Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Ray Ortlund

Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Ray Ortlund

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Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Ray Ortlund episodes

  • September 24: Ecclesiastes 10–12; Psalm 78:40–72; Acts 1
    Old Testament:
    Ecclesiastes 10–12
    Ecclesiastes 10–12 (Listen)

    10   Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench;
        so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
    2   A wise man's heart inclines him to the right,
        but a fool's heart to the left.
    3   Even when the fool walks on the road, he lacks sense,
        and he says to everyone that he is a fool.
    4   If the anger of the ruler rises against you, do not leave your place,
        for calmnessHebrew healing">1 will lay great offenses to rest.

    5 There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as it were an error proceeding from the ruler: 6 folly is set in many high places, and the rich sit in a low place. 7 I have seen slaves on horses, and princes walking on the ground like slaves.

    8   He who digs a pit will fall into it,
        and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall.
    9   He who quarries stones is hurt by them,
        and he who splits logs is endangered by them.
    10   If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge,
        he must use more strength,
        but wisdom helps one to succeed.Or wisdom is an advantage for success">2
    11   If the serpent bites before it is charmed,
        there is no advantage to the charmer.
    12   The words of a wise man's mouth win him favor,Or are gracious">3
        but the lips of a fool consume him.
    13   The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness,
        and the end of his talk is evil madness.
    14   A fool multiplies words,
        though no man knows what is to be,
        and who can tell him what will be after him?
    15   The toil of a fool wearies him,
        for he does not know the way to the city.
    16   Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child,
        and your princes feast in the morning!
    17   Happy are you, O land, when your king is the son of the nobility,
        and your princes feast at the proper time,
        for strength, and not for drunkenness!
    18   Through sloth the roof sinks in,
        and through indolence the house leaks.
    19   Bread is made for laughter,
        and wine gladdens life,
        and money answers everything.
    20   Even in your thoughts, do not curse the king,
        nor in your bedroom curse the rich,
      for a bird of the air will carry your voice,
        or some winged creature tell the matter.

    Cast Your Bread upon the Waters

    11   Cast your bread upon the waters,
        for you will find it after many days.
    2   Give a portion to seven, or even to eight,
        for you know not what disaster may happen on earth.
    3   If the clouds are full of rain,
        they empty themselves on the earth,
      and if a tree falls to the south or to the north,
        in the place where the tree falls, there it will lie.
    4   He who observes the wind will not sow,
        and he who regards the clouds will not reap.

    5 As you do not know the way the spirit comes to the bones in the wombSome Hebrew manuscripts, Targum; most Hebrew manuscripts As you do not know the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb">4 of a woman with child, so you do not know the work of God who makes everything.

    6 In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.

    7 Light is sweet, and it is pleasant for the eyes to see the sun.

    8 So if a person lives many years, let him rejoice in them all; but let him remember that the days of darkness will be many. All that comes is vanity.The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verse 10 (see note on 1:2)">5

    9 Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. Walk in the ways of your heart and the sight of your eyes. But know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

    10 Remove vexation from your heart, and put away painOr evil">6 from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.

    Remember Your Creator in Your Youth

    12 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, “I have no pleasure in them”; 2 before the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are darkened and the clouds return after the rain, 3 in the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the strong men are bent, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look through the windows are dimmed, 4 and the doors on the street are shut—when the sound of the grinding is low, and one rises up at the sound of a bird, and all the daughters of song are brought low—5 they are afraid also of what is high, and terrors are in the way; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags itself along,Or is a burden">7 and desire fails, because man is going to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets—6 before the silver cord is snapped, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is shattered at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern, 7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. 8 VanityThe Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (three times in this verse); see note on 1:2">8 of vanities, says the Preacher; all is vanity.

    Fear God and Keep His Commandments

    9 Besides being wise, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge, weighing and studying and arranging many proverbs with great care. 10 The Preacher sought to find words of delight, and uprightly he wrote words of truth.

    11 The words of the wise are like goads, and like nails firmly fixed are the collected sayings; they are given by one Shepherd. 12 My son, beware of anything beyond these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

    13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.Or the duty of all mankind">9 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, withOr into the judgment on">10 every secret thing, whether good or evil.

    Footnotes

    [1] 10:4 Hebrew healing


    [2] 10:10 Or wisdom is an advantage for success

    [3] 10:12 Or are gracious

    [4] 11:5 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Targum; most Hebrew manuscripts As you do not know the way of the wind, or how the bones grow in the womb

    [5] 11:8 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verse 10 (see note on 1:2)

    [6] 11:10 Or evil

    [7] 12:5 Or is a burden

    [8] 12:8 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (three times in this verse); see note on 1:2

    [9] 12:13 Or the duty of all mankind

    [10] 12:14 Or into the judgment on

    (ESV)

    Psalm:
    Psalm 78:40–72
    Psalm 78:40–72 (Listen)

    40   How often they rebelled against him in the wilderness
        and grieved him in the desert!
    41   They tested God again and again
        and provoked the Holy One of Israel.
    42   They did not remember his powerHebrew hand">1
        or the day when he redeemed them from the foe,
    43   when he performed his signs in Egypt
        and his marvels in the fields of Zoan.
    44   He turned their rivers to blood,
        so that they could not drink of their streams.
    45   He sent among them swarms of flies, which devoured them,
        and frogs, which destroyed them.
    46   He gave their crops to the destroying locust
        and the fruit of their labor to the locust.
    47   He destroyed their vines with hail
        and their sycamores with frost.
    48   He gave over their cattle to the hail
        and their flocks to thunderbolts.
    49   He let loose on them his burning anger,
        wrath, indignation, and distress,
        a company of destroying angels.
    50   He made a path for his anger;
        he did not spare them from death,
        but gave their lives over to the plague.
    51   He struck down every firstborn in Egypt,
        the firstfruits of their strength in the tents of Ham.
    52   Then he led out his people like sheep
        and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.
    53   He led them in safety, so that they were not afraid,
        but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.
    54   And he brought them to his holy land,
        to the mountain which his right hand had won.
    55   He drove out nations before them;
        he apportioned them for a possession
        and settled the tribes of Israel in their tents.
    56   Yet they tested and rebelled against the Most High God
        and did not keep his testimonies,
    57   but turned away and acted treacherously like their fathers;
        they twisted like a deceitful bow.
    58   For they provoked him to anger with their high places;
        they moved him to jealousy with their idols.
    59   When God heard, he was full of wrath,
        and he utterly rejected Israel.
    60   He forsook his dwelling at Shiloh,
        the tent where he dwelt among mankind,
    61   and delivered his power to captivity,
        his glory to the hand of the foe.
    62   He gave his people over to the sword
        and vented his wrath on his heritage.
    63   Fire devoured their young men,
        and their young women had no marriage song.
    64   Their priests fell by the sword,
        and their widows made no lamentation.
    65   Then the Lord awoke as from sleep,
        like a strong man shouting because of wine.
    66   And he put his adversaries to rout;
        he put them to everlasting shame.
    67   He rejected the tent of Joseph;
        he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim,
    68   but he chose the tribe of Judah,
        Mount Zion, which he loves.
    69   He built his sanctuary like the high heavens,
        like the earth, which he has founded forever.
    70   He chose David his servant
        and took him from the sheepfolds;
    71   from following the nursing ewes he brought him
        to shepherd Jacob his people,
        Israel his inheritance.
    72   With upright heart he shepherded them
        and guided them with his skillful hand.

    Footnotes

    [1] 78:42 Hebrew hand

    (ESV)

    New Testament:
    Acts 1
    Acts 1 (Listen)
    The Promise of the Holy Spirit

    1 In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

    4 And while stayingOr eating">1 with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized withOr in">2 the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

    The Ascension

    6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, 11 and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

    Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

    12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 15">3

    15 In those days Peter stood up among the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlongOr swelling up">4 he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms,

      “‘May his camp become desolate,
        and let there be no one to dwell in it’;

    and

      “‘Let another take his office.’

    21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” 23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

    Footnotes

    [1] 1:4 Or eating


    [2] 1:5 Or in

    [3] 1:14 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 15

    [4] 1:18 Or swelling up

    (ESV)

    13 min
  • September 23: Ecclesiastes 7–9; Psalm 78:1–39; John 20–21
    Old Testament:
    Ecclesiastes 7–9
    Ecclesiastes 7–9 (Listen)
    The Contrast of Wisdom and Folly

    7   A good name is better than precious ointment,
        and the day of death than the day of birth.
    2   It is better to go to the house of mourning
        than to go to the house of feasting,
      for this is the end of all mankind,
        and the living will lay it to heart.
    3   Sorrow is better than laughter,
        for by sadness of face the heart is made glad.
    4   The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
        but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
    5   It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise
        than to hear the song of fools.
    6   For as the crackling of thorns under a pot,
        so is the laughter of the fools;
        this also is vanity.The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2)">1
    7   Surely oppression drives the wise into madness,
        and a bribe corrupts the heart.
    8   Better is the end of a thing than its beginning,
        and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
    9   Be not quick in your spirit to become angry,
        for anger lodges in the heartHebrew in the bosom">2 of fools.
    10   Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?”
        For it is not from wisdom that you ask this.
    11   Wisdom is good with an inheritance,
        an advantage to those who see the sun.
    12   For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money,
        and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it.
    13   Consider the work of God:
        who can make straight what he has made crooked?

    14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.

    15 In my vainThe Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2)">3 life I have seen everything. There is a righteous man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his evildoing. 16 Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? 17 Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time? 18 It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them.

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

    20 Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.

    21 Do not take to heart all the things that people say, lest you hear your servant cursing you. 22 Your heart knows that many times you yourself have cursed others.

    23 All this I have tested by wisdom. I said, “I will be wise,” but it was far from me. 24 That which has been is far off, and deep, very deep; who can find it out?

    25 I turned my heart to know and to search out and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know the wickedness of folly and the foolishness that is madness. 26 And I find something more bitter than death: the woman whose heart is snares and nets, and whose hands are fetters. He who pleases God escapes her, but the sinner is taken by her. 27 Behold, this is what I found, says the Preacher, while adding one thing to another to find the scheme of things—28 which my soul has sought repeatedly, but I have not found. One man among a thousand I found, but a woman among all these I have not found. 29 See, this alone I found, that God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.

    Keep the King's Command

    8   Who is like the wise?
        And who knows the interpretation of a thing?
      A man's wisdom makes his face shine,
        and the hardness of his face is changed.

    2 I say:Hebrew lacks say">4 Keep the king's command, because of God's oath to him.Or because of your oath to God">5 3 Be not hasty to go from his presence. Do not take your stand in an evil cause, for he does whatever he pleases. 4 For the word of the king is supreme, and who may say to him, “What are you doing?” 5 Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way.Or and judgment">6 6 For there is a time and a way for everything, although man's troubleOr evil">7 lies heavy on him. 7 For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be? 8 No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it. 9 All this I observed while applying my heart to all that is done under the sun, when man had power over man to his hurt.

