Romans 13:11-14;14:1-4 

[11] And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. [12] The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. [13] Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. [14] But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

[14:1] Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. [2] For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. [3] Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. [4] Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.

Matthew 6:14-21

[14] For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. [16] Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. [17] But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, [18] so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. [19] Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Isaiah 1:1-20 

[1] The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah. [2] Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the Lord has spoken: “I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me; [3] the ox knows its owner and the donkey its master’s crib; but Israel does not know, my people do not consider.” [4] Alas, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children who are corrupters! They have forsaken the Lord, they have provoked to anger the Holy One of Israel, they have turned away backward. [5] Why should you be stricken again? You will revolt more and more. The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faints. [6] From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but wounds and bruises and putrefying sores; they have not been closed or bound up, or soothed with ointment. [7] Your country is desolate, your cities are burned with fire; strangers devour your land in your presence; and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers. [8] So the daughter of Zion is left as a booth in a vineyard, as a hut in a garden of cucumbers, as a besieged city. [9] Unless the Lord of hosts had left to us a very small remnant, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been made like Gomorrah. [10] Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom; give ear to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah: [11] “To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?” says the Lord. “I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed cattle. I do not delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs or goats. [12] When you come to appear before Me, who has required this from your hand, to trample My courts? [13] Bring no more futile sacrifices; incense is an abomination to Me. The New Moons, the Sabbaths, and the calling of assemblies—I cannot endure iniquity and the sacred meeting. [14] Your New Moons and your appointed feasts My soul hates; they are a trouble to Me, I am weary of bearing them. [15] When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. [16] Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, [17] learn to do good; seek justice, rebuke the oppressor; defend the fatherless, plead for the widow. [18] Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. [19] If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; [20] but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword”; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.

Genesis 1:1-13

[1] In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. [2] The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. [3] Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. [4] And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. [5] God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. [6] Then God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” [7] Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. [8] And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day. [9] Then God said, “Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear”; and it was so. [10] And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good. [11] Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. [12] And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. [13] So the evening and the morning were the third day.

Proverbs 1:1-20

[1] The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: [2] To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, [3] to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; [4] to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion—[5] a wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, [6] to understand a proverb and an enigma, the words of the wise and their riddles. [7] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. [8] My son, hear the instruction of your father, [9] for they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck. [10] My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. [11] If they say, “Come with us, let us lie in wait to shed blood; let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; [12] let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down to the Pit; [13] we shall find all kinds of precious possessions, we shall fill our houses with spoil; [14] cast in your lot among us, let us all have one purse”—[15] my son, do not walk in the way with them, keep your foot from their path; [16] for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood. [17] Surely, in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird; [18] but they lie in wait for their own blood, they lurk secretly for their own lives. [19] So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; it takes away the life of its owners. [20] Wisdom calls aloud outside; she raises her voice in the open squares.

Isaiah 1:19-2:4

[19] If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; [20] but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword”; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. [21] How the faithful city has become a harlot! It was full of justice; righteousness lodged in it, but now murderers. [22] Your silver has become dross, your wine mixed with water. [23] Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves; everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, nor does the cause of the widow come before them. [24] Therefore the Lord says, the Lord of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel, “Ah, I will rid Myself of My adversaries, and take vengeance on My enemies. [25] I will turn My hand against you, and thoroughly purge away your dross, and take away all your alloy. [26] I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.” [27] Zion shall be redeemed with justice, and her penitents with righteousness. [28] The destruction of transgressors and of sinners shall be together, and those who forsake the Lord shall be consumed. [29] For they shall be ashamed of the terebinth trees which you have desired; and you shall be embarrassed because of the gardens which you have chosen. [30] For you shall be as a terebinth whose leaf fades, and as a garden that has no water. [31] The strong shall be as tinder, and the work of it as a spark; both will burn together, and no one shall quench them.

[2:1] The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. [2] Now it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it. [3] Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. [4] He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.

