suddenly broken, and there is no healing.

Proverbs 29 2

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; But when the wicked rule, the people groan.

When the righteous increase, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the

people mourn.

In the multiplying of the righteous the people rejoice, And in the ruling of the

wicked the people sigh.

Proverbs 29 3

Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to his father; But a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.

Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; but he that is a companion of harlots

destroyeth [his] substance.

A man loving wisdom rejoiceth his father, And a friend of harlots destroyeth wealth.

Proverbs 29 4

The king by justice makes the land stable, But he who takes bribes tears it down.

A king by just judgment establisheth the land; but he that taketh gifts overthroweth it.

A king by judgment establisheth a land, And one receiving gifts throweth it

Proverbs 29 5

A man who flatters his neighbor, Spreads a net for his feet.

A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his steps.

A man taking a portion above his neighbour, Spreadeth a net for his own steps.

Proverbs 29 6

An evil man is snared by his sin, But the righteous can sing and be glad.

In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare; but the righteous shall sing and

rejoice.

In the transgression of the evil [is] a snare, And the righteous doth sing and

rejoice.

Proverbs 29 7

The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren`t concerned about knowledge.

The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; the wicked understandeth not

knowledge.

The righteous knoweth the plea of the poor, The wicked understandeth not

knowledge.

Proverbs 29 8

Mockers stir up a city, But wise men turn away anger.

Scornful men set the city in a flame; but the wise turn away anger.

Men of scorning ensnare a city, And the wise turn back anger.

Proverbs 29 9

If a wise man goes to court with a foolish man, The fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.

If a wise man contendeth with a fool, whether he rage or laugh, [he] hath no rest.

A wise man is judged by the foolish man, And he hath been angry, And he hath

laughed, and there is no rest.

Proverbs 29 10

The bloodthirsty hate a man of integrity; And they seek the life of the upright.

The bloodthirsty hate the perfect, but the upright care for his soul.

Men of blood hate the perfect, And the upright seek his soul.

Proverbs 29 11

A fool vents all of his anger, But a wise man brings himself under control.

A fool uttereth all his mind; but a wise [man] keepeth it back.

A fool bringeth out all his mind, And the wise till afterwards restraineth it.

Proverbs 29 12

If a ruler listens to lies, All of his officials are wicked.

If a ruler hearken to lying words, all his servants are wicked.

A ruler who is attending to lying words, All his ministers [are] wicked.

Proverbs 29 13

The poor man and the oppressor have this in common: Yahweh gives sight to the eyes of both.

The indigent and the oppressor meet together; Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both.

The poor and the man of frauds have met together, Jehovah is enlightening the eyes of them both.

Proverbs 29 14

The king who fairly judges the poor, His throne shall be established forever.

A king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever.

a king that is judging truly the poor, His throne for ever is established.

Proverbs 29 15

The rod of correction gives wisdom, But a child left to himself causes shame to his mother.

The rod and reproof give wisdom; but a child left [to himself] bringeth his mother to

shame.

A rod and reproof give wisdom, And a youth let away is shaming his mother.

Proverbs 29 16

When the wicked increase, sin increases; But the righteous will see their downfall.

When the wicked increase, transgression increaseth; but the righteous shall see their

In the multiplying of the wicked transgression multiplieth, And the righteous on

their fall do look.

Proverbs 29 17

Correct your son, and he will give you peace; Yes, he will bring delight to your soul.

Chasten thy son, and he shall give thee rest, and shall give delight unto thy soul.

Chastise thy son, and he giveth thee comfort, Yea, he giveth delights to thy soul.

Proverbs 29 18

Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But one who keeps the law is

blessed.

Where there is no vision the people cast off restraint; but happy is he that keepeth the

law.

Without a Vision is a people made naked, And whoso is keeping the law, O his happiness!

Proverbs 29 19

A servant can`t be corrected by words. Though he understands, yet he will not respond.

A servant is not corrected by words: he understandeth indeed, but he will not answer.

By words a servant is not instructed though he understand, And there is nothing answering.

Proverbs 29 20

Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Hast thou seen a man hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him.