    Those Who Fear God Will Do Well

    10 Then I saw the wicked buried. They used to go in and out of the holy place and were praisedSome Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts forgotten">8 in the city where they had done such things. This also is vanity.The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also twice in verse 14 (see note on 1:2)">9 11 Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil. 12 Though a sinner does evil a hundred times and prolongs his life, yet I know that it will be well with those who fear God, because they fear before him. 13 But it will not be well with the wicked, neither will he prolong his days like a shadow, because he does not fear before God.

    Man Cannot Know God's Ways

    14 There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity. 15 And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.

    16 When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on earth, how neither day nor night do one's eyes see sleep, 17 then I saw all the work of God, that man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. However much man may toil in seeking, he will not find it out. Even though a wise man claims to know, he cannot find it out.

    Death Comes to All

    9 But all this I laid to heart, examining it all, how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God. Whether it is love or hate, man does not know; both are before him. 2 It is the same for all, since the same event happens to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil,Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate; Hebrew lacks and the evil">10 to the clean and the unclean, to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who swears is as he who shuns an oath. 3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that the same event happens to all. Also, the hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead. 4 But he who is joined with all the living has hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. 5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Their love and their hate and their envy have already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun.

    Enjoy Life with the One You Love

    7 Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do.

    8 Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head.

    9 Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vainThe Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2)">11 life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. 10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might,Or finds to do with your might, do it">12 for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

    Wisdom Better Than Folly

    11 Again I saw that under the sun the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to the intelligent, nor favor to those with knowledge, but time and chance happen to them all. 12 For man does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them.

    13 I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me. 14 There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. 15 But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. 16 But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man's wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.

    17 The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.

    Footnotes

    [1] 7:6 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2)


    [2] 7:9 Hebrew in the bosom

    [3] 7:15 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2)

    [4] 8:2 Hebrew lacks say

    [5] 8:2 Or because of your oath to God

    [6] 8:5 Or and judgment

    [7] 8:6 Or evil

    [8] 8:10 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Vulgate; most Hebrew manuscripts forgotten

    [9] 8:10 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also twice in verse 14 (see note on 1:2)

    [10] 9:2 Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate; Hebrew lacks and the evil

    [11] 9:9 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2)

    [12] 9:10 Or finds to do with your might, do it

    (ESV)

    Psalm:
    Psalm 78:1–39
    Psalm 78:1–39 (Listen)
    Tell the Coming Generation
    A MaskilProbably a musical or liturgical term">1 of Asaph.

    78   Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
        incline your ears to the words of my mouth!
    2   I will open my mouth in a parable;
        I will utter dark sayings from of old,
    3   things that we have heard and known,
        that our fathers have told us.
    4   We will not hide them from their children,
        but tell to the coming generation
      the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might,
        and the wonders that he has done.
    5   He established a testimony in Jacob
        and appointed a law in Israel,
      which he commanded our fathers
        to teach to their children,
    6   that the next generation might know them,
        the children yet unborn,
      and arise and tell them to their children,
    7     so that they should set their hope in God
      and not forget the works of God,
        but keep his commandments;
    8   and that they should not be like their fathers,
        a stubborn and rebellious generation,
      a generation whose heart was not steadfast,
        whose spirit was not faithful to God.
    9   The Ephraimites, armed withHebrew armed and shooting">2 the bow,
        turned back on the day of battle.
    10   They did not keep God's covenant,
        but refused to walk according to his law.
    11   They forgot his works
        and the wonders that he had shown them.
    12   In the sight of their fathers he performed wonders
        in the land of Egypt, in the fields of Zoan.
    13   He divided the sea and let them pass through it,
        and made the waters stand like a heap.
    14   In the daytime he led them with a cloud,
        and all the night with a fiery light.
    15   He split rocks in the wilderness
        and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.
    16   He made streams come out of the rock
        and caused waters to flow down like rivers.
    17   Yet they sinned still more against him,
        rebelling against the Most High in the desert.
    18   They tested God in their heart
        by demanding the food they craved.
    19   They spoke against God, saying,
        “Can God spread a table in the wilderness?
    20   He struck the rock so that water gushed out
        and streams overflowed.
      Can he also give bread
        or provide meat for his people?”
    21   Therefore, when the LORD heard, he was full of wrath;
        a fire was kindled against Jacob;
        his anger rose against Israel,
    22   because they did not believe in God
        and did not trust his saving power.
    23   Yet he commanded the skies above
        and opened the doors of heaven,
    24   and he rained down on them manna to eat
        and gave them the grain of heaven.
    25   Man ate of the bread of the angels;
        he sent them food in abundance.
    26   He caused the east wind to blow in the heavens,
        and by his power he led out the south wind;
    27   he rained meat on them like dust,
        winged birds like the sand of the seas;
    28   he let them fall in the midst of their camp,
        all around their dwellings.
    29   And they ate and were well filled,
        for he gave them what they craved.
    30   But before they had satisfied their craving,
        while the food was still in their mouths,
    31   the anger of God rose against them,
        and he killed the strongest of them
        and laid low the young men of Israel.
    32   In spite of all this, they still sinned;
        despite his wonders, they did not believe.
    33   So he made their days vanish likeHebrew in">3 a breath,Or vapor">4
        and their years in terror.
    34   When he killed them, they sought him;
        they repented and sought God earnestly.
    35   They remembered that God was their rock,
        the Most High God their redeemer.
    36   But they flattered him with their mouths;
        they lied to him with their tongues.
    37   Their heart was not steadfast toward him;
        they were not faithful to his covenant.
    38   Yet he, being compassionate,
        atoned for their iniquity
        and did not destroy them;
      he restrained his anger often
        and did not stir up all his wrath.
    39   He remembered that they were but flesh,
        a wind that passes and comes not again.

    Footnotes

    [1] 78:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term


    [2] 78:9 Hebrew armed and shooting

    [3] 78:33 Hebrew in

    [4] 78:33 Or vapor

    (ESV)

    New Testament:
    John 20–21
    John 20–21 (Listen)
    The Resurrection

    20 Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. 2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” 3 So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. 4 Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 And stooping to look in, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the face cloth, which had been on Jesus'Greek his">1 head, not lying with the linen cloths but folded up in a place by itself. 8 Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; 9 for as yet they did not understand the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went back to their homes.

    Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

    11 But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. 12 And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. 13 They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14 Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic,Or Hebrew">2 “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). 17 Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” 18 Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”—and that he had said these things to her.

    Jesus Appears to the Disciples

    19 On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews,Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time">3 Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

    Jesus and Thomas

    24 Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin,Greek Didymus">4 was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”

    26 Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

    The Purpose of This Book

    30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

    Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples

    21 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

    4 Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5 Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” 6 He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. 7 That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. 8 The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yardsGreek two hundred cubits; a cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters">5 off.

    9 When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. 13 Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.

    Jesus and Peter

    15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16 He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, “Follow me.”

    Jesus and the Beloved Apostle

    20 Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” 21 When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothersOr brothers and sisters">6 that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”

    24 This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.

    25 Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

    Footnotes

    [1] 20:7 Greek his


    [2] 20:16 Or Hebrew

    [3] 20:19 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time

    [4] 20:24 Greek Didymus

    [5] 21:8 Greek two hundred cubits; a cubit was about 18 inches or 45 centimeters

    [6] 21:23 Or brothers and sisters

    (ESV)

    22 min
  • September 22: Ecclesiastes 4–6; Psalm 77; John 19
    Old Testament:
    Ecclesiastes 4–6
    Ecclesiastes 4–6 (Listen)
    Evil Under the Sun

    4 Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. 2 And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. 3 But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.

    4 Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor. This also is vanityThe Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verses 7, 8, 16 (see note on 1:2)">1 and a striving after wind.

    5 The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh.

    6 Better is a handful of quietness than two hands full of toil and a striving after wind.

    7 Again, I saw vanity under the sun: 8 one person who has no other, either son or brother, yet there is no end to all his toil, and his eyes are never satisfied with riches, so that he never asks, “For whom am I toiling and depriving myself of pleasure?” This also is vanity and an unhappy business.

    9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

    13 Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice. 14 For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor. 15 I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with thatHebrew the second">2 youth who was to stand in the king'sHebrew his">3 place. 16 There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.

    Fear God

    5 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. 2  Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. 3 For a dream comes with much business, and a fool's voice with many words.

    4 When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. 5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. 6 Let not your mouth lead youHebrew your flesh">4 into sin, and do not say before the messengerOr angel">5 that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For when dreams increase and words grow many, there is vanity;The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verse 10 (see note on 1:2)">6 butOr For when dreams and vanities increase, words also grow many; but">7 God is the one you must fear.

    The Vanity of Wealth and Honor

    8 If you see in a province the oppression of the poor and the violation of justice and righteousness, do not be amazed at the matter, for the high official is watched by a higher, and there are yet higher ones over them. 9 But this is gain for a land in every way: a king committed to cultivated fields.The meaning of the Hebrew verse is uncertain">8

    10 He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. 11 When goods increase, they increase who eat them, and what advantage has their owner but to see them with his eyes? 12 Sweet is the sleep of a laborer, whether he eats little or much, but the full stomach of the rich will not let him sleep.

    13 There is a grievous evil that I have seen under the sun: riches were kept by their owner to his hurt, 14 and those riches were lost in a bad venture. And he is father of a son, but he has nothing in his hand. 15 As he came from his mother's womb he shall go again, naked as he came, and shall take nothing for his toil that he may carry away in his hand. 16 This also is a grievous evil: just as he came, so shall he go, and what gain is there to him who toils for the wind? 17 Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness in much vexation and sickness and anger.

    18 Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoymentOr and see good">9 in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. 19 Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. 20 For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.

    6 There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it lies heavy on mankind: 2 a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity;The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verses 4, 9, 11 (see note on 1:2)">10 it is a grievous evil. 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 satisfied with life's good things, and he also has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. 4 For it comes in vanity and goes in darkness, and in darkness its name is covered. 5 Moreover, it has not seen the sun or known anything, yet it finds rest rather than he. 6 Even though he should live a thousand years twice over, yet enjoyOr see">11 no good—do not all go to the one place?

    7 All the toil of man is for his mouth, yet his appetite is not satisfied.Hebrew filled">12 8 For what advantage has the wise man over the fool? And what does the poor man have who knows how to conduct himself before the living? 9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the appetite: this also is vanity and a striving after wind.

    10 Whatever has come to be has already been named, and it is known what man is, and that he is not able to dispute with one stronger than he. 11 The more words, the more vanity, and what is the advantage to man? 12 For who knows what is good for man while he lives the few days of his vainThe Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2)">13 life, which he passes like a shadow? For who can tell man what will be after him under the sun?

