From Mark Copeland... Paul's Son And Brother (Philippians 2:19-30)

                    "THE EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS"

                    Paul's Son And Brother (2:19-30)

INTRODUCTION

1. We have already observed that this epistle is very personal in nature

2. Further proof of this is now seen as we consider Paul's remarks
   concerning two men; one described as a "son" to Paul, the other as a
   "brother" (Php 2:19-30)

3. Paul's comments reveal that these two men demonstrated the "mind of
   Christ" about which Paul encouraged the Philippians to have earlier
   in this chapter

[In this study, we shall notice in what ways these two men demonstrated 
the "mind of Christ" in their service to their brethren, beginning 
with...]

I. TIMOTHY, PAUL'S "SON" (19-24)

   A. WHAT WERE PAUL'S PLANS CONCERNING TIMOTHY?
      1. To send him to Philippi shortly (19,23)
         a. That when Timothy returns, Paul might be encouraged by their
            condition (19b)
         b. But notice that Paul trusts in the Lord Jesus to do this -
            perhaps another way of saying, "If the Lord wills" (cf. 
            Jm 4:15)
      2. But sending Timothy would be delayed until Paul's condition was
         more fully known (23b)

   B. WHY USE TIMOTHY?
      1. Paul had no one else...
         a. Who was "like-minded" (20a)
            1) Who had the same mind as Paul
            2) Paul and Timothy were truly "united in spirit" and had
               that unity Paul wrote about in Php 2:2
            3) Therefore, Timothy was the best "alternate" in the place
               of Paul
         b. Who would "sincerely care for your state" (20b)
            1) Remember, Timothy had first joined Paul just before going
               to Philippi (Ac 16:1-12)
            2) So Timothy had good reasons to be close to the brethren
               there
               a) It was "his" first missionary effort
               b) He had known of them from the very beginning of their
                  existence as a congregation
         c. No other person was better suited, therefore, for this
            particular task
      2. His devotion to Christ surpassed others (21)
         a. He sought the interests of Christ, which meant the interests
            of others - cf. Php 2:4-5
         b. So no one else surpassed Timothy in having the "mind of
            Christ"
      3. He had proved his service in similar errands (22)
         a. For example, with the church at Corinth - 1Co 4:17
         b. He had done so with humility:  "as a son with his father he
            served with me"
         c. Again, Timothy demonstrated the "mind of Christ" - Php 2:3

[Such was the young man Timothy:  a beloved "son" to the apostle, whose 
attitudes of humility and service made him a useful instrument in 
Paul's ministry.

Now let's consider...]

II. EPAPHRODITUS, PAUL'S "BROTHER" (25-30)

   A. WHO WAS EPAPHRODITUS? (25)
      1. "my brother" - a brother in Christ to the apostle Paul
      2. "fellow-worker" - a companion in the work of spreading the
         gospel
      3. "fellow-soldier" - one shared in the conflicts with the enemies
         of Christ
      4. "your messenger" - the person bearing the gift from the church
         of Philippi to Paul - cf. Php 4:18
      5. "who ministered to my needs" - now with Paul, he offered
         himself in service to him

   B. WHAT KIND OF MAN WAS HE?
      1. A man of love and concern for his brethren at Philippi (26-27)
         a. He longed for his brethren while away from them
         b. He had been sick, and was distressed they knew about it
      2. A man devoted to the work of Christ (30)
         a. Who realized that serving others (like Paul and the
            Philippians) was serving Christ
         b. Who was willing to risk his life in such service - cf. 1Jn 3:16
      3. A man who did not mind being a "messenger"
         a. He had brought the gift to Paul from Philippi - Php 4:18
         b. More than likely, he carried this epistle back to the
            Philippians (28)
         c. Such willingness again demonstrates humility, so important
            to possessing the "mind of Christ"

[Truly he was a man who lived up to his name:  "Epaphroditus" means 
"handsome, charming"!]

CONCLUSION

1. Individuals like Timothy and Epaphroditus we are to hold in high
   esteem (29) - WHY?
   a. Because they demonstrate the humility and love so essential to the
      cause of Christ
   b. Because they rendered service to God and His church which is just
      as essential as that offered by men like Paul and Peter

2. The church today needs more people like these two men, to provide the
   backup and support necessary for the cause of Christ

3. We man not be a "Paul" or a "Peter", but we can be a "Timothy" or an
   "Epaphroditus" (i.e., God's "second string")!

4. All we need are the same attitudes they had:
   a. Sincere concern for the condition of others
   b. Seeking first the things of Christ
   c. A willingness to serve others
   d. A willingness to sacrifice themselves, even to the point of death

In other words, the "mind of Christ"!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2011

From Jim McGuiggan.... Punishment can't reconcile

Punishment can't reconcile

Listen, punishment as punishment can not reconcile a person to a person, a society or a God. Many have taught us this down the years but no one I know has taught it more clearly than Walter Moberly. Rightly understood and rightly administered punishment is many things but punishment simply as punishment cannot reconcile. Punishment as a quantity of administered unpleasantness administered to a transgressor does not reconcile the transgressor to the desire expressed via the law.

If you punish a spiteful child (whatever form the punishment takes) no one with sense believes that he is no longer a spiteful child simply because he’s been sent to his room or is deprived of television rights. If the little rascal is unchanged in his heart why, then, he’s still a little rascal at heart that has been punished. The serial killer that continues to glory in his crimes is not reconciled to society even though he has spent forty years in prison. (Here in the UK, just weeks ago, a murderer sentenced to jail taunted the parents on his way out of the courtroom. "You shoulda seen your son when I put the bullet in his head. He looked like a big doughnut.")