Thou hast seen a man hasty in his words! More hope of a fool than of him.

Proverbs 29 21

He who pampers his servant from youth Will have him become a son in the end.

He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child, shall in the end have him as a

Whoso is bringing up his servant delicately, from youth, [At] his latter end also he

is continuator.

Proverbs 29 22

An angry man stirs up strife, And a wrathful man abounds in sin.

An angry man exciteth contention; and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

An angry man stirreth up contention, And a furious man is multiplying transgression.

Proverbs 29 23

A man`s pride brings him low, But one who is of a lowly spirit gains honor.

A man`s pride bringeth him low; but the humble in spirit shall obtain honour.

The pride of man humbleth him, And humility of spirit upholdeth honour.

Proverbs 29 24

Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of his own soul. He takes an oath, but dares not testify.

Whoso shareth with a thief hateth his own soul: he heareth the adjuration, and declareth

not.

Whoso is sharing with a thief is hating his own soul, Execration he heareth, and telleth not.

Proverbs 29 25

The fear of man proves to be a snare, But whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe.

The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his confidence in Jehovah is

protected.

Fear of man causeth a snare, And the confident in Jehovah is set on high.

Proverbs 29 26

Many seek the ruler`s favor, But a man`s justice comes from Yahweh.

Many seek the ruler`s face; but a man`s right judgment is from Jehovah.

Many are seeking the face of a ruler, And from Jehovah [is] the judgment of each.

Proverbs 29 27

A dishonest man detests the righteous, And the upright in their ways detest the wicked.

An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous; and he that is of upright way is an

abomination to the wicked [man].

An abomination to the righteous [is] the perverse man, And an abomination to the

wicked [is] the upright in the way!

 Study Questions

A fool's wrath is heavier than? 27:3
 
What in man is never satisfied? 27:20
 
When is it better to be poor? 28:6
 
The one who trusts in the LORD shall be made ______________? 28:25

When do the people mourn? 29:2
 
What does the fool reveal? 29:11
 
What gives wisdom? 29:15

 The World English Bible

Oct. 18

Philippians 3

Php 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe.

Php 3:2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision.

Php 3:3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh;

Php 3:4 though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has confidence in the flesh, I yet more:

Php 3:5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;

Php 3:6 concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.

Php 3:7 However, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.

Php 3:8 Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ

Php 3:9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

Php 3:10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death;

Php 3:11 if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Php 3:12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

Php 3:13 Brothers, I don't regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,

Php 3:14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Php 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you.

Php 3:16 Nevertheless, to the extent that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule. Let us be of the same mind.

Php 3:17 Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example.

Php 3:18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ,

Php 3:19 whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who think about earthly things.

Php 3:20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ;

Php 3:21 who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself.

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.

Philippians

Philippians 3 1

Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe.

For the rest, my brethren, rejoice in [the] Lord: to write the same things to you, to me [is]

not irksome, and for you safe.

As to the rest, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord; the same things to write to you to me indeed is not tiresome, and for you [is] sure;

Philippians 3 2

Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision.

See to dogs, see to evil workmen, see to the concision.

look to the dogs, look to the evil-workers, look to the concision;

Philippians 3 3

For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and

have no confidence in the flesh;

For *we* are the circumcision, who worship by [the] Spirit of God, and boast in Christ

Jesus, and do not trust in flesh.

for we are the circumcision, who by the Spirit are serving God, and glorying in

Christ Jesus, and in flesh having no trust,

Philippians 3 4

though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has

confidence in the flesh, I yet more:

Though *I* have [my] trust even in flesh; if any other think to trust in flesh, *I* rather:

though I also have [cause of] trust in flesh. If any other one doth think to have

trust in flesh, I more;

Philippians 3 5

circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;

as to circumcision, [I received it] the eighth day; of [the] race of Israel, of [the] tribe of

Benjamin, Hebrew of Hebrews; as to [the] law, a Pharisee;

circumcision on the eighth day! of the race of Israel! of the tribe of Benjamin! a

Hebrew of Hebrews! according to law a Pharisee!