    Footnotes

    [1] 4:4 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verses 7, 8, 16 (see note on 1:2)


    [2] 4:15 Hebrew the second

    [3] 4:15 Hebrew his

    [4] 5:6 Hebrew your flesh

    [5] 5:6 Or angel

    [6] 5:7 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verse 10 (see note on 1:2)

    [7] 5:7 Or For when dreams and vanities increase, words also grow many; but

    [8] 5:9 The meaning of the Hebrew verse is uncertain

    [9] 5:18 Or and see good

    [10] 6:2 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verses 4, 9, 11 (see note on 1:2)

    [11] 6:6 Or see

    [12] 6:7 Hebrew filled

    [13] 6:12 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2)

    (ESV)

    Psalm:
    Psalm 77
    Psalm 77 (Listen)
    In the Day of Trouble I Seek the Lord
    To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph.

    77   I cry aloud to God,
        aloud to God, and he will hear me.
    2   In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;
        in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying;
        my soul refuses to be comforted.
    3   When I remember God, I moan;
        when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah
    4   You hold my eyelids open;
        I am so troubled that I cannot speak.
    5   I consider the days of old,
        the years long ago.
    6   I said,Hebrew lacks I said">1 “Let me remember my song in the night;
        let me meditate in my heart.”
        Then my spirit made a diligent search:
    7   “Will the Lord spurn forever,
        and never again be favorable?
    8   Has his steadfast love forever ceased?
        Are his promises at an end for all time?
    9   Has God forgotten to be gracious?
        Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah
    10   Then I said, “I will appeal to this,
        to the years of the right hand of the Most High.”Or This is my grief: that the right hand of the Most High has changed">2
    11   I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
        yes, I will remember your wonders of old.
    12   I will ponder all your work,
        and meditate on your mighty deeds.
    13   Your way, O God, is holy.
        What god is great like our God?
    14   You are the God who works wonders;
        you have made known your might among the peoples.
    15   You with your arm redeemed your people,
        the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah
    16   When the waters saw you, O God,
        when the waters saw you, they were afraid;
        indeed, the deep trembled.
    17   The clouds poured out water;
        the skies gave forth thunder;
        your arrows flashed on every side.
    18   The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
        your lightnings lighted up the world;
        the earth trembled and shook.
    19   Your way was through the sea,
        your path through the great waters;
        yet your footprints were unseen.Hebrew unknown">3
    20   You led your people like a flock
        by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

    Footnotes

    [1] 77:6 Hebrew lacks I said


    [2] 77:10 Or This is my grief: that the right hand of the Most High has changed

    [3] 77:19 Hebrew unknown

    (ESV)

    New Testament:
    John 19
    John 19 (Listen)
    Jesus Delivered to Be Crucified

    19 Then Pilate took Jesus and flogged him. 2 And the soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head and arrayed him in a purple robe. 3 They came up to him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and struck him with their hands. 4 Pilate went out again and said to them, “See, I am bringing him out to you that you may know that I find no guilt in him.” 5 So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” 6 When the chief priests and the officers saw him, they cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and crucify him, for I find no guilt in him.” 7 The JewsGreek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verses 12, 14, 31, 38">1 answered him, “We have a law, and according to that law he ought to die because he has made himself the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this statement, he was even more afraid. 9 He entered his headquarters again and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 So Pilate said to him, “You will not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority to release you and authority to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. Therefore he who delivered me over to you has the greater sin.”

    12 From then on Pilate sought to release him, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar's friend. Everyone who makes himself a king opposes Caesar.” 13 So when Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in AramaicOr Hebrew; also verses 17, 20">2 Gabbatha. 14 Now it was the day of Preparation of the Passover. It was about the sixth hour.That is, about noon">3 He said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 15 They cried out, “Away with him, away with him, crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.” 16 So he delivered him over to them to be crucified.

    The Crucifixion

    So they took Jesus, 17 and he went out, bearing his own cross, to the place called The Place of a Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them. 19 Pilate also wrote an inscription and put it on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20 Many of the Jews read this inscription, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Aramaic, in Latin, and in Greek. 21 So the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but rather, ‘This man said, I am King of the Jews.’” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written I have written.”

    23 When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic.Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin">4 But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, 24 so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says,

      “They divided my garments among them,
        and for my clothing they cast lots.”

    So the soldiers did these things, 25 but standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.

    The Death of Jesus

    28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

    Jesus' Side Is Pierced

    31 Since it was the day of Preparation, and so that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken away. 32 So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who had been crucified with him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe. 36 For these things took place that the Scripture might be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken.” 37 And again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they have pierced.”

    Jesus Is Buried

    38 After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took away his body. 39 Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to JesusGreek him">5 by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five poundsGreek one hundred litras; a litra (or Roman pound) was equal to about 11 1/2 ounces or 327 grams">6 in weight. 40 So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. 42 So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.

    Footnotes

    [1] 19:7 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verses 12, 14, 31, 38


    [2] 19:13 Or Hebrew; also verses 17, 20

    [3] 19:14 That is, about noon

    [4] 19:23 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin

    [5] 19:39 Greek him

    [6] 19:39 Greek one hundred litras; a litra (or Roman pound) was equal to about 11 1/2 ounces or 327 grams

    (ESV)

    16 min
  • September 21: Ecclesiastes 1–3; Psalm 76; John 18
    Old Testament:
    Ecclesiastes 1–3
    Ecclesiastes 1–3 (Listen)
    All Is Vanity

    1 The words of the Preacher,Or Convener, or Collector; Hebrew Qoheleth (so throughout Ecclesiastes)">1 the son of David, king in Jerusalem.

    2   VanityThe Hebrew term hebel, translated vanity or vain, refers concretely to a “mist,” “vapor,” or “mere breath,” and metaphorically to something that is fleeting or elusive (with different nuances depending on the context). It appears five times in this verse and in 29 other verses in Ecclesiastes">2 of vanities, says the Preacher,
        vanity of vanities! All is vanity.
    3   What does man gain by all the toil
        at which he toils under the sun?
    4   A generation goes, and a generation comes,
        but the earth remains forever.
    5   The sun rises, and the sun goes down,
        and hastensOr and returns panting">3 to the place where it rises.
    6   The wind blows to the south
        and goes around to the north;
      around and around goes the wind,
        and on its circuits the wind returns.
    7   All streams run to the sea,
        but the sea is not full;
      to the place where the streams flow,
        there they flow again.
    8   All things are full of weariness;
        a man cannot utter it;
      the eye is not satisfied with seeing,
        nor the ear filled with hearing.
    9   What has been is what will be,
        and what has been done is what will be done,
        and there is nothing new under the sun.
    10   Is there a thing of which it is said,
        “See, this is new”?
      It has been already
        in the ages before us.
    11   There is no remembrance of former things,Or former people">4
        nor will there be any remembrance
      of later thingsOr later people">5 yet to be
        among those who come after.

    The Vanity of Wisdom

    12 I the Preacher have been king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I applied my heartThe Hebrew term denotes the center of one's inner life, including mind, will, and emotions">6 to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven. It is an unhappy business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 14 I have seen everything that is done under the sun, and behold, all is vanityThe Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2)">7 and a striving after wind.Or a feeding on wind; compare Hosea 12:1 (also in Ecclesiastes 1:17; 2:11, 17, 26; 4:4, 6, 16; 6:9)">8

    15   What is crooked cannot be made straight,
        and what is lacking cannot be counted.

    16 I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.” 17 And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind.

    18   For in much wisdom is much vexation,
        and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

    The Vanity of Self-Indulgence

    2 I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy yourself.” But behold, this also was vanity.The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verses 11, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26 (see note on 1:2)">9 2 I said of laughter, “It is mad,” and of pleasure, “What use is it?” 3 I searched with my heart how to cheer my body with wine—my heart still guiding me with wisdom—and how to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was good for the children of man to do under heaven during the few days of their life. 4 I made great works. I built houses and planted vineyards for myself. 5 I made myself gardens and parks, and planted in them all kinds of fruit trees. 6 I made myself pools from which to water the forest of growing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves, and had slaves who were born in my house. I had also great possessions of herds and flocks, more than any who had been before me in Jerusalem. 8 I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I got singers, both men and women, and many concubines,The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain">10 the delight of the sons of man.

    9 So I became great and surpassed all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. 10 And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. 11 Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.

    The Vanity of Living Wisely

    12 So I turned to consider wisdom and madness and folly. For what can the man do who comes after the king? Only what has already been done. 13 Then I saw that there is more gain in wisdom than in folly, as there is more gain in light than in darkness. 14 The wise person has his eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And yet I perceived that the same event happens to all of them. 15 Then I said in my heart, “What happens to the fool will happen to me also. Why then have I been so very wise?” And I said in my heart that this also is vanity. 16 For of the wise as of the fool there is no enduring remembrance, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How the wise dies just like the fool! 17 So I hated life, because what is done under the sun was grievous to me, for all is vanity and a striving after wind.

    The Vanity of Toil

    18 I hated all my toil in which I toil under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the man who will come after me, 19 and who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will be master of all for which I toiled and used my wisdom under the sun. This also is vanity. 20 So I turned about and gave my heart up to despair over all the toil of my labors under the sun, 21 because sometimes a person who has toiled with wisdom and knowledge and skill must leave everything to be enjoyed by someone who did not toil for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. 22 What has a man from all the toil and striving of heart with which he toils beneath the sun? 23 For all his days are full of sorrow, and his work is a vexation. Even in the night his heart does not rest. This also is vanity.

    24 There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoymentOr and make his soul see good">11 in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, 25 for apart from himSome Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts apart from me">12 who can eat or who can have enjoyment? 26 For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

    A Time for Everything

    3 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:

    2   a time to be born, and a time to die;
      a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
    3   a time to kill, and a time to heal;
      a time to break down, and a time to build up;
    4   a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
      a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
    5   a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
      a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
    6   a time to seek, and a time to lose;
      a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
    7   a time to tear, and a time to sew;
      a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
    8   a time to love, and a time to hate;
      a time for war, and a time for peace.

    The God-Given Task

    9 What gain has the worker from his toil? 10 I have seen the business that God has given to the children of man to be busy with. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; 13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God's gift to man.

    14 I perceived that whatever God does endures forever; nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it. God has done it, so that people fear before him. 15 That which is, already has been; that which is to be, already has been; and God seeks what has been driven away.Hebrew what has been pursued">13

    From Dust to Dust

    16 Moreover, I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, even there was wickedness, and in the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness. 17 I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work. 18 I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but beasts. 19 For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity.The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2)">14 20 All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return. 21 Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth? 22 So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Who can bring him to see what will be after him?