Punishment does not equal forgiveness. Sentence a criminal for his crimes, have him serve twenty years and when he comes out tell him we "forgive" him and he’ll be indignant. He’d tell you he paid the debt he owed to society. Forgiveness is redundant! Besides, if he comes out boasting of his crimes and holding society in threatening contempt any talk of "forgiveness" is nonsense. He may be legally free because he has endured punishment to the full but forgiveness is a whole different matter. If punishment can’t equate with forgiveness—or even guarantee it—then it can’t equal reconciliation. Forgiveness is an aspect of a renewed relationship, which is reconciliation.

If adequate punishment meant accomplished forgiveness then no one would ever remain unforgiven. It would mean that when God punished a sinner for a sin that forgiveness would follow automatically. If it’s insisted that only eternal punishment is adequate punishment for sin then we’d have the anomaly of someone being forgiven while eternally punished. Forgiveness is not about adequate punishment! This has ramifications for any doctrine of the atonement. Penal substitution says a certain number of people are forgiven because someone (Jesus) suffered the full amount of punishment due their sins. If you wanted to, you might say that they were debt free, or beyond punishment or whatever else you might choose as an equivalent but you can’t possibly reduce reconciliation to raw acquittal, pardon or punishment-free existence. That’s not forgiveness and it certainly isn’t reconciliation. 

And then there’s this. What kind of grace is grace that will only express itself when exhaustive punishment is administered? Can God offer gracious reconciliation if he can only offer it because he has punished the sinners (by proxy, in Christ) exhaustively?

©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 publish from his website, the abiding word.com.

Note from Gary...  This is one post that I am going to have to think about (after I have read it a couple more times).

From Ben Fronczek.... Acts 28 – True Hospitality

Acts 28 – True Hospitality

Acts 28:1-10 True Hospitality

Review: In our last lesson we read in Acts 27 how Apostle Paul was on his way to Rome aboard a ship. On his way a terrible storm hit them of hurricane force. It was so bad that they even went without eating for 14 days. They feared for their life, but we saw how Paul encouraged everyone letting them know that an angel of the Lord let him know that everything was going to be all right, none of them would loose their life. It is a lesson for us, that we can also encourage others with the encouragement that we receive from our Lord.

Read: Acts 28:1-11   “ Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta.  The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.” But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.

There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed. 

After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux.”

I believe that there a few good lessons that could be taken from this text and I believe that the Hospitality demonstrated here is an important practice for all Christian to learn. Why? Because scripture not only commands that we act hospitable toward others demonstrating a Christ-like love and concern for others. Sometimes people simply need our attention, help, and acts of love and kindness to fill a need in their life. We see this demonstrated in our text today. The native people on the Island of Malta really took care of Paul and the other people after the ship wreck. After everyone got ashore, the first thing the islanders did to welcome them was build a fire to warm them because it was cold and rainy. Soon after that I’m sure they made arrangements to house the people in their homes. I’m sure that it was no small feat to find accommodations for the 276 people for the next 3 months. We read that some of them, including Paul were brought to the home of Publius. He was the chief official on the island. Luke says that he welcomed them to his home and that they spent three days at Publius’ estate and that he, “entertained them hospitably.” The people of the island welcomed those 276 shipwrecked people with open arms. 

In verse 2 Luke tells us that the people of Malta showed them,    “unusual kindness.”

Let’s face it.  We live in a pretty UN-hospitable world today. People simply do not go out of their way one for another unless a disaster strikes, and even then only a few respond in a hands on way. Most people are leery of others, over cautious, even afraid to get involved. We teach our kids not to talk to strangers, and hardly ever look into one another’s eyes if we pass someone on the street. People are less hospitable to strangers than they were a few generations ago.  But hospitability is still important. There has to be a place where people know they are welcome, loved, respected, wanted, and needed…and that place should be our Churches and/or a Christian’s home.

In Romans 12:13 its says to “Practice Hospitality”                                             

In 1 Peter 4:9 says to “offer hospitality without grumblings”                     

In Hebrews 13:2 it says “not to neglect to show hospitality to strangers.”

The Greek word for hospitality consists of two words: love and stranger. So being hospitable means loving the stranger with genuine Christian love. A man by the name of Henri Nouwen defined it this way, he said, ‘hospitality is the offer of a space where change can take place, where the stranger can enter and become a friend.’ Someone once said that in the context of the church, ‘hospitality to newcomers is not about persuading, forcing, overwhelming, or trying to convert people, but rather in welcoming them, inviting them, sharing and showing our faith by our actions.’  Sadly, too many churches have failed in understanding this kind of hospitality.  Being hospitable should be one of our most important missions.  All too often we force our Christian faith on non-Christians.  That’s not showing the love of Christ, and that’s not showing hospitality. We need to learn how to be welcoming and inviting, and genuinely love people and leave it up to those who come, to choose what they like for themselves.  Jesus never forced Himself on anyone, rather people saw or heard something they liked and freely chose to follow Him. Hospitality is a welcoming kind love with no strings attached. That’s the kind of hospitality Paul was shown on Malta. A welcoming love with no strings attached.  They were in need and those people were willing to help.

Hospitality is not only important for the visitor, it’s important for us as well. I also believe God rewards those who are hospitable. We see that with how He blesses the people of Malta. The people of the island welcomed those 276 shipwrecked people with open arms.  And what was the result? God blessed them almost immediately. Luke tells us that Publius’ father was sick in bed with fever and dysentery. Some have suggested that he was sick with what later became known as ‘Malta fever’. It is micro-organism which was first identified in 1887 and was traced to the milk of Maltese goats. It caused a fever that normally lasted four months, but sometimes persisted for two or three years. But he was healed soon after Paul arrived. We are told that Paul prayed, placed his hands on him and healed him. When this miracle became known all the other sick people on the island came to Paul and they were also healed. God quickly rewarded the people of Malta for their kindness and hospitality to these strangers. 

And here’s the point: Here near the end of the book of Acts God uses the pagan people of the island of Malta to show Christians how much He blesses hospitality. It is a lesson that we Christians should take to heart. Acts is about the spread of the gospel, from Jerusalem to Judea, to Samaria, to the ends of the earth.  It’s about church growth.