Philippians 3 6

concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.

as to zeal, persecuting the assembly; as to righteousness which [is] in [the] law, found

blameless;

according to zeal persecuting the assembly! according to righteousness that is in law becoming blameless!

Philippians 3 7

However, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.

but what things were gain to me these I counted, on account of Christ, loss.

But what things were to me gains, these I have counted, because of the Christ, loss;

Philippians 3 8

Yes most assuredly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ

Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ

But surely I count also all things to be loss on account of the excellency of the knowledge

of Christ Jesus my Lord, on account of whom I have suffered the loss of all, and count them

to be filth, that I may gain Christ;

yes, indeed, and I count all things to be loss, because of the excellency of the

knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, because of whom of the all things I suffered

loss, and do count them to be refuse, that Christ I may gain, and be found in him,

Philippians 3 9

and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

and that I may be found in him, not having my righteousness, which [would be] on the

principle of law, but that which is by faith of Christ, the righteousness which [is] of God

through faith,

not having my righteousness, which [is] of law, but that which [is] through faith

of Christ -- the righteousness that is of God by the faith,

Philippians 3 10

that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death;

to know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings,

being conformed to his death,

to know him, and the power of his rising again, and the fellowship of his

sufferings, being conformed to his death,

Philippians 3 11

if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

if any way I arrive at the resurrection from among [the] dead.

if anyhow I may attain to the rising again of the dead.

Philippians 3 12

Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

Not that I have already obtained [the prize], or am already perfected; but I pursue, if also

I may get possession [of it], seeing that also I have been taken possession of by Christ [Jesus].

Not that I did already obtain, or have been already perfected; but I pursue, if also I

may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by the Christ Jesus;

Philippians 3 13

Brothers, I don`t regard myself as yet having laid hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,

Brethren, *I* do not count to have got possession myself; but one thing -- forgetting the

things behind, and stretching out to the things before,

brethren, I do not reckon myself to have laid hold; and one thing -- the things

behind indeed forgetting, and to the things before stretching forth --

Philippians 3 14

I press on toward the goal to the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

I pursue, [looking] towards [the] goal, for the prize of the calling on high of God in Christ

Jesus.

to the mark I pursue for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3 15

Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, this

God will also reveal that to you.

As many therefore as [are] perfect, let us be thus minded; and if ye are any otherwise

minded, this also God shall reveal to you.

As many, therefore, as [are] perfect -- let us think this, and if [in] anything ye

think otherwise, this also shall God reveal to you,

Philippians 3 16

Nevertheless, to the extent that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule. Let us be of the same mind.

But whereto we have attained, [let us] walk in the same steps.

but to what we have come -- by the same rule walk, the same thing think;

Philippians 3 17

Brothers, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example.

Be imitators [all] together of me, brethren, and fix your eyes on those walking thus as

you have us for a model;

become followers together of me, brethren, and observe those thus walking,

according as ye have us -- a pattern;

Philippians 3 18

For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ,

(for many walk of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they

[are] the enemies of the cross of Christ:

for many walk of whom many times I told you -- and now also weeping tell -- the

enemies of the cross of the Christ!

Philippians 3 19

whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who think about earthly things.

whose end [is] destruction, whose god [is] the belly, and [their] glory in their shame, who

mind earthly things:)

whose end [is] destruction, whose god [is] the belly, and whose glory [is] in their

shame, who the things on earth are minding.

Philippians 3 20

For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Lord, Jesus Christ;

for *our* commonwealth has its existence in [the] heavens, from which also we await the

Lord Jesus Christ [as] Saviour,

For our citizenship is in the heavens, whence also a Saviour we await -- the Lord

Jesus Christ --

Philippians 3 21

who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working whereby he is able even to subject all things to himself.

who shall transform our body of humiliation into conformity to his body of glory,

according to the working of [the] power which he has even to subdue all things to

who shall transform the body of our humiliation to its becoming conformed to the

body of his glory, according to the working of his power, even to subject to

himself the all things.

 Study Questions

Who are the fellow partakes in the Gospel? 3:6
 
How does Christ dwell in our hearts? 3:17