    Footnotes

    [1] 1:1 Or Convener, or Collector; Hebrew Qoheleth (so throughout Ecclesiastes)


    [2] 1:2 The Hebrew term hebel, translated vanity or vain, refers concretely to a “mist,” “vapor,” or “mere breath,” and metaphorically to something that is fleeting or elusive (with different nuances depending on the context). It appears five times in this verse and in 29 other verses in Ecclesiastes

    [3] 1:5 Or and returns panting

    [4] 1:11 Or former people

    [5] 1:11 Or later people

    [6] 1:13 The Hebrew term denotes the center of one's inner life, including mind, will, and emotions

    [7] 1:14 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2)

    [8] 1:14 Or a feeding on wind; compare Hosea 12:1 (also in Ecclesiastes 1:17; 2:11, 17, 26; 4:4, 6, 16; 6:9)

    [9] 2:1 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath”; also verses 11, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 26 (see note on 1:2)

    [10] 2:8 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain

    [11] 2:24 Or and make his soul see good

    [12] 2:25 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Syriac; most Hebrew manuscripts apart from me

    [13] 3:15 Hebrew what has been pursued

    [14] 3:19 The Hebrew term hebel can refer to a “vapor” or “mere breath” (see note on 1:2)

    (ESV)

    Psalm:
    Psalm 76
    Psalm 76 (Listen)
    Who Can Stand Before You?
    To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments. A Psalm of Asaph. A Song.

    76   In Judah God is known;
        his name is great in Israel.
    2   His abode has been established in Salem,
        his dwelling place in Zion.
    3   There he broke the flashing arrows,
        the shield, the sword, and the weapons of war. Selah
    4   Glorious are you, more majestic
        than the mountains full of prey.
    5   The stouthearted were stripped of their spoil;
        they sank into sleep;
      all the men of war
        were unable to use their hands.
    6   At your rebuke, O God of Jacob,
        both rider and horse lay stunned.
    7   But you, you are to be feared!
        Who can stand before you
        when once your anger is roused?
    8   From the heavens you uttered judgment;
        the earth feared and was still,
    9   when God arose to establish judgment,
        to save all the humble of the earth. Selah
    10   Surely the wrath of man shall praise you;
        the remnantOr extremity">1 of wrath you will put on like a belt.
    11   Make your vows to the LORD your God and perform them;
        let all around him bring gifts
        to him who is to be feared,
    12   who cuts off the spirit of princes,
        who is to be feared by the kings of the earth.

    Footnotes

    [1] 76:10 Or extremity

    (ESV)

    New Testament:
    John 18
    John 18 (Listen)
    Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus

    18 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples across the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which he and his disciples entered. 2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas, having procured a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, went there with lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Then Jesus, knowing all that would happen to him, came forward and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.”Greek I am; also verses 6, 8">1 Judas, who betrayed him, was standing with them. 6 When JesusGreek he">2 said to them, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. 7 So he asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.” 9 This was to fulfill the word that he had spoken: “Of those whom you gave me I have lost not one.” 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's servantOr bondservant; twice in this verse">3 and cut off his right ear. (The servant's name was Malchus.) 11 So Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?”

    Jesus Faces Annas and Caiaphas

    12 So the band of soldiers and their captain and the officers of the JewsGreek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verses 14, 31, 36, 38">4 arrested Jesus and bound him. 13 First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. 14 It was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people.

    Peter Denies Jesus

    15 Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. Since that disciple was known to the high priest, he entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest, 16 but Peter stood outside at the door. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the servant girl who kept watch at the door, and brought Peter in. 17 The servant girl at the door said to Peter, “You also are not one of this man's disciples, are you?” He said, “I am not.” 18 Now the servantsOr bondservants; also verse 26">5 and officers had made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves. Peter also was with them, standing and warming himself.

    The High Priest Questions Jesus

    19 The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. 20 Jesus answered him, “I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.” 22 When he had said these things, one of the officers standing by struck Jesus with his hand, saying, “Is that how you answer the high priest?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If what I said is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?” 24 Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

    Peter Denies Jesus Again

    25 Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, “You also are not one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, asked, “Did I not see you in the garden with him?” 27 Peter again denied it, and at once a rooster crowed.

    Jesus Before Pilate

    28 Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor's headquarters.Greek the praetorium">6 It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor's headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. 29 So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” 31 Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” 32 This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

    My Kingdom Is Not of This World

    33 So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” 37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”

    After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. 39 But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40 They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.Or an insurrectionist">7

    Footnotes

    [1] 18:5 Greek I am; also verses 6, 8


    [2] 18:6 Greek he

    [3] 18:10 Or bondservant; twice in this verse

    [4] 18:12 Greek Ioudaioi probably refers here to Jewish religious leaders, and others under their influence, in that time; also verses 14, 31, 36, 38

    [5] 18:18 Or bondservants; also verse 26

    [6] 18:28 Greek the praetorium

    [7] 18:40 Or an insurrectionist

    (ESV)

    17 min
  • September 20: Proverbs 29–31; Psalm 75; John 17
    Old Testament:
    Proverbs 29–31
    Proverbs 29–31 (Listen)

    29   He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
        will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
    2   When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
        but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
    3   He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
        but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
    4   By justice a king builds up the land,
        but he who exacts giftsOr who taxes heavily">1 tears it down.
    5   A man who flatters his neighbor
        spreads a net for his feet.
    6   An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,
        but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
    7   A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;
        a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
    8   Scoffers set a city aflame,
        but the wise turn away wrath.
    9   If a wise man has an argument with a fool,
        the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
    10   Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless
        and seek the life of the upright.Or but the upright seek his soul">2
    11   A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
        but a wise man quietly holds it back.
    12   If a ruler listens to falsehood,
        all his officials will be wicked.
    13   The poor man and the oppressor meet together;
        the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
    14   If a king faithfully judges the poor,
        his throne will be established forever.
    15   The rod and reproof give wisdom,
        but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
    16   When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
        but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
    17   Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
        he will give delight to your heart.
    18   Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,Or the people are discouraged">3
        but blessed is he who keeps the law.
    19   By mere words a servant is not disciplined,
        for though he understands, he will not respond.
    20   Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
        There is more hope for a fool than for him.
    21   Whoever pampers his servant from childhood
        will in the end find him his heir.The meaning of the Hebrew word rendered his heir is uncertain">4
    22   A man of wrath stirs up strife,
        and one given to anger causes much transgression.
    23   One's pride will bring him low,
        but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
    24   The partner of a thief hates his own life;
        he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
    25   The fear of man lays a snare,
        but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.
    26   Many seek the face of a ruler,
        but it is from the LORD that a man gets justice.
    27   An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
        but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.

    The Words of Agur

    30 The words of Agur son of Jakeh. The oracle.Or Jakeh, the man of Massa">5

      The man declares, I am weary, O God;
        I am weary, O God, and worn out.Revocalization; Hebrew The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal">6
    2   Surely I am too stupid to be a man.
        I have not the understanding of a man.
    3   I have not learned wisdom,
        nor have I knowledge of the Holy One.
    4   Who has ascended to heaven and come down?
        Who has gathered the wind in his fists?
      Who has wrapped up the waters in a garment?
        Who has established all the ends of the earth?
      What is his name, and what is his son's name?
        Surely you know!
    5   Every word of God proves true;
        he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
    6   Do not add to his words,
        lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.
    7   Two things I ask of you;
        deny them not to me before I die:
    8   Remove far from me falsehood and lying;
        give me neither poverty nor riches;
        feed me with the food that is needful for me,
    9   lest I be full and deny you
        and say, “Who is the LORD?”
      or lest I be poor and steal
        and profane the name of my God.
    10   Do not slander a servant to his master,
        lest he curse you, and you be held guilty.
    11   There are thoseHebrew There is a generation; also verses 12, 13, 14">7 who curse their fathers
        and do not bless their mothers.
    12   There are those who are clean in their own eyes
        but are not washed of their filth.
    13   There are those—how lofty are their eyes,
        how high their eyelids lift!
    14   There are those whose teeth are swords,
        whose fangs are knives,
      to devour the poor from off the earth,
        the needy from among mankind.
    15   The leech has two daughters:
        Give and Give.Or “Give, give,” they cry">8
      Three things are never satisfied;
        four never say, “Enough”:
    16   Sheol, the barren womb,
        the land never satisfied with water,
        and the fire that never says, “Enough.”
    17   The eye that mocks a father
        and scorns to obey a mother
      will be picked out by the ravens of the valley
        and eaten by the vultures.
    18   Three things are too wonderful for me;
        four I do not understand:
    19   the way of an eagle in the sky,
        the way of a serpent on a rock,
      the way of a ship on the high seas,
        and the way of a man with a virgin.
    20   This is the way of an adulteress:
        she eats and wipes her mouth
        and says, “I have done no wrong.”
    21   Under three things the earth trembles;
        under four it cannot bear up:
    22   a slave when he becomes king,
        and a fool when he is filled with food;
    23   an unloved woman when she gets a husband,
        and a maidservant when she displaces her mistress.
    24   Four things on earth are small,
        but they are exceedingly wise:
    25   the ants are a people not strong,
        yet they provide their food in the summer;
    26   the rock badgers are a people not mighty,
        yet they make their homes in the cliffs;
    27   the locusts have no king,
        yet all of them march in rank;
    28   the lizard you can take in your hands,
        yet it is in kings' palaces.
    29   Three things are stately in their tread;
        four are stately in their stride:
    30   the lion, which is mightiest among beasts
        and does not turn back before any;
    31   the strutting rooster,Or the magpie, or the greyhound; Hebrew girt-of-loins">9 the he-goat,
        and a king whose army is with him.Or against whom there is no rising up">10
    32   If you have been foolish, exalting yourself,
        or if you have been devising evil,
        put your hand on your mouth.
    33   For pressing milk produces curds,
        pressing the nose produces blood,
        and pressing anger produces strife.

    The Words of King Lemuel

    31 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:

    2   What are you doing, my son?Hebrew What, my son?">11 What are you doing, son of my womb?
        What are you doing, son of my vows?
    3   Do not give your strength to women,
        your ways to those who destroy kings.
    4   It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
        it is not for kings to drink wine,
        or for rulers to take strong drink,
    5   lest they drink and forget what has been decreed
        and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
    6   Give strong drink to the one who is perishing,
        and wine to those in bitter distress;Hebrew those bitter in soul">12
    7   let them drink and forget their poverty
        and remember their misery no more.
    8   Open your mouth for the mute,
        for the rights of all who are destitute.Hebrew are sons of passing away">13
    9   Open your mouth, judge righteously,
        defend the rights of the poor and needy.

    The Woman Who Fears the Lord

    10   Verses 10–31 are an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet">14 An excellent wife who can find?
        She is far more precious than jewels.
    11   The heart of her husband trusts in her,
        and he will have no lack of gain.
    12   She does him good, and not harm,
        all the days of her life.
    13   She seeks wool and flax,
        and works with willing hands.
    14   She is like the ships of the merchant;
        she brings her food from afar.
    15   She rises while it is yet night
        and provides food for her household
        and portions for her maidens.
    16   She considers a field and buys it;
        with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
    17   She dresses herselfHebrew She girds her loins">15 with strength
        and makes her arms strong.
    18   She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
        Her lamp does not go out at night.
    19   She puts her hands to the distaff,
        and her hands hold the spindle.
    20   She opens her hand to the poor
        and reaches out her hands to the needy.
    21   She is not afraid of snow for her household,
        for all her household are clothed in scarlet.Or in double thickness">16
    22   She makes bed coverings for herself;
        her clothing is fine linen and purple.
    23   Her husband is known in the gates
        when he sits among the elders of the land.
    24   She makes linen garments and sells them;
        she delivers sashes to the merchant.
    25   Strength and dignity are her clothing,
        and she laughs at the time to come.
    26   She opens her mouth with wisdom,
        and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
    27   She looks well to the ways of her household
        and does not eat the bread of idleness.
    28   Her children rise up and call her blessed;
        her husband also, and he praises her:
    29   “Many women have done excellently,
        but you surpass them all.”
    30   Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
        but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
    31   Give her of the fruit of her hands,
        and let her works praise her in the gates.