How does the church grow? One key way is for Christians to practice love and hospitality. Hospitality is a reflection of God’s love. So here, near the end of his book, Luke again shows us how not only how God would to take care of Paul, He also shows us how He blesses those who are hospitable.

This principle can be seen throughout the Bible. Consider Abraham. 

We read about his hospitality in Read: Genesis 18:1-11.   

“The LORD appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.

He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord,do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.”

“Very well,” they answered, “do as you say.”

So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. “Quick,” he said, “get three seahsof the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.”

Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. He then brought some curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.

“Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him.

 “There, in the tent,” he said.

Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.”   Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him.  Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing.”

Hospitality in the Bible always had the same basic elements: a welcome, a gesture of honor, time spent together, washing feet, especially prepared food, water, rest in the shade, shelter, a place to stay for the night, and a blessing.

Abraham was hospitable to those strangers. At first he did not know who they were.  And so, what was the result?    God greatly blessed him—look at the promise that was given to him!  They said to Abraham, “about this time next year, Sarah your wife will have a son.” I don’t mean to suggest that Abraham’s hospitality was the only thing that was responsible for the blessing that came, but it was a factor. God arranged things this way in order to teach us a great lesson.

Abraham’s example is held up to us in Hebrews 13:2. There we are told,   ”Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Referring to Abraham)

We are not merely encouraged, but commanded to follow his example. There’s a clear connection between kindness, hospitality and a blessing, and not merely an earthly blessings, but also spiritual blessings as well.

In Proverbs 11:25 it says,  “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

In 1 Kings 17:7-23 we are told of an incident in the life of the prophet Elijah. There was famine in the land and Elijah was told by God to hide in the Kerith Ravine and there ravens would feed him. And then he is told to seek out a widow in the town of Zarephath who would take care of him.   

Read: 1 Kings 17:10-16  “Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the LORD came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”  So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”

“As surely as the LORD your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”

Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the land.’”

She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah.”

Did this woman receive a blessing or what? What a miracle she witnessed. Even during a time of famine she and her family never went hungry.  It was all because she was willing to show hospitality to the prophet.

There is also an interesting story in the in the life of the prophet Elisha.               Read: 2 Kings 4:8-16     (Click on link to read)

-  A year later she had a son. God greatly blessed her because of her hospitality.

I believe Christians, have been called to be hospitable. Over and over we are shown that it is something we should do and it is the way to blessing.

Someone may say, “I don’t have the time or the resources to be hospitable.”   That’s like saying, “I don’t have the time or the resources to be blessed by God.”

Consider the widow of Zarephath. All she had left when Elijah arrived was a little flour and a little oil. She was going to make a last little meal for her and her son—and then that would be it before they themselves died.  But she gave all she had, which was not even enough to keep her and her son  alive. Yet God called her to show hospitality to Elijah and feed him. She did so and she was greatly blessed for doing so.

Does God really bless hospitality? Are His blessing real and substantial, or fleeting .  Yes, God does bless hospitality and this blessing is real and substantial.

Remember what Jesus said about hospitality in Matthew 10:42? He said,  ” 

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”

I found a story I would like to read to you as we come to the end of this lesson:

A woman by the name of Ruth went to her mailbox and there was only one letter. She picked it up and looked at it before opening, but then she looked at the envelope again. There was no stamp, no postmark, only her name and address. She read the letter:

“Dear Ruth,                                                                                 

I’m going to be in your neighborhood Saturday afternoon and I’d like to stop by for a visit.       ”Love Always, “Jesus”

Her hands were shaking as she placed the letter on the table. “Why would the Lord want to visit me? I’m nobody special. I don’t have anything to offer.”

With that thought, Ruth remembered her empty kitchen cabinets. “Oh my goodness, I really don’t have anything to offer. I’ll have to run down to the store and buy something for dinner.”

She reached for her purse and counted out its contents. Five dollars and forty cents. “Well, I can get some bread and cold cuts, at least.” She threw on her coat and hurried out the door.

A loaf of French bread, a half-pound of sliced turkey, and a carton of milk…leaving Ruth with a grand total of twelve cents to last her until Monday. Nonetheless, she felt good as she headed home, her meager offerings tucked under her arm.

“Hey lady, can you help us, lady?” Ruth had been so absorbed in her dinner plans, she hadn’t even noticed two figures huddled in the alleyway. A man and a woman, both of them dressed in little more than rags.

“Look lady, I ain’t got a job, ya know, and my wife and I have been living out here on the street, and, well, now it’s getting cold and we’re getting kinda hungry and, well, if you could help us. Lady, we’d really appreciate it.”

Ruth looked at them both. They were dirty, they smelled bad, and frankly, she was certain that they could get some kind of work if they really wanted to. “Sir, I’d like to help you, but I’m a poor woman myself. All I have is a few cold cuts and some bread, and I’m having an important guest for dinner tonight and I was planning on serving that to Him.”

“Yeah, well, okay lady, I understand. Thanks anyway.”

The man put his arm around the woman’s shoulders, turned and headed back into the alley. As she watched them leave, Ruth felt a familiar twinge in her heart.

“Sir, wait!”   The couple stopped and turned as she ran down the alley after them.

“Look, why don’t you take this food. I’ll figure out something else to serve my guest.” She handed the man her grocery bag.

“Thank you lady. Thank you very much!”

“Yes, thank you!” It was the man’s wife, and Ruth could see now that she was shivering.

“You know, I’ve got another coat at home. Here, why don’t you take this one.”

Ruth unbuttoned her jacket and slipped it over the woman’s shoulders. Then smiling, she turned and walked back to the street–without her coat and with nothing to serve her guest.

“Thank you lady! Thank you very much!”

Ruth was chilled by the time she reached her front door, and worried too. The Lord was coming to visit and she didn’t have anything to offer Him. She fumbled through her purse for the door key. But as she did, she noticed another envelope in her mailbox. “That’s odd. The mailman doesn’t usually come twice in one day.”