Genesis 1:14-23

[14] Then God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and years; [15] “and let them be for lights in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so. [16] Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. [17] God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light on the earth, [18] and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. [19] So the evening and the morning were the fourth day. [20] Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.” [21] So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves, with which the waters abounded, according to their kind, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. [22] And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth.” [23] So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.

Proverbs 1:20-33

[20] Wisdom calls aloud outside; she raises her voice in the open squares. [21] She cries out in the chief concourses, at the openings of the gates in the city she speaks her words: [22] “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge. [23] Turn at my rebuke; surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. [24] Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, [25] because you disdained all my counsel, and would have none of my rebuke, [26] I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, [27] when your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. [28] “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. [29] Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, [30] they would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke. [31] Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies. [32] For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; [33] but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.”

Isaiah 2:3-11

[3] Many people shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, and we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. [4] He shall judge between the nations, and rebuke many people; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. [5] O house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of the Lord. [6] For You have forsaken Your people, the house of Jacob, because they are filled with eastern ways; they are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they are pleased with the children of foreigners. [7] Their land is also full of silver and gold, and there is no end to their treasures; their land is also full of horses, and there is no end to their chariots. [8] Their land is also full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made. [9] People bow down, and each man humbles himself; therefore do not forgive them. [10] Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust, from the terror of the Lord and the glory of His majesty. [11] The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.

Genesis 1:24-2:3

[24] Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind”; and it was so. [25] And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. [26] Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” [27] So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. [28] Then God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” [29] And God said, “See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. [30] “Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”; and it was so. [31] Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

[2:1] Thus the heavens and the earth, and all the host of them, were finished. [2] And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. [3] Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made.

Proverbs 2:1-22

[1] My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, [2] so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; [3] yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, [4] if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; [5] then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. [6] For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; [7] he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk uprightly; [8] he guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. [9] Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path. [10] When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, [11] discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you, [12] to deliver you from the way of evil, from the man who speaks perverse things, [13] from those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness; [14] who rejoice in doing evil, and delight in the perversity of the wicked; [15] whose ways are crooked, and who are devious in their paths; [16] to deliver you from the immoral woman, from the seductress who flatters with her words, [17] who forsakes the companion of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God. [18] For her house leads down to death, and her paths to the dead; [19] none who go to her return, nor do they regain the paths of life—[20] so you may walk in the way of goodness, and keep to the paths of righteousness. [21] For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; [22] but the wicked will be cut off from the earth, and the unfaithful will be uprooted from it.

Hebrews 12:1-10

[1] Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, [2] looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. [4] You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. [5] And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; [6] for whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” [7] If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? [8] But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. [9] Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? [10] For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.

Matthew 20:1-16

[1] For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. [2] Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. [3] And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, [4] and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went. [5] Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. [6] And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ [7] They said to him, ‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’ [8] So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ [9] And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. [10] But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. [11] And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, [12] saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ [13] But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? [14] Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. [15] Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?’ [16] So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.’”

Isaiah 2:11-21

[11] The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. [12] For the day of the Lord of hosts shall come upon everything proud and lofty, upon everything lifted up—and it shall be brought low—[13] upon all the cedars of Lebanon that are high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan; [14] upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that are lifted up; [15] upon every high tower, and upon every fortified wall; [16] upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all the beautiful sloops. [17] The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; the Lord alone will be exalted in that day, [18] but the idols He shall utterly abolish. [19] They shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, from the terror of the Lord and the glory of His majesty, when He arises to shake the earth mightily. [20] In that day a man will cast away his idols of silver and his idols of gold, which they made, each for himself to worship, to the moles and bats, [21] to go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the crags of the rugged rocks, from the terror of the Lord and the glory of His majesty, when He arises to shake the earth mightily.

Genesis 2:4-19

[4] This is the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, [5] before any plant of the field was in the earth and before any herb of the field had grown. For the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no man to till the ground; [6] but a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground. [7] And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. [8] The Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. [9] And out of the ground the Lord God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. [10] Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four riverheads. [11] The name of the first is Pishon; it is the one which skirts the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. [12] And the gold of that land is good. Bdellium and the onyx stone are there. [13] The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one which goes around the whole land of Cush. [14] The name of the third river is Hiddekel; it is the one which goes toward the east of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates. [15] Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. [16] And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; [17] “but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” [18] And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” [19] Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name.