    Footnotes

    [1] 29:4 Or who taxes heavily


    [2] 29:10 Or but the upright seek his soul

    [3] 29:18 Or the people are discouraged

    [4] 29:21 The meaning of the Hebrew word rendered his heir is uncertain

    [5] 30:1 Or Jakeh, the man of Massa

    [6] 30:1 Revocalization; Hebrew The man declares to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal

    [7] 30:11 Hebrew There is a generation; also verses 12, 13, 14

    [8] 30:15 Or “Give, give,” they cry

    [9] 30:31 Or the magpie, or the greyhound; Hebrew girt-of-loins

    [10] 30:31 Or against whom there is no rising up

    [11] 31:2 Hebrew What, my son?

    [12] 31:6 Hebrew those bitter in soul

    [13] 31:8 Hebrew are sons of passing away

    [14] 31:10 Verses 10–31 are an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet

    [15] 31:17 Hebrew She girds her loins

    [16] 31:21 Or in double thickness

    (ESV)

    Psalm:
    Psalm 75
    Psalm 75 (Listen)
    God Will Judge with Equity
    To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Psalm of Asaph. A Song.

    75   We give thanks to you, O God;
        we give thanks, for your name is near.
      WeHebrew They">1 recount your wondrous deeds.
    2   “At the set time that I appoint
        I will judge with equity.
    3   When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants,
        it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah
    4   I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’
        and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn;
    5   do not lift up your horn on high,
        or speak with haughty neck.’”
    6   For not from the east or from the west
        and not from the wilderness comes lifting up,
    7   but it is God who executes judgment,
        putting down one and lifting up another.
    8   For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup
        with foaming wine, well mixed,
      and he pours out from it,
        and all the wicked of the earth
        shall drain it down to the dregs.
    9   But I will declare it forever;
        I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.
    10   All the horns of the wicked I will cut off,
        but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.

    Footnotes

    [1] 75:1 Hebrew They

    (ESV)

    New Testament:
    John 17
    John 17 (Listen)
    The High Priestly Prayer

    17 When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, 2 since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. 4 I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed.

    6 “I have manifested your name to the people whom you gave me out of the world. Yours they were, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. 7 Now they know that everything that you have given me is from you. 8 For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. 9 I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13 But now I am coming to you, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.Or from evil">1 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify themGreek Set them apart (for holy service to God)">2 in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sake I consecrate myself,Or I sanctify myself; or I set myself apart (for holy service to God)">3 that they also may be sanctifiedGreek may be set apart (for holy service to God)">4 in truth.

    20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

    Footnotes

    [1] 17:15 Or from evil


    [2] 17:17 Greek Set them apart (for holy service to God)

    [3] 17:19 Or I sanctify myself; or I set myself apart (for holy service to God)

    [4] 17:19 Greek may be set apart (for holy service to God)

    (ESV)

    15 min
  • September 19: Proverbs 27–28; Psalm 74; John 16
    Old Testament:
    Proverbs 27–28
    Proverbs 27–28 (Listen)

    27   Do not boast about tomorrow,
        for you do not know what a day may bring.
    2   Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
        a stranger, and not your own lips.
    3   A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty,
        but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.
    4   Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming,
        but who can stand before jealousy?
    5   Better is open rebuke
        than hidden love.
    6   Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
        profuse are the kisses of an enemy.
    7   One who is full loathes honey,
        but to one who is hungry everything bitter is sweet.
    8   Like a bird that strays from its nest
        is a man who strays from his home.
    9   Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
        and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.Or and so does the sweetness of a friend that comes from his earnest counsel">1
    10   Do not forsake your friend and your father's friend,
        and do not go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity.
      Better is a neighbor who is near
        than a brother who is far away.
    11   Be wise, my son, and make my heart glad,
        that I may answer him who reproaches me.
    12   The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
        but the simple go on and suffer for it.
    13   Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger,
        and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for an adulteress.Hebrew a foreign woman; a slight emendation yields (compare Vulgate; see also 20:16) foreigners">2
    14   Whoever blesses his neighbor with a loud voice,
        rising early in the morning,
        will be counted as cursing.
    15   A continual dripping on a rainy day
        and a quarrelsome wife are alike;
    16   to restrain her is to restrain the wind
        or to graspHebrew to meet with">3 oil in one's right hand.
    17   Iron sharpens iron,
        and one man sharpens another.Hebrew sharpens the face of another">4
    18   Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit,
        and he who guards his master will be honored.
    19   As in water face reflects face,
        so the heart of man reflects the man.
    20   Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied,
        and never satisfied are the eyes of man.
    21   The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
        and a man is tested by his praise.
    22   Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle
        along with crushed grain,
        yet his folly will not depart from him.
    23   Know well the condition of your flocks,
        and give attention to your herds,
    24   for riches do not last forever;
        and does a crown endure to all generations?
    25   When the grass is gone and the new growth appears
        and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered,
    26   the lambs will provide your clothing,
        and the goats the price of a field.
    27   There will be enough goats' milk for your food,
        for the food of your household
        and maintenance for your girls.
    28   The wicked flee when no one pursues,
        but the righteous are bold as a lion.
    2   When a land transgresses, it has many rulers,
        but with a man of understanding and knowledge,
        its stability will long continue.
    3   A poor man who oppresses the poor
        is a beating rain that leaves no food.
    4   Those who forsake the law praise the wicked,
        but those who keep the law strive against them.
    5   Evil men do not understand justice,
        but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.
    6   Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity
        than a rich man who is crooked in his ways.
    7   The one who keeps the law is a son with understanding,
        but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
    8   Whoever multiplies his wealth by interest and profitThat is, profit that comes from charging interest to the poor">5
        gathers it for him who is generous to the poor.
    9   If one turns away his ear from hearing the law,
        even his prayer is an abomination.
    10   Whoever misleads the upright into an evil way
        will fall into his own pit,
        but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.
    11   A rich man is wise in his own eyes,
        but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.
    12   When the righteous triumph, there is great glory,
        but when the wicked rise, people hide themselves.
    13   Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
        but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
    14   Blessed is the one who fears the LORDHebrew lacks the Lord">6 always,
        but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.
    15   Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
        is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
    16   A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor,
        but he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
    17   If one is burdened with the blood of another,
        he will be a fugitive until death;Hebrew until the pit">7
        let no one help him.
    18   Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered,
        but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.
    19   Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
        but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
    20   A faithful man will abound with blessings,
        but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
    21   To show partiality is not good,
        but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
    22   A stingy manHebrew A man whose eye is evil">8 hastens after wealth
        and does not know that poverty will come upon him.
    23   Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
        than he who flatters with his tongue.
    24   Whoever robs his father or his mother
        and says, “That is no transgression,”
        is a companion to a man who destroys.
    25   A greedy man stirs up strife,
        but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.
    26   Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,
        but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
    27   Whoever gives to the poor will not want,
        but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
    28   When the wicked rise, people hide themselves,
        but when they perish, the righteous increase.

    Footnotes

    [1] 27:9 Or and so does the sweetness of a friend that comes from his earnest counsel


    [2] 27:13 Hebrew a foreign woman; a slight emendation yields (compare Vulgate; see also 20:16) foreigners

    [3] 27:16 Hebrew to meet with

    [4] 27:17 Hebrew sharpens the face of another

    [5] 28:8 That is, profit that comes from charging interest to the poor

    [6] 28:14 Hebrew lacks the Lord

    [7] 28:17 Hebrew until the pit

    [8] 28:22 Hebrew A man whose eye is evil

    (ESV)

    Psalm:
    Psalm 74
    Psalm 74 (Listen)
    Arise, O God, Defend Your Cause
    A MaskilProbably a musical or liturgical term">1 of Asaph.

    74   O God, why do you cast us off forever?
        Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture?
    2   Remember your congregation, which you have purchased of old,
        which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage!
        Remember Mount Zion, where you have dwelt.
    3   Direct your steps to the perpetual ruins;
        the enemy has destroyed everything in the sanctuary!
    4   Your foes have roared in the midst of your meeting place;
        they set up their own signs for signs.
    5   They were like those who swing axes
        in a forest of trees.The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain">2
    6   And all its carved wood
        they broke down with hatchets and hammers.
    7   They set your sanctuary on fire;
        they profaned the dwelling place of your name,
        bringing it down to the ground.
    8   They said to themselves, “We will utterly subdue them”;
        they burned all the meeting places of God in the land.
    9   We do not see our signs;
        there is no longer any prophet,
        and there is none among us who knows how long.
    10   How long, O God, is the foe to scoff?
        Is the enemy to revile your name forever?
    11   Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?
        Take it from the fold of your garmentHebrew from your bosom">3 and destroy them!
    12   Yet God my King is from of old,
        working salvation in the midst of the earth.
    13   You divided the sea by your might;
        you broke the heads of the sea monstersOr the great sea creatures">4 on the waters.
    14   You crushed the heads of Leviathan;
        you gave him as food for the creatures of the wilderness.
    15   You split open springs and brooks;
        you dried up ever-flowing streams.
    16   Yours is the day, yours also the night;
        you have established the heavenly lights and the sun.
    17   You have fixed all the boundaries of the earth;
        you have made summer and winter.
    18   Remember this, O LORD, how the enemy scoffs,
        and a foolish people reviles your name.
    19   Do not deliver the soul of your dove to the wild beasts;
        do not forget the life of your poor forever.
    20   Have regard for the covenant,
        for the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence.
    21   Let not the downtrodden turn back in shame;
        let the poor and needy praise your name.
    22   Arise, O God, defend your cause;
        remember how the foolish scoff at you all the day!
    23   Do not forget the clamor of your foes,
        the uproar of those who rise against you, which goes up continually!

    Footnotes

    [1] 74:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term


    [2] 74:5 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain

    [3] 74:11 Hebrew from your bosom

    [4] 74:13 Or the great sea creatures

    (ESV)

    New Testament:
    John 16
    John 16 (Listen)

    16 “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.

    The Work of the Holy Spirit

    “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

    12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

    Your Sorrow Will Turn into Joy

    16 “A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me.” 17 So some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you will not see me, and again a little while, and you will see me’; and, ‘because I am going to the Father’?” 18 So they were saying, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We do not know what he is talking about.” 19 Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, so he said to them, “Is this what you are asking yourselves, what I meant by saying, ‘A little while and you will not see me, and again a little while and you will see me’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy. 21 When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world. 22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. 23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.