“Dear Ruth:
It was so good to see you again. Thank you for the lovely meal. And thank you, too, for the beautiful coat.
“Love Always,  “Jesus”

The air was still cold, but even without her coat, Ruth no longer noticed.

As a Christian, we serve Jesus when we serve others. And one day, we will enjoy His hospitality forever.

In Matthew 25, Jesus talk about the judgment scene. He said this.            
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?  When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Closing:  May challenge for you this week is to open you mind up to becoming more hospitable, not just to family and friends, consider becoming friendlier and hospitable to strangers. You never know, in doing so some people have entertained angels.

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

From Gary... Bible Reading and Study October 21

Bible Reading and Study  

October 21

The World English Bible

Oct. 21

Ecclesiastes 5-7

Ecc 5:1 Guard your steps when you go to God's house; for to draw near to listen is better than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they don't know that they do evil.

Ecc 5:2 Don't be rash with your mouth, and don't let your heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and you on earth. Therefore let your words be few.

Ecc 5:3 For as a dream comes with a multitude of cares, so a fool's speech with a multitude of words.

Ecc 5:4 When you vow a vow to God, don't defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow.

Ecc 5:5 It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.

Ecc 5:6 Don't allow your mouth to lead you into sin. Don't protest before the messenger that this was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands?

Ecc 5:7 For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, as well as in many words: but you must fear God.

Ecc 5:8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent taking away of justice and righteousness in a district, don't marvel at the matter: for one official is eyed by a higher one; and there are officials over them.

Ecc 5:9 Moreover the profit of the earth is for all. The king profits from the field.

Ecc 5:10 He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase: this also is vanity.

Ecc 5:11 When goods increase, those who eat them are increased; and what advantage is there to its owner, except to feast on them with his eyes?

Ecc 5:12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not allow him to sleep.

Ecc 5:13 There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to his harm.

Ecc 5:14 Those riches perish by misfortune, and if he has fathered a son, there is nothing in his hand.

Ecc 5:15 As he came forth from his mother's womb, naked shall he go again as he came, and shall take nothing for his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.

Ecc 5:16 This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go. And what profit does he have who labors for the wind?

Ecc 5:17 All his days he also eats in darkness, he is frustrated, and has sickness and wrath.

Ecc 5:18 Behold, that which I have seen to be good and proper is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, in which he labors under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion.

Ecc 5:19 Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat of it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor--this is the gift of God.

Ecc 5:20 For he shall not often reflect on the days of his life; because God occupies him with the joy of his heart.

Ecc 6:1 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is heavy on men:

Ecc 6:2 a man to whom God gives riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing for his soul of all that he desires, yet God gives him no power to eat of it, but an alien eats it. This is vanity, and it is an evil disease.

Ecc 6:3 If a man fathers a hundred children, and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not filled with good, and moreover he has no burial; I say, that a stillborn child is better than he:

Ecc 6:4 for it comes in vanity, and departs in darkness, and its name is covered with darkness.

Ecc 6:5 Moreover it has not seen the sun nor known it. This has rest rather than the other.

Ecc 6:6 Yes, though he live a thousand years twice told, and yet fails to enjoy good, don't all go to one place?

Ecc 6:7 All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.

Ecc 6:8 For what advantage has the wise more than the fool? What has the poor man, that knows how to walk before the living?

Ecc 6:9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

Ecc 6:10 Whatever has been, its name was given long ago; and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him who is mightier than he.

Ecc 6:11 For there are many words that create vanity. What does that profit man?

Ecc 6:12 For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?

Ecc 7:1 A good name is better than fine perfume; and the day of death better than the day of one's birth.

Ecc 7:2 It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men, and the living should take this to heart.

Ecc 7:3 Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good.

Ecc 7:4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

Ecc 7:5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

Ecc 7:6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.

Ecc 7:7 Surely extortion makes the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding.

Ecc 7:8 Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

Ecc 7:9 Don't be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.

Ecc 7:10 Don't say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For you do not ask wisely about this.

Ecc 7:11 Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. Yes, it is more excellent for those who see the sun.

Ecc 7:12 For wisdom is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.

Ecc 7:13 Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight, which he has made crooked?

Ecc 7:14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yes, God has made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything after him.

Ecc 7:15 All this have I seen in my days of vanity: there is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who lives long in his evildoing.

Ecc 7:16 Don't be overly righteous, neither make yourself overly wise. Why should you destroy yourself?

Ecc 7:17 Don't be too wicked, neither be foolish. Why should you die before your time?

Ecc 7:18 It is good that you should take hold of this. Yes, also from that don't withdraw your hand; for he who fears God will come forth from them all.

Ecc 7:19 Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.

Ecc 7:20 Surely there is not a righteous man on earth, who does good and doesn't sin.

Ecc 7:21 Also don't take heed to all words that are spoken, lest you hear your servant curse you;

Ecc 7:22 for often your own heart knows that you yourself have likewise cursed others.

Ecc 7:23 All this have I proved in wisdom. I said, "I will be wise;" but it was far from me.

Ecc 7:24 That which is, is far off and exceedingly deep. Who can find it out?

Ecc 7:25 I turned around, and my heart sought to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity, and that foolishness is madness.

Ecc 7:26 I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and traps, whose hands are chains. Whoever pleases God shall escape from her; but the sinner will be ensnared by her.

Ecc 7:27 Behold, this have I found, says the Preacher, one to another, to find out the scheme;

Ecc 7:28 which my soul still seeks; but I have not found: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.

Ecc 7:29 Behold, this only have I found: that God made man upright; but they search for many schemes.

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.

Ecclesiastes

Ecclesiastes 5 1

Guard your steps when you go to God`s house; for to draw near to listen is better than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they don`t know that they do evil.

Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and draw near to hear, rather than to

give the sacrifice of fools: for they know not that they do evil.

Keep thy feet when thou goest unto a house of God, and draw near to hear rather

than to give of fools the sacrifice, for they do not know they do evil.

Ecclesiastes 5 2

Don`t be rash with your mouth, and don`t let your heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and you on earth. Therefore let your words be few.

Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thy heart be hasty to utter anything before God:

for God is in the heavens, and thou upon earth; therefore let thy words be few.

Cause not thy mouth to hasten, and let not thy heart hasten to bring out a word

before God, for God is in the heavens, and thou on the earth, therefore let thy words be few.

Ecclesiastes 5 3

For as a dream comes with a multitude of cares, so a fool`s speech with a multitude of words.

For a dream cometh through the multitude of business, and a fool`s voice through a multitude of words.

For the dream hath come by abundance of business, and the voice of a fool by abundance of words.

Ecclesiastes 5 4

When you vow a vow to God, don`t defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow.

When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools: pay

that which thou hast vowed.

When thou vowest a vow to God, delay not to complete it, for there is no pleasure

in fools; that which thou vowest -- complete.

Ecclesiastes 5 5

It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.

Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.

Better that thou do not vow, than that thou dost vow and dost not complete.

Ecclesiastes 5 6

Don`t allow your mouth to lead you into sin. Don`t protest before the messenger that this was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your  hands?

Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it

was an inadvertence. Wherefore should God be wroth at thy voice, and destroy the work of thy hands?

Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin, nor say before the messenger, that `it [is] an error,` why is God wroth because of thy voice, and hath destroyed the work of thy hands?

Ecclesiastes 5 7

For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, and in many words: but you must fear God.

For in the multitude of dreams are vanities; so with many words: but fear God.

For, in the abundance of dreams both vanities and words abound; but fear thou God.

Ecclesiastes 5 8

If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent taking away of justice and righteousness in a district, don`t marvel at the matter: for one official is eyed by a higher one; and there are officials over them.

If thou seest the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting of judgment and justice

in a province, marvel not at the matter; for a higher than the high is watching, and

there are higher than they.

If oppression of the poor, and violent taking away of judgment and righteousness

thou seest in a province, do not marvel at the matter, for a higher than the high is

observing, and high ones [are] over them.

Ecclesiastes 5 9

Moreover the profit of the earth is for all. The king profits from the field.

Moreover the earth is every way profitable: the king [himself] is dependent upon the field.

And the abundance of a land is for all. A king for a field is served.

Ecclesiastes 5 10

He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase: this also is vanity.

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver, nor he that loveth abundance with

increase. This also is vanity.

Whoso is loving silver is not satisfied [with] silver, nor he who is in love with

stores [with] increase. Even this [is] vanity.

Ecclesiastes 5 11

When goods increase, those who eat them are increased; and what advantage is there to its

owner, except to feast on them with his eyes?

When goods increase, they are increased that eat them; and what profit is there to the

owner thereof, except the beholding [of them] with his eyes?

In the multiplying of good have its consumers been multiplied, and what benefit

[is] to its possessor except the sight of his eyes?

Ecclesiastes 5 12

The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not allow him to sleep.

The sleep of the labourer is sweet, whether he have eaten little or much; but the fulness

of the rich doth not suffer him to sleep.

Sweet [is] the sleep of the labourer whether he eat little or much; and the

sufficiency of the wealthy is not suffering him to sleep.

Ecclesiastes 5 13

There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to his  harm.

There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt;

There is a painful evil I have seen under the sun: wealth kept for its possessor, for his evil.

Ecclesiastes 5 14

Those riches perish by misfortune, and if he has fathered a son, there is nothing in his  hand.

or those riches perish by some evil circumstance, and if he have begotten a son, there is

nothing in his hand.

And that wealth hath been lost in an evil business, and he hath begotten a son and

there is nothing in his hand!

Ecclesiastes 5 15

As he came forth from his mother`s womb, naked shall he go again as he came, and shall take nothing for his labor, which he may carry away in his hand.

As he came forth from his mother`s womb, naked shall he go away again as he came, and

shall take nothing of his labour, which he may carry away in his hand.

As he came out from the belly of his mother, naked he turneth back to go as he

came, and he taketh not away anything of his labour, that doth go in his hand.

Ecclesiastes 5 16

This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came, so shall he go. And what profit does he have who labors for the wind?

And this also is a grievous evil, that in all points as he came so doth he go away, and what

profit hath he, in having laboured for the wind?

And this also [is] a painful evil, just as he came, so he goeth, and what advantage

[is] to him who laboureth for wind?

Ecclesiastes 5 17

All his days he also eats in darkness, he is frustrated, and has sickness and wrath.

All his days also he eateth in darkness, and hath much vexation, and sickness, and irritation.

Also all his days in darkness he consumeth, and sadness, and wrath, and sickness abound.

Ecclesiastes 5 18

Behold, that which I have seen to be good and proper is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all his labor, in which he labors under the sun, all the days of his life which God has given him; for this is his portion.

Behold what I have seen good and comely: [it is] to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in

all his labour wherewith [man] laboureth under the sun, all the days of his life which God

hath given him: for that is his portion.

Lo, that which I have seen: [It is] good, because beautiful, to eat, and to drink, and

to see good in all one`s labour that he laboureth at under the sun, the number of

the days of his life that God hath given to him, for it [is] his portion.

Ecclesiastes 5 19

Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat of it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor -- this is the gift of God.

Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and power to eat thereof, and

to take his portion and to rejoice in his labour: that is a gift of God.

Every man also to whom God hath given wealth and riches, and hath given him

power to eat of it, and to accept his portion, and to rejoice in his labour, this is a gift of God.

Ecclesiastes 5 20

For he shall not often reflect on the days of his life; because God occupies him with the joy of his heart.

For he will not much remember the days of his life, because God answereth [him] with

the joy of his heart.