Proverbs 3:1-18

[1] My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; [2] for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you. [3] Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, [4] and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. [5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. [7] Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. [8] It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones. [9] Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase; [10] so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. [11] My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; [12] for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights. [13] Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; [14] for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. [15] She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. [16] Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor. [17] Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. [18] She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her.

Isaiah 3:1-15

[1] For behold, the Lord, the Lord of hosts, takes away from Jerusalem and from Judah the stock and the store, the whole supply of bread and the whole supply of water; [2] the mighty man and the man of war, the judge and the prophet, and the diviner and the elder; [3] the captain of fifty and the honorable man, the counselor and the skillful artisan, and the expert enchanter. [4] “I will give children to be their princes, and babes shall rule over them. [5] The people will be oppressed, every one by another and every one by his neighbor; the child will be insolent toward the elder, and the base toward the honorable.” [6] When a man takes hold of his brother in the house of his father, saying, “You have clothing; you be our ruler, and let these ruins be under your power,” [7] in that day he will protest, saying, “I cannot cure your ills, for in my house is neither food nor clothing; do not make me a ruler of the people.” [8] For Jerusalem stumbled, and Judah is fallen, because their tongue and their doings are against the Lord, to provoke the eyes of His glory. [9] The look on their countenance witnesses against them, and they declare their sin as Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to their soul! For they have brought evil upon themselves. [10] “Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them, for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. [11] Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him, for the reward of his hands shall be given him. [12] As for My people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O My people! Those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths.” [13] The Lord stands up to plead, and stands to judge the people. [14] The Lord will enter into judgment with the elders of His people and His princes: “For you have eaten up the vineyard; the plunder of the poor is in your houses. [15] What do you mean by crushing My people and grinding the faces of the poor?” says the Lord God of hosts.

Genesis 2:20-3:20

[20] So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him. [21] And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. [22] Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. [23] And Adam said: “This is now bone of my bones And flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, Because she was taken out of Man.” [24] Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. [25] And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. [3:1] Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” [2] And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; [3] “but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’” [4] Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. [5] “For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” [6] So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. [7] Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings. [8] And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. [9] Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” [10] So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.” [11] And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” [12] Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.” [13] And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” [14] So the Lord God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all cattle, and more than every beast of the field; on your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. [15] And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” [16] To the woman He said: “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in pain you shall bring forth children; your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” [17] Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. [18] Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you, and you shall eat the herb of the field. [19] In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground. For out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” [20] And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.

Proverbs 3:19-34

[19] The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding He established the heavens; [20] by His knowledge the depths were broken up, and clouds drop down the dew. [21] My son, let them not depart from your eyes – keep sound wisdom and discretion; [22] So they will be life to your soul and grace to your neck. [23] Then you will walk safely in your way, and your foot will not stumble. [24] When you lie down, you will not be afraid; yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. [25] Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes [26] For the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught. [27] Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. [28] Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it,” when you have it with you. [29] Do not devise evil against your neighbor, for he dwells by you for safety’s sake. [30] Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm. [31] Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways; [32] for the perverse person is an abomination to the Lord, but His secret counsel is with the upright. [33] The curse of the Lord is on the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the just. [34] Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble.

Hebrews 1:1-12

[1] God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, [2] has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; [3] who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, [4] having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. [5] For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You”? And again: “I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son”? [6] But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” [7] And of the angels He says: “Who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire.” [8] But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. [9] You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” [10] And: “You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. [11] They will perish, but You remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; [12] like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail.”

Mark 2:23-3:5

[23] Now it happened that He went through the grainfields on the Sabbath; and as they went His disciples began to pluck the heads of grain. [24] And the Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why do they do what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” [25] But He said to them, “Have you never read what David did when he was in need and hungry, he and those with him: [26] how he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the showbread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and also gave some to those who were with him?” [27] And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. [28] Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.” [3:1] And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. [2] So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. [3] And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.” [4] Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. [5] And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.

Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-12:2

[24] By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, [25] choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, [26] esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. [32] And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: [33] who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions [34] quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. [35] Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. [36] Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. [37] They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—[38] of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. [39] And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, [40] God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us. [12:1] Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, [2] looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

John 1:43-51

[43] The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.” [44] Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. [45] Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” [46] And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” [47] Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” [48] Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” [49] Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” [50] Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” [51] And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

Isaiah 4:2-5:7

[2] In that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious; and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing for those of Israel who have escaped. [3] And it shall come to pass that he who is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy—everyone who is recorded among the living in Jerusalem. [4] When the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and purged the blood of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning, [5] then the Lord will create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion, and above her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night. For over all the glory there will be a covering. [6] And there will be a tabernacle for shade in the daytime from the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and rain. [5:1] Now let me sing to my Well-beloved a song of my Beloved regarding His vineyard: My Well-beloved has a vineyard on a very fruitful hill. [2] He dug it up and cleared out its stones, and planted it with the choicest vine. He built a tower in its midst, and also made a winepress in it; so He expected it to bring forth good grapes, but it brought forth wild grapes. [3] “And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, Judge, please, between Me and My vineyard. [4] What more could have been done to My vineyard that I have not done in it? Why then, when I expected it to bring forth good grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes? [5] And now, please let Me tell you what I will do to My vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it shall be burned; and break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. [6] I will lay it waste; it shall not be pruned or dug, but there shall come up briers and thorns. I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain on it.” [7] For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are His pleasant plant. He looked for justice, but behold, oppression; for righteousness, but behold, a cry for help.

Genesis 3:21-4:7

[21] Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them. [22] Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”—[23] therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. [24] So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life. [4:1] Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have acquired a man from the Lord.” [2] Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. [3] And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. [4] Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, [5] but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. [6] So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? [7] If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”

Proverbs 3:34-4:22

[34] Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble. [35] The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the legacy of fools. [4:1] Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding; [2] For I give you good doctrine: do not forsake my law. [3] When I was my father’s son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, [4] he also taught me, and said to me: “Let your heart retain my words; keep my commands, and live. [5] Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. [6] Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you. [7] Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. [8] Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her. [9] She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you.” [10] Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many. [11] I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. [12] When you walk, your steps will not be hindered, and when you run, you will not stumble. [13] Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go; keep her, for she is your life. [14] Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. [15] Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn away from it and pass on. [16] For they do not sleep unless they have done evil; and their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall. [17] For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence. [18] But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. [19] The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble. [20] My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. [21] Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; [22] For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh.

Isaiah 5:7-16

[7] For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are His pleasant plant. He looked for justice, but behold, oppression; for righteousness, but behold, a cry for help. [8] Woe to those who join house to house; they add field to field, till there is no place where they may dwell alone in the midst of the land! [9] In my hearing the Lord of hosts said, “Truly, many houses shall be desolate, great and beautiful ones, without inhabitant. [10] For ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and a homer of seed shall yield one ephah.” [11] Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may follow intoxicating drink; who continue until night, till wine inflames them! [12] The harp and the strings, the tambourine and flute, and wine are in their feasts; but they do not regard the work of the Lord, nor consider the operation of His hands. [13] Therefore my people have gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge; their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. [14] Therefore Sheol has enlarged itself and opened its mouth beyond measure; their glory and their multitude and their pomp, and he who is jubilant, shall descend into it. [15] People shall be brought down, each man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the lofty shall be humbled. [16] But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God who is holy shall be hallowed in righteousness.

Genesis 4:8-15

[8] Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. [9] Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” [10] And He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground. [11] So now you are cursed from the earth, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. [12] When you till the ground, it shall no longer yield its strength to you. A fugitive and a vagabond you shall be on the earth.” [13] And Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear! [14] Surely You have driven me out this day from the face of the ground; I shall be hidden from Your face; I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond on the earth, and it will happen that anyone who finds me will kill me.” [15] And the Lord said to him, “Therefore, whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord set a mark on Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him.

Proverbs 5