    I Have Overcome the World

    25 “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.Some manuscripts from the Father">1 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”

    29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

    Footnotes

    [1] 16:27 Some manuscripts from the Father

    (ESV)

    14 min
  • September 18: Proverbs 25–26; Psalm 73; John 15
    Old Testament:
    Proverbs 25–26
    Proverbs 25–26 (Listen)
    More Proverbs of Solomon

    25 These also are proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied.

    2   It is the glory of God to conceal things,
        but the glory of kings is to search things out.
    3   As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth,
        so the heart of kings is unsearchable.
    4   Take away the dross from the silver,
        and the smith has material for a vessel;
    5   take away the wicked from the presence of the king,
        and his throne will be established in righteousness.
    6   Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence
        or stand in the place of the great,
    7   for it is better to be told, “Come up here,”
        than to be put lower in the presence of a noble.
      What your eyes have seen
    8     do not hastily bring into court,Or presence of a noble, as your eyes have seen. 8Do not go hastily out to court">1
      forHebrew or else">2 what will you do in the end,
        when your neighbor puts you to shame?
    9   Argue your case with your neighbor himself,
        and do not reveal another's secret,
    10   lest he who hears you bring shame upon you,
        and your ill repute have no end.
    11   A word fitly spoken
        is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
    12   Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
        is a wise reprover to a listening ear.
    13   Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest
        is a faithful messenger to those who send him;
        he refreshes the soul of his masters.
    14   Like clouds and wind without rain
        is a man who boasts of a gift he does not give.
    15   With patience a ruler may be persuaded,
        and a soft tongue will break a bone.
    16   If you have found honey, eat only enough for you,
        lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.
    17   Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house,
        lest he have his fill of you and hate you.
    18   A man who bears false witness against his neighbor
        is like a war club, or a sword, or a sharp arrow.
    19   Trusting in a treacherous man in time of trouble
        is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips.
    20   Whoever sings songs to a heavy heart
        is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day,
        and like vinegar on soda.
    21   If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat,
        and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink,
    22   for you will heap burning coals on his head,
        and the LORD will reward you.
    23   The north wind brings forth rain,
        and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
    24   It is better to live in a corner of the housetop
        than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
    25   Like cold water to a thirsty soul,
        so is good news from a far country.
    26   Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain
        is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked.
    27   It is not good to eat much honey,
        nor is it glorious to seek one's own glory.The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain">3
    28   A man without self-control
        is like a city broken into and left without walls.
    26   Like snow in summer or rain in harvest,
        so honor is not fitting for a fool.
    2   Like a sparrow in its flitting, like a swallow in its flying,
        a curse that is causeless does not alight.
    3   A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey,
        and a rod for the back of fools.
    4   Answer not a fool according to his folly,
        lest you be like him yourself.
    5   Answer a fool according to his folly,
        lest he be wise in his own eyes.
    6   Whoever sends a message by the hand of a fool
        cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.
    7   Like a lame man's legs, which hang useless,
        is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
    8   Like one who binds the stone in the sling
        is one who gives honor to a fool.
    9   Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard
        is a proverb in the mouth of fools.
    10   Like an archer who wounds everyone
        is one who hires a passing fool or drunkard.Or hires a fool or passersby">4
    11   Like a dog that returns to his vomit
        is a fool who repeats his folly.
    12   Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes?
        There is more hope for a fool than for him.
    13   The sluggard says, “There is a lion in the road!
        There is a lion in the streets!”
    14   As a door turns on its hinges,
        so does a sluggard on his bed.
    15   The sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
        it wears him out to bring it back to his mouth.
    16   The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes
        than seven men who can answer sensibly.
    17   Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own
        is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears.
    18   Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death
    19   is the man who deceives his neighbor
        and says, “I am only joking!”
    20   For lack of wood the fire goes out,
        and where there is no whisperer, quarreling ceases.
    21   As charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire,
        so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife.
    22   The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels;
        they go down into the inner parts of the body.
    23   Like the glazeBy revocalization; Hebrew silver of dross">5 covering an earthen vessel
        are fervent lips with an evil heart.
    24   Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips
        and harbors deceit in his heart;
    25   when he speaks graciously, believe him not,
        for there are seven abominations in his heart;
    26   though his hatred be covered with deception,
        his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.
    27   Whoever digs a pit will fall into it,
        and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.
    28   A lying tongue hates its victims,
        and a flattering mouth works ruin.

    Footnotes

    [1] 25:8 Or presence of a noble, as your eyes have seen. 8Do not go hastily out to court


    [2] 25:8 Hebrew or else

    [3] 25:27 The meaning of the Hebrew line is uncertain

    [4] 26:10 Or hires a fool or passersby

    [5] 26:23 By revocalization; Hebrew silver of dross

    (ESV)

    Psalm:
    Psalm 73
    Psalm 73 (Listen)
    Book Three
    God Is My Strength and Portion Forever
    A Psalm of Asaph.

    73   Truly God is good to Israel,
        to those who are pure in heart.
    2   But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled,
        my steps had nearly slipped.
    3   For I was envious of the arrogant
        when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
    4   For they have no pangs until death;
        their bodies are fat and sleek.
    5   They are not in trouble as others are;
        they are not stricken like the rest of mankind.
    6   Therefore pride is their necklace;
        violence covers them as a garment.
    7   Their eyes swell out through fatness;
        their hearts overflow with follies.
    8   They scoff and speak with malice;
        loftily they threaten oppression.
    9   They set their mouths against the heavens,
        and their tongue struts through the earth.
    10   Therefore his people turn back to them,
        and find no fault in them.Probable reading; Hebrew the waters of a full cup are drained by them">1
    11   And they say, “How can God know?
        Is there knowledge in the Most High?”
    12   Behold, these are the wicked;
        always at ease, they increase in riches.
    13   All in vain have I kept my heart clean
        and washed my hands in innocence.
    14   For all the day long I have been stricken
        and rebuked every morning.
    15   If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
        I would have betrayed the generation of your children.
    16   But when I thought how to understand this,
        it seemed to me a wearisome task,
    17   until I went into the sanctuary of God;
        then I discerned their end.
    18   Truly you set them in slippery places;
        you make them fall to ruin.
    19   How they are destroyed in a moment,
        swept away utterly by terrors!
    20   Like a dream when one awakes,
        O Lord, when you rouse yourself, you despise them as phantoms.
    21   When my soul was embittered,
        when I was pricked in heart,
    22   I was brutish and ignorant;
        I was like a beast toward you.
    23   Nevertheless, I am continually with you;
        you hold my right hand.
    24   You guide me with your counsel,
        and afterward you will receive me to glory.
    25   Whom have I in heaven but you?
        And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
    26   My flesh and my heart may fail,
        but God is the strengthHebrew rock">2 of my heart and my portion forever.
    27   For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;
        you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
    28   But for me it is good to be near God;
        I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
        that I may tell of all your works.

    Footnotes

    [1] 73:10 Probable reading; Hebrew the waters of a full cup are drained by them


    [2] 73:26 Hebrew rock

    (ESV)

    New Testament:
    John 15
    John 15 (Listen)
    I Am the True Vine

    15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

    12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another 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 what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants,Or bondservants, or slaves (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface); likewise for servant later in this verse and in verse 20">1 for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

    The Hatred of the World

    18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin,Greek they would not have sin; also verse 24">2 but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’

    26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.

    Footnotes

    [1] 15:15 Or bondservants, or slaves (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface); likewise for servant later in this verse and in verse 20


    [2] 15:22 Greek they would not have sin; also verse 24

    (ESV)

    12 min
  • September 17: Proverbs 23–24; Psalm 72; John 14
    Old Testament:
    Proverbs 23–24
    Proverbs 23–24 (Listen)

    23   When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
        observe carefully whatOr who">1 is before you,
    2   and put a knife to your throat
        if you are given to appetite.
    3   Do not desire his delicacies,
        for they are deceptive food.
    4   Do not toil to acquire wealth;
        be discerning enough to desist.
    5   When your eyes light on it, it is gone,
        for suddenly it sprouts wings,
        flying like an eagle toward heaven.
    6   Do not eat the bread of a man who is stingy;Hebrew whose eye is evil">2
        do not desire his delicacies,
    7   for he is like one who is inwardly calculating.Or for as he calculates in his soul, so is he">3
        “Eat and drink!” he says to you,
        but his heart is not with you.
    8   You will vomit up the morsels that you have eaten,
        and waste your pleasant words.
    9   Do not speak in the hearing of a fool,
        for he will despise the good sense of your words.
    10   Do not move an ancient landmark
        or enter the fields of the fatherless,
    11   for their Redeemer is strong;
        he will plead their cause against you.
    12   Apply your heart to instruction
        and your ear to words of knowledge.
    13   Do not withhold discipline from a child;
        if you strike him with a rod, he will not die.
    14   If you strike him with the rod,
        you will save his soul from Sheol.
    15   My son, if your heart is wise,
        my heart too will be glad.
    16   My inmost beingHebrew My kidneys">4 will exult
        when your lips speak what is right.
    17   Let not your heart envy sinners,
        but continue in the fear of the LORD all the day.
    18   Surely there is a future,
        and your hope will not be cut off.
    19   Hear, my son, and be wise,
        and direct your heart in the way.
    20   Be not among drunkardsHebrew those who drink too much wine">5
        or among gluttonous eaters of meat,
    21   for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty,
        and slumber will clothe them with rags.
    22   Listen to your father who gave you life,
        and do not despise your mother when she is old.
    23   Buy truth, and do not sell it;
        buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.
    24   The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice;
        he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.
    25   Let your father and mother be glad;
        let her who bore you rejoice.
    26   My son, give me your heart,
        and let your eyes observeOr delight in">6 my ways.
    27   For a prostitute is a deep pit;
        an adulteressHebrew a foreign woman">7 is a narrow well.
    28   She lies in wait like a robber
        and increases the traitors among mankind.
    29   Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
        Who has strife? Who has complaining?
      Who has wounds without cause?
        Who has redness of eyes?
    30   Those who tarry long over wine;
        those who go to try mixed wine.
    31   Do not look at wine when it is red,
        when it sparkles in the cup
        and goes down smoothly.
    32   In the end it bites like a serpent
        and stings like an adder.
    33   Your eyes will see strange things,
        and your heart utter perverse things.
    34   You will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea,
        like one who lies on the top of a mast.Or of the rigging">8
    35   “They struck me,” you will say,Hebrew lacks you will say">9 “but I was not hurt;
        they beat me, but I did not feel it.
      When shall I awake?
        I must have another drink.”
    24   Be not envious of evil men,
        nor desire to be with them,
    2   for their hearts devise violence,
        and their lips talk of trouble.
    3   By wisdom a house is built,
        and by understanding it is established;
    4   by knowledge the rooms are filled
        with all precious and pleasant riches.
    5   A wise man is full of strength,
        and a man of knowledge enhances his might,
    6   for by wise guidance you can wage your war,
        and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
    7   Wisdom is too high for a fool;
        in the gate he does not open his mouth.
    8   Whoever plans to do evil
        will be called a schemer.
    9   The devisingOr scheming">10 of folly is sin,
        and the scoffer is an abomination to mankind.
    10   If you faint in the day of adversity,
        your strength is small.
    11   Rescue those who are being taken away to death;
        hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.
    12   If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,”
        does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
      Does not he who keeps watch over your soul know it,
        and will he not repay man according to his work?
    13   My son, eat honey, for it is good,
        and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste.
    14   Know that wisdom is such to your soul;
        if you find it, there will be a future,
        and your hope will not be cut off.
    15   Lie not in wait as a wicked man against the dwelling of the righteous;
        do no violence to his home;
    16   for the righteous falls seven times and rises again,
        but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.
    17   Do not rejoice when your enemy falls,
        and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles,
    18   lest the LORD see it and be displeased,
        and turn away his anger from him.
    19   Fret not yourself because of evildoers,
        and be not envious of the wicked,
    20   for the evil man has no future;
        the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
    21   My son, fear the LORD and the king,
        and do not join with those who do otherwise,
    22   for disaster will arise suddenly from them,
        and who knows the ruin that will come from them both?