For he doth not much remember the days of his life, for God is answering through

the joy of his heart.

Ecclesiastes 6 1

There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is heavy on men:

There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it is frequent among men:

There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it [is] great on man:

Ecclesiastes 6 2

a man to whom God gives riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing for his soul of all that he desires, yet God gives him no power to eat of it, but an alien eats it. This is vanity, and it is an evil disease.

one to whom God giveth riches, wealth, and honour, and he wanteth nothing for his soul

of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth

it: this is vanity, and a sore evil.

A man to whom God giveth wealth, and riches, and honour, and there is no lack to

his soul of all that he desireth, and God giveth him not power to eat of it, but a

stranger eateth it; this [is] vanity, and it [is] an evil disease.

Ecclesiastes 6 3

If a man fathers a hundred children, and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not filled with good, and moreover he has no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than he:

If a man beget a hundred [sons], and live many years, so that the days of his years be

many, but his soul be not filled with good, and also he have no burial, I say an untimely

birth is better than he.

If a man doth beget a hundred, and live many years, and is great, because they are

the days of his years, and his soul is not satisfied from the goodness, and also he

hath not had a grave, I have said, `Better than he [is] the untimely birth.`

Ecclesiastes 6 4

for it comes in vanity, and departs in darkness, and its name is covered with darkness.

For it cometh in vanity, and departeth in darkness, and its name is covered with darkness;

For in vanity he came in, and in darkness he goeth, and in darkness his name is covered,

Ecclesiastes 6 5

Moreover it has not seen the sun nor known it. This has rest rather than the other.

moreover it hath not seen nor known the sun: this hath rest rather than the other.

Even the sun he hath not seen nor known, more rest hath this than that.

Ecclesiastes 6 6

Yes, though he live a thousand years twice told, and yet fails to enjoy good, don`t all go to one place?

Yea, though he live twice a thousand years, yet hath he seen no good: do not all go to one place?

And though he had lived a thousand years twice over, yet good he hath not seen; to

the same place doth not every one go?

Ecclesiastes 6 7

All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.

All the labour of man is for his mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.

All the labour of man [is] for his mouth, and yet the soul is not filled.

Ecclesiastes 6 8

For what advantage has the wise more than the fool? What has the poor man, that knows how to walk before the living?

For what advantage hath the wise above the fool? what hath the poor, that knoweth to

walk before the living?

For what advantage [is] to the wise above the fool? What to the poor who knoweth

to walk before the living?

Ecclesiastes 6 9

Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

Better is the seeing of the eyes than the wandering of the desire: this also is vanity and

pursuit of the wind.

Better [is] the sight of the eyes than the going of the soul. This also [is] vanity and

vexation of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 6 10

Whatever has been, its name was given long ago; and it is known what man is; neither can he contend with him who is mightier than he.

That which is hath already been named; and what man is, is known, and that he cannot

contend with him that is mightier than he.

What [is] that which hath been? already is its name called, and it is known that it

[is] man, and he is not able to contend with him who is stronger than he.

Ecclesiastes 6 11

For there are many words that create vanity. What does that profit man?

For there are many things that increase vanity: what is man advantaged?

For there are many things multiplying vanity; what advantage [is] to man?

Ecclesiastes 6 12

For who knows what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he spends like a shadow? For who can tell a man what will be after him under the sun?

For who knoweth what is good for man in life, all the days of his vain life which he

spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell man what shall be after him under the sun?

For who knoweth what [is] good for a man in life, the number of the days of the life

of his vanity, and he maketh them as a shadow? for who declareth to man what is

after him under the sun?

Ecclesiastes 7 1

A good name is better than fine perfume; and the day of death better than the day of one`s  birth.

A [good] name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of one`s birth.

Better [is] a name than good perfume, And the day of death than the day of birth.

Ecclesiastes 7 2

It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men, and the living should take this to heart.

It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting: in that that

is the end of all men, and the living taketh it to heart.

Better to go unto a house of mourning, Than to go unto a house of banqueting, For

that is the end of all men, And the living layeth [it] unto his heart.

Ecclesiastes 7 3

Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good.

Vexation is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.

Better [is] sorrow than laughter, For by the sadness of the face the heart becometh better.

Ecclesiastes 7 4

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools in the house of

mirth.

The heart of the wise [is] in a house of mourning, And the heart of fools in a house of mirth.

Ecclesiastes 7 5

It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise, than to hear the song of fools.

Better to hear a rebuke of a wise man, Than [for] a man to hear a song of fools,

Ecclesiastes 7 6

For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.

For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.

For as the noise of thorns under the pot, So [is] the laughter of a fool, even this [is] vanity.

Ecclesiastes 7 7

Surely extortion makes the wise man foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding.

Surely oppression maketh a wise man mad, and a gift destroyeth the heart.

Surely oppression maketh the wise mad, And a gift destroyeth the heart.

Ecclesiastes 7 8

Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud

in spirit.

Better is the end of a thing than its beginning; better is a patient spirit than a proud spirit.

Better [is] the latter end of a thing than its beginning, Better [is] the patient of spirit, than the haughty of spirit.

Ecclesiastes 7 9

Don`t be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be vexed; for vexation resteth in the bosom of fools.

Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry, For anger in the bosom of fools resteth.

Ecclesiastes 7 10

Don`t say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For you do not ask wisely about  this.

Say not, How is it that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not inquire

wisely concerning this.

Say not thou, `What was it, That the former days were better than these?` For thou hast not asked wisely of this.

Ecclesiastes 7 11

Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. Yes, it is more excellent for those who see the sun.

Wisdom is as good as an inheritance, and profitable to them that see the sun.

Wisdom [is] good with an inheritance, And an advantage [it is] to those beholding the sun.

Ecclesiastes 7 12

For wisdom is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the excellency of knowledge is that

wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.