    More Sayings of the Wise

    23 These also are sayings of the wise.

      Partiality in judging is not good.
    24   Whoever says to the wicked, “You are in the right,”
        will be cursed by peoples, abhorred by nations,
    25   but those who rebuke the wicked will have delight,
        and a good blessing will come upon them.
    26   Whoever gives an honest answer
        kisses the lips.
    27   Prepare your work outside;
        get everything ready for yourself in the field,
        and after that build your house.
    28   Be not a witness against your neighbor without cause,
        and do not deceive with your lips.
    29   Do not say, “I will do to him as he has done to me;
        I will pay the man back for what he has done.”
    30   I passed by the field of a sluggard,
        by the vineyard of a man lacking sense,
    31   and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns;
        the ground was covered with nettles,
        and its stone wall was broken down.
    32   Then I saw and considered it;
        I looked and received instruction.
    33   A little sleep, a little slumber,
        a little folding of the hands to rest,
    34   and poverty will come upon you like a robber,
        and want like an armed man.

    Footnotes

    [1] 23:1 Or who


    [2] 23:6 Hebrew whose eye is evil

    [3] 23:7 Or for as he calculates in his soul, so is he

    [4] 23:16 Hebrew My kidneys

    [5] 23:20 Hebrew those who drink too much wine

    [6] 23:26 Or delight in

    [7] 23:27 Hebrew a foreign woman

    [8] 23:34 Or of the rigging

    [9] 23:35 Hebrew lacks you will say

    [10] 24:9 Or scheming

    (ESV)

    Psalm:
    Psalm 72
    Psalm 72 (Listen)
    Give the King Your Justice
    Of Solomon.

    72   Give the king your justice, O God,
        and your righteousness to the royal son!
    2   May he judge your people with righteousness,
        and your poor with justice!
    3   Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people,
        and the hills, in righteousness!
    4   May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,
        give deliverance to the children of the needy,
        and crush the oppressor!
    5   May they fear youSeptuagint He shall endure">1 while the sun endures,
        and as long as the moon, throughout all generations!
    6   May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,
        like showers that water the earth!
    7   In his days may the righteous flourish,
        and peace abound, till the moon be no more!
    8   May he have dominion from sea to sea,
        and from the RiverThat is, the Euphrates">2 to the ends of the earth!
    9   May desert tribes bow down before him,
        and his enemies lick the dust!
    10   May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands
        render him tribute;
      may the kings of Sheba and Seba
        bring gifts!
    11   May all kings fall down before him,
        all nations serve him!
    12   For he delivers the needy when he calls,
        the poor and him who has no helper.
    13   He has pity on the weak and the needy,
        and saves the lives of the needy.
    14   From oppression and violence he redeems their life,
        and precious is their blood in his sight.
    15   Long may he live;
        may gold of Sheba be given to him!
      May prayer be made for him continually,
        and blessings invoked for him all the day!
    16   May there be abundance of grain in the land;
        on the tops of the mountains may it wave;
        may its fruit be like Lebanon;
      and may people blossom in the cities
        like the grass of the field!
    17   May his name endure forever,
        his fame continue as long as the sun!
      May people be blessed in him,
        all nations call him blessed!
    18   Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,
        who alone does wondrous things.
    19   Blessed be his glorious name forever;
        may the whole earth be filled with his glory!
          Amen and Amen!
    20   The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended.

    Footnotes

    [1] 72:5 Septuagint He shall endure


    [2] 72:8 That is, the Euphrates

    (ESV)

    New Testament:
    John 14
    John 14 (Listen)
    I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life

    14 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God;Or You believe in God">1 believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?Or In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you">2 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”Some manuscripts Where I am going you know, and the way you know">3 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.Or If you know me, you will know my Father also, or If you have known me, you will know my Father also">4 From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

    8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.

    12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask meSome manuscripts omit me">5 anything in my name, I will do it.

    Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit

    15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper,Or Advocate, or Counselor; also 14:26; 15:26; 16:7">6 to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will beSome manuscripts and is">7 in you.

    18 “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. 20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, how is it that you will manifest yourself to us, and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 Whoever does not love me does not keep my words. And the word that you hear is not mine but the Father's who sent me.

    25 “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. 28 You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I will come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it takes place, so that when it does take place you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me, 31 but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father. Rise, let us go from here.

    Footnotes

    [1] 14:1 Or You believe in God


    [2] 14:2 Or In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you

    [3] 14:4 Some manuscripts Where I am going you know, and the way you know

    [4] 14:7 Or If you know me, you will know my Father also, or If you have known me, you will know my Father also

    [5] 14:14 Some manuscripts omit me

    [6] 14:16 Or Advocate, or Counselor; also 14:26; 15:26; 16:7

    [7] 14:17 Some manuscripts and is

    (ESV)

    14 min
  • September 16: Proverbs 21–22; Psalm 71; John 13
    Old Testament:
    Proverbs 21–22
    Proverbs 21–22 (Listen)

    21   The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD;
        he turns it wherever he will.
    2   Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
        but the LORD weighs the heart.
    3   To do righteousness and justice
        is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
    4   Haughty eyes and a proud heart,
        the lampOr the plowing">1 of the wicked, are sin.
    5   The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,
        but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.
    6   The getting of treasures by a lying tongue
        is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Latin; most Hebrew manuscripts vapor for those who seek death">2
    7   The violence of the wicked will sweep them away,
        because they refuse to do what is just.
    8   The way of the guilty is crooked,
        but the conduct of the pure is upright.
    9   It is better to live in a corner of the housetop
        than in a house shared with a quarrelsome wife.
    10   The soul of the wicked desires evil;
        his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.
    11   When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;
        when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
    12   The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked;
        he throws the wicked down to ruin.
    13   Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor
        will himself call out and not be answered.
    14   A gift in secret averts anger,
        and a concealed bribe,Hebrew a bribe in the bosom">3 strong wrath.
    15   When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous
        but terror to evildoers.
    16   One who wanders from the way of good sense
        will rest in the assembly of the dead.
    17   Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man;
        he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
    18   The wicked is a ransom for the righteous,
        and the traitor for the upright.
    19   It is better to live in a desert land
        than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.
    20   Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man's dwelling,
        but a foolish man devours it.
    21   Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness
        will find life, righteousness, and honor.
    22   A wise man scales the city of the mighty
        and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
    23   Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue
        keeps himself out of trouble.
    24   “Scoffer” is the name of the arrogant, haughty man
        who acts with arrogant pride.
    25   The desire of the sluggard kills him,
        for his hands refuse to labor.
    26   All day long he craves and craves,
        but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
    27   The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination;
        how much more when he brings it with evil intent.
    28   A false witness will perish,
        but the word of a man who hears will endure.
    29   A wicked man puts on a bold face,
        but the upright gives thought toOr establishes">4 his ways.
    30   No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel
        can avail against the LORD.
    31   The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
        but the victory belongs to the LORD.
    22   A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,
        and favor is better than silver or gold.
    2   The rich and the poor meet together;
        the LORD is the Maker of them all.
    3   The prudent sees danger and hides himself,
        but the simple go on and suffer for it.
    4   The reward for humility and fear of the LORD
        is riches and honor and life.Or The reward for humility is the fear of the Lord, riches and honor and life">5
    5   Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked;
        whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.
    6   Train up a child in the way he should go;
        even when he is old he will not depart from it.
    7   The rich rules over the poor,
        and the borrower is the slave of the lender.
    8   Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity,
        and the rod of his fury will fail.
    9   Whoever has a bountifulHebrew good">6 eye will be blessed,
        for he shares his bread with the poor.
    10   Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out,
        and quarreling and abuse will cease.
    11   He who loves purity of heart,
        and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.
    12   The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge,
        but he overthrows the words of the traitor.
    13   The sluggard says, “There is a lion outside!
        I shall be killed in the streets!”
    14   The mouth of forbiddenHebrew strange">7 women is a deep pit;
        he with whom the LORD is angry will fall into it.
    15   Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
        but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
    16   Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,
        or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.

    Words of the Wise

    17   Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise,
        and apply your heart to my knowledge,
    18   for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you,
        if all of them are ready on your lips.
    19   That your trust may be in the LORD,
        I have made them known to you today, even to you.
    20   Have I not written for you thirty sayings
        of counsel and knowledge,
    21   to make you know what is right and true,
        that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
    22   Do not rob the poor, because he is poor,
        or crush the afflicted at the gate,
    23   for the LORD will plead their cause
        and rob of life those who rob them.
    24   Make no friendship with a man given to anger,
        nor go with a wrathful man,
    25   lest you learn his ways
        and entangle yourself in a snare.
    26   Be not one of those who give pledges,
        who put up security for debts.
    27   If you have nothing with which to pay,
        why should your bed be taken from under you?
    28   Do not move the ancient landmark
        that your fathers have set.
    29   Do you see a man skillful in his work?
        He will stand before kings;
        he will not stand before obscure men.