For wisdom is a defence [as] money is a defence; but the excellency of knowledge is, [that]

wisdom maketh them that possess it to live.

For wisdom [is] a defense, money [is] a defence, And the advantage of the

knowledge of wisdom [is], She reviveth her possessors.

Ecclesiastes 7 13

Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight, which he has made crooked?

Consider the work of God; for who can make straight what he hath made crooked?

See the work of God, For who is able to make straight that which He made crooked?

Ecclesiastes 7 14

In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yes, God has made the one side by side with the other, to the end that man should not find out anything after  him.

In the day of prosperity enjoy good, and in the day of adversity consider: God hath also set

the one beside the other, to the end that man should find out nothing [of what shall be] after him.

In a day of prosperity be in gladness, And in a day of evil consider. Also this over-

against that hath God made, To the intent that man doth not find anything after him.

Ecclesiastes 7 15

All this have I seen in my days of vanity: there is a righteous man who perishes in his

righteousness, and there is a wicked man who lives long in his evil-doing.

All [this] have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a righteous [man] that perisheth

by his righteousness, and there is a wicked [man] that prolongeth [his days] by his

wickedness.

The whole I have considered in the days of my vanity. There is a righteous one

perishing in his righteousness, and there is a wrong-doer prolonging [himself] in his wrong.

Ecclesiastes 7 16

Don`t be overly righteous, neither make yourself overly wise. Why should you destroy yourself?

Be not righteous overmuch; neither make thyself overwise: why shouldest thou destroy

thyself?

Be not over-righteous, nor show thyself too wise, why art thou desolate? Ecclesiastes 7 17

Don`t be too wicked, neither be foolish. Why should you die before your time?

Be not overmuch wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time?

Do not much wrong, neither be thou a fool, why dost thou die within thy time?

Ecclesiastes 7 18

It is good that you should take hold of this. Yes, also from that don`t withdraw your hand; for he who fears God will come forth from them all.

It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from that withdraw not thy hand:

for he that feareth God cometh forth from them all.

[It is] good that thou dost lay hold on this, and also, from that withdrawest not thy

hand, for whoso is fearing God goeth out with them all.

Ecclesiastes 7 19

Wisdom is a strength to the wise man more than ten rulers who are in a city.

Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty [men] that are in a city.

The wisdom giveth strength to a wise man, more than wealth the rulers who have

been in a city.

Ecclesiastes 7 20

Surely there is not a righteous man on earth, who does good and doesn`t sin.

Surely there is not a righteous man upon earth, that doeth good and sinneth not.

Because there is not a righteous man on earth that doth good and sinneth not.

Ecclesiastes 7 21

Also don`t take heed to all words that are spoken, lest you hear your servant curse you;

Also give not heed unto all words that are spoken, lest thou hear thy servant curse thee.

Also to all the words that they speak give not thy heart, that thou hear not thy servant reviling thee.

Ecclesiastes 7 22

for often your own heart knows that you yourself have likewise cursed others.

For also thine own heart knoweth that oftentimes thou thyself likewise hast cursed others.

For many times also hath thy heart known that thou thyself also hast reviled others.

Ecclesiastes 7 23

All this have I proved in wisdom. I said, "I will be wise;" but it was far from me.

All this have I tried by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.

All this I have tried by wisdom; I have said, `I am wise,` and it [is] far from me.

Ecclesiastes 7 24

That which is, is far off and exceedingly deep. Who can find it out?

Whatever hath been, is far off, and exceeding deep: who will find it out?

Far off [is] that which hath been, and deep, deep, who doth find it?

Ecclesiastes 7 25

I turned around, and my heart sought to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the

scheme of things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity, and that foolishness is madness.

I turned, I and my heart, to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom and reason, and

to know wickedness to be folly, and foolishness to be madness;

I have turned round, also my heart, to know and to search, and to seek out wisdom,

and reason, and to know the wrong of folly, and of foolishness the madness.

Ecclesiastes 7 26

I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and traps, whose hands are

chains. Whoever pleases God shall escape from her; but the sinner will be ensnared by her.

and I found more bitter than death the woman whose heart is nets and snares, [and]

whose hands are bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be

caught by her.

And I am finding more bitter than death, the woman whose heart [is] nets and

snares, her hands [are] bands; the good before God escapeth from her, but the

sinner is captured by her.

Ecclesiastes 7 27

Behold, this have I found, says the Preacher, one to another, to find out the scheme;

See this which I have found, saith the Preacher, [searching] one by one to find out the reason;

See, this I have found, said the Preacher, one to one, to find out the reason Ecclesiastes 7 28

which my soul still seeks; but I have not found: one man among a thousand have I found; but a woman among all those have I not found.

which my soul yet seeketh, and I have not found: one man among a thousand have I found,

but a woman among all those have I not found.

(that still my soul had sought, and I had not found), One man, a teacher, I have

found, and a woman among all these I have not found.

Ecclesiastes 7 29

Behold, this only have I found: that God made man upright; but they search for many schemes.

Only see this which I have found: that God made man upright, but they have sought out

many devices.

See, this alone I have found, that God made man upright, and they -- they have sought out many devices.

Study Questions

Which is better; many or few words? 5:2
 

The gift of God is? 5:19
 

What is an evil disease? 6:2

Which is better, the house of feasting or of mourning? 7:2

The World English Bible

Oct. 21

Colossians 2

Col 2:1 For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

Col 2:2 that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,

Col 2:3 in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.

Col 2:4 Now this I say that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech.

Col 2:5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

Col 2:6 As therefore you received Christ Jesus, the Lord, walk in him,

Col 2:7 rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving.

Col 2:8 Be careful that you don't let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ.

Col 2:9 For in him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily,

Col 2:10 and in him you are made full, who is the head of all principality and power;

Col 2:11 in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ;

Col 2:12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

Col 2:13 You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,

Col 2:14 wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us; and he has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross;

Col 2:15 having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day,

Col 2:17 which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ's.

Col 2:18 Let no one rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

Col 2:19 and not holding firmly to the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and ligaments, grows with God's growth.

Col 2:20 If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances,

Col 2:21 "Don't handle, nor taste, nor touch"

Col 2:22 (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of men?

Col 2:23 Which things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but aren't of any value against the indulgence of the flesh. 

 

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.

Colossians

 

Colossians 2 1

For I desire to have you know how greatly I strive for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

For I would have you know what combat I have for you, and those in Laodicea, and as many

as have not seen my face in flesh;

For I wish you to know how great a conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea,

and as many as have not seen my face in the flesh,

Colossians 2 2

that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ,

to the end that their hearts may be encouraged, being united together in love, and unto

all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to [the] full knowledge of the mystery of

God;

that their hearts may be comforted, being united in love, and to all riches of the

full assurance of the understanding, to the full knowledge of the secret of the God

and Father, and of the Christ,

Colossians 2 3

in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.

in which are hid all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.

in whom are all the treasures of the wisdom and the knowledge hid,

Colossians 2 4

This I say that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech.

And I say this to the end that no one may delude you by persuasive speech.

and this I say, that no one may beguile you in enticing words,

Colossians 2 5

For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

For if indeed in the flesh I am absent, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing and seeing

your order, and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

for if even in the flesh I am absent -- yet in the spirit I am with you, joying and

beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in regard to Christ;

Colossians 2 6

As therefore you received Christ Jesus, the Lord, walk in him,

As therefore ye have received the Christ, Jesus the Lord, walk in him,

as, then, ye did receive Christ Jesus the Lord, in him walk ye,

Colossians 2 7

rooted and built up in him, and established in your faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving.

rooted and built up in him, and assured in the faith, even as ye have been taught,

abounding in it with thanksgiving.

being rooted and built up in him, and confirmed in the faith, as ye were taught --

abounding in it in thanksgiving.

Colossians 2 8

Be careful that you don`t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ.

See that there be no one who shall lead *you* away as a prey through philosophy and vain

deceit, according to the teaching of men, according to the elements of the world, and not

according to Christ.

See that no one shall be carrying you away as spoil through the philosophy and

vain deceit, according to the deliverance of men, according to the rudiments of

the world, and not according to Christ,

Colossians 2 9

For in him all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily,

For in him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily;

because in him doth tabernacle all the fulness of the Godhead bodily,

Colossians 2 10

and in him you are made full, who is the head of all principality and power;

and ye are complete in him, who is the head of all principality and authority,

and ye are in him made full, who is the head of all principality and authority,

Colossians 2 11

in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ;

in whom also ye have been circumcised with circumcision not done by hand, in the

putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of the Christ;

in whom also ye were circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in

the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh in the circumcision of the

Colossians 2 12

having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.

buried with him in baptism, in which ye have been also raised with [him] through faith

of the working of God who raised him from among the dead.

being buried with him in the baptism, in which also ye rose with [him] through

the faith of the working of God, who did raise him out of the dead.

Colossians 2 13

You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses;

And you, being dead in offences and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, he has

quickened together with him, having forgiven us all the offences;

And you -- being dead in the trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh -- He

made alive together with him, having forgiven you all the trespasses,

Colossians 2 14

having blotted out the bond written in ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us: and he has taken it out that way, nailing it to the cross;

having effaced the handwriting in ordinances which [stood out] against us, which was

contrary to us, he has taken it also out of the way, having nailed it to the cross;

having blotted out the handwriting in the ordinances that is against us, that was

contrary to us, and he hath taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross;

Colossians 2 15

having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

having spoiled principalities and authorities, he made a show of them publicly, leading

them in triumph by it.

having stripped the principalities and the authorities, he made a shew of them openly -- having triumphed over them in it.

Colossians 2 16

Let no man therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day,

Let none therefore judge you in meat or in drink, or in matter of feast, or new moon, or sabbaths,

Let no one, then, judge you in eating or in drinking, or in respect of a feast, or of a

new moon, or of sabbaths,

Colossians 2 17

which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ`s.

which are a shadow of things to come; but the body [is] of Christ.

which are a shadow of the coming things, and the body [is] of the Christ;

Colossians 2 18

Let no man rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshipping of the angels,

dwelling in the things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

Let no one fraudulently deprive you of your prize, doing his own will in humility and

worship of angels, entering into things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by the

mind of his flesh,

let no one beguile you of your prize, delighting in humble-mindedness and [in]

worship of the messengers, intruding into the things he hath not seen, being vainly puffed up by the mind of his flesh,

Colossians 2 19

and not holding firmly to the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and ligaments, grows with God`s growth.

and not holding fast the head, from whom all the body, ministered to and united together

by the joints and bands, increases with the increase of God.

and not holding the head, from which all the body -- through the joints and bands

gathering supply, and being knit together -- may increase with the increase of

Colossians 2 20

If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances,

If ye have died with Christ from the elements of the world, why as [if] alive in [the] world

do ye subject yourselves to ordinances?

If, then, ye did die with the Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as living

in the world, are ye subject to ordinances?

Colossians 2 21

"Don`t handle, nor taste, nor touch"

Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch,

-- thou mayest not touch, nor taste, nor handle --

Colossians 2 22

(all which things are to perish with the using), after the precepts and doctrines of men?

(things which are all for destruction in the using [of them]:) according to the

injunctions and teachings of men,

which are all for destruction with the using, after the commands and teachings of men,

Colossians 2 23

Which things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but aren`t of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.

(which have indeed an appearance of wisdom in voluntary worship, and humility, and

harsh treatment of the body, not in a certain honour,) to [the] satisfaction of the flesh.

which are, indeed, having a matter of wisdom in will-worship, and humble-

mindedness, and neglecting of body -- not in any honour, unto a satisfying of the flesh.

Study Questions

What is will worship? 2:20-23