    Footnotes

    [1] 21:4 Or the plowing


    [2] 21:6 Some Hebrew manuscripts, Septuagint, Latin; most Hebrew manuscripts vapor for those who seek death

    [3] 21:14 Hebrew a bribe in the bosom

    [4] 21:29 Or establishes

    [5] 22:4 Or The reward for humility is the fear of the Lord, riches and honor and life

    [6] 22:9 Hebrew good

    [7] 22:14 Hebrew strange

    (ESV)

    Psalm:
    Psalm 71
    Psalm 71 (Listen)
    Forsake Me Not When My Strength Is Spent

    71   In you, O LORD, do I take refuge;
        let me never be put to shame!
    2   In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
        incline your ear to me, and save me!
    3   Be to me a rock of refuge,
        to which I may continually come;
      you have given the command to save me,
        for you are my rock and my fortress.
    4   Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,
        from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man.
    5   For you, O Lord, are my hope,
        my trust, O LORD, from my youth.
    6   Upon you I have leaned from before my birth;
        you are he who took me from my mother's womb.
      My praise is continually of you.
    7   I have been as a portent to many,
        but you are my strong refuge.
    8   My mouth is filled with your praise,
        and with your glory all the day.
    9   Do not cast me off in the time of old age;
        forsake me not when my strength is spent.
    10   For my enemies speak concerning me;
        those who watch for my life consult together
    11   and say, “God has forsaken him;
        pursue and seize him,
        for there is none to deliver him.”
    12   O God, be not far from me;
        O my God, make haste to help me!
    13   May my accusers be put to shame and consumed;
        with scorn and disgrace may they be covered
        who seek my hurt.
    14   But I will hope continually
        and will praise you yet more and more.
    15   My mouth will tell of your righteous acts,
        of your deeds of salvation all the day,
        for their number is past my knowledge.
    16   With the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD I will come;
        I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.
    17   O God, from my youth you have taught me,
        and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
    18   So even to old age and gray hairs,
        O God, do not forsake me,
      until I proclaim your might to another generation,
        your power to all those to come.
    19   Your righteousness, O God,
        reaches the high heavens.
      You who have done great things,
        O God, who is like you?
    20   You who have made me see many troubles and calamities
        will revive me again;
      from the depths of the earth
        you will bring me up again.
    21   You will increase my greatness
        and comfort me again.
    22   I will also praise you with the harp
        for your faithfulness, O my God;
      I will sing praises to you with the lyre,
        O Holy One of Israel.
    23   My lips will shout for joy,
        when I sing praises to you;
        my soul also, which you have redeemed.
    24   And my tongue will talk of your righteous help all the day long,
      for they have been put to shame and disappointed
        who sought to do me hurt.

    (ESV)

    New Testament:
    John 13
    John 13 (Listen)
    Jesus Washes the Disciples' Feet

    13 Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper, when the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, 4 rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. 5 Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” 8 Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” 9 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet,Some manuscripts omit except for his feet">1 but is completely clean. And youThe Greek words for you in this verse are plural">2 are clean, but not every one of you.” 11 For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.”

    12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you, a servantOr bondservant, or slave (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface)">3 is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. 18 I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled,Greek But in order that the Scripture may be fulfilled">4 ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ 19 I am telling you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am he. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”

    One of You Will Betray Me

    21 After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table at Jesus' side,Greek in the bosom of Jesus">5 24 so Simon Peter motioned to him to ask JesusGreek lacks Jesus">6 of whom he was speaking. 25 So that disciple, leaning back against Jesus, said to him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I will give this morsel of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do, do quickly.” 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the moneybag, Jesus was telling him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 So, after receiving the morsel of bread, he immediately went out. And it was night.

    A New Commandment

    31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. 32 If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

    Jesus Foretells Peter's Denial

    36 Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” 37 Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Jesus answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.

    Footnotes

    [1] 13:10 Some manuscripts omit except for his feet


    [2] 13:10 The Greek words for you in this verse are plural

    [3] 13:16 Or bondservant, or slave (for the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface)

    [4] 13:18 Greek But in order that the Scripture may be fulfilled

    [5] 13:23 Greek in the bosom of Jesus

    [6] 13:24 Greek lacks Jesus

    (ESV)

    15 min
  • September 15: Proverbs 19–20; Psalm 70; John 12
    Old Testament:
    Proverbs 19–20
    Proverbs 19–20 (Listen)

    19   Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity
        than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.
    2   DesireOr A soul">1 without knowledge is not good,
        and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.
    3   When a man's folly brings his way to ruin,
        his heart rages against the LORD.
    4   Wealth brings many new friends,
        but a poor man is deserted by his friend.
    5   A false witness will not go unpunished,
        and he who breathes out lies will not escape.
    6   Many seek the favor of a generous man,Or of a noble">2
        and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
    7   All a poor man's brothers hate him;
        how much more do his friends go far from him!
      He pursues them with words, but does not have them.The meaning of the Hebrew sentence is uncertain">3
    8   Whoever gets sense loves his own soul;
        he who keeps understanding will discover good.
    9   A false witness will not go unpunished,
        and he who breathes out lies will perish.
    10   It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury,
        much less for a slave to rule over princes.
    11   Good sense makes one slow to anger,
        and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
    12   A king's wrath is like the growling of a lion,
        but his favor is like dew on the grass.
    13   A foolish son is ruin to his father,
        and a wife's quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.
    14   House and wealth are inherited from fathers,
        but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
    15   Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep,
        and an idle person will suffer hunger.
    16   Whoever keeps the commandment keeps his life;
        he who despises his ways will die.
    17   Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD,
        and he will repay him for his deed.
    18   Discipline your son, for there is hope;
        do not set your heart on putting him to death.
    19   A man of great wrath will pay the penalty,
        for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.
    20   Listen to advice and accept instruction,
        that you may gain wisdom in the future.
    21   Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
        but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.
    22   What is desired in a man is steadfast love,
        and a poor man is better than a liar.
    23   The fear of the LORD leads to life,
        and whoever has it rests satisfied;
        he will not be visited by harm.
    24   The sluggard buries his hand in the dish
        and will not even bring it back to his mouth.
    25   Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
        reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
    26   He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother
        is a son who brings shame and reproach.
    27   Cease to hear instruction, my son,
        and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
    28   A worthless witness mocks at justice,
        and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.
    29   Condemnation is ready for scoffers,
        and beating for the backs of fools.
    20   Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler,
        and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.Or will not become wise">4
    2   The terror of a king is like the growling of a lion;
        whoever provokes him to anger forfeits his life.
    3   It is an honor for a man to keep aloof from strife,
        but every fool will be quarreling.
    4   The sluggard does not plow in the autumn;
        he will seek at harvest and have nothing.
    5   The purpose in a man's heart is like deep water,
        but a man of understanding will draw it out.
    6   Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love,
        but a faithful man who can find?
    7   The righteous who walks in his integrity—
        blessed are his children after him!
    8   A king who sits on the throne of judgment
        winnows all evil with his eyes.
    9   Who can say, “I have made my heart pure;
        I am clean from my sin”?
    10   UnequalOr Two kinds of; also verse 23">5 weights and unequal measures
        are both alike an abomination to the LORD.
    11   Even a child makes himself known by his acts,
        by whether his conduct is pure and upright.Or Even a child can dissemble in his actions, though his conduct seems pure and upright">6
    12   The hearing ear and the seeing eye,
        the LORD has made them both.
    13   Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty;
        open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.
    14   “Bad, bad,” says the buyer,
        but when he goes away, then he boasts.
    15   There is gold and abundance of costly stones,
        but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.
    16   Take a man's garment when he has put up security for a stranger,
        and hold it in pledge when he puts up security for foreigners.Or for an adulteress (compare 27:13)">7
    17   Bread gained by deceit is sweet to a man,
        but afterward his mouth will be full of gravel.
    18   Plans are established by counsel;
        by wise guidance wage war.
    19   Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets;
        therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.Hebrew with one who is simple in his lips">8
    20   If one curses his father or his mother,
        his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.
    21   An inheritance gained hastily in the beginning
        will not be blessed in the end.
    22   Do not say, “I will repay evil”;
        wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.
    23   Unequal weights are an abomination to the LORD,
        and false scales are not good.
    24   A man's steps are from the LORD;
        how then can man understand his way?
    25   It is a snare to say rashly, “It is holy,”
        and to reflect only after making vows.
    26   A wise king winnows the wicked
        and drives the wheel over them.
    27   The spiritHebrew breath">9 of man is the lamp of the LORD,
        searching all his innermost parts.
    28   Steadfast love and faithfulness preserve the king,
        and by steadfast love his throne is upheld.
    29   The glory of young men is their strength,
        but the splendor of old men is their gray hair.
    30   Blows that wound cleanse away evil;
        strokes make clean the innermost parts.

    Footnotes

    [1] 19:2 Or A soul


    [2] 19:6 Or of a noble

    [3] 19:7 The meaning of the Hebrew sentence is uncertain

    [4] 20:1 Or will not become wise

    [5] 20:10 Or Two kinds of; also verse 23

    [6] 20:11 Or Even a child can dissemble in his actions, though his conduct seems pure and upright

    [7] 20:16 Or for an adulteress (compare 27:13)

    [8] 20:19 Hebrew with one who is simple in his lips

    [9] 20:27 Hebrew breath

    (ESV)

    Psalm:
    Psalm 70
    Psalm 70 (Listen)
    O Lord, Do Not Delay
    To the choirmaster. Of David, for the memorial offering.

    70   Make haste, O God, to deliver me!
        O LORD, make haste to help me!
    2   Let them be put to shame and confusion
        who seek my life!
      Let them be turned back and brought to dishonor
        who delight in my hurt!
    3   Let them turn back because of their shame
        who say, “Aha, Aha!”
    4   May all who seek you
        rejoice and be glad in you!
      May those who love your salvation
        say evermore, “God is great!”
    5   But I am poor and needy;
        hasten to me, O God!
      You are my help and my deliverer;
        O LORD, do not delay!

    (ESV)

    New Testament:
    John 12
    John 12 (Listen)
    Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany

    12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a poundGreek litra; a litra (or Roman pound) was equal to about 11 1/2 ounces or 327 grams">1 of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denariiA denarius was a day's wage for a laborer">2 and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep itOr Leave her alone; she intended to keep it">3 for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.”

    The Plot to Kill Lazarus

    9 When the large crowd of the Jews learned that JesusGreek he">4 was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.

    The Triumphal Entry

    12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,

    15   “Fear not, daughter of Zion;
      behold, your king is coming,
        sitting on a donkey's colt!”

    16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. 17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. 18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”

    Some Greeks Seek Jesus

    20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

    The Son of Man Must Be Lifted Up

    27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.”

    The Unbelief of the People

    When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. 37 Though he had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him, 38 so that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

      “Lord, who has believed what he heard from us,
        and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

    39 Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said,

    40   “He has blinded their eyes
        and hardened their heart,
      lest they see with their eyes,
        and understand with their heart, and turn,
        and I would heal them.”

    41 Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him. 42 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

    Jesus Came to Save the World

    44 And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. 45 And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. 47 If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. 48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. 49 For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”

    Footnotes

    [1] 12:3 Greek litra; a litra (or Roman pound) was equal to about 11 1/2 ounces or 327 grams


    [2] 12:5 A denarius was a day's wage for a laborer

    [3] 12:7 Or Leave her alone; she intended to keep it

    [4] 12:9 Greek he

    (ESV)

    14 min

About Through the ESV Bible in a Year with Ray Ortlund

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Listen to the ESV Bible in 365 days with bestselling author Ray Ortlund. Each daily podcast includes one Old Testament reading, one New Testament reading, and one reading from the Psalms. Over the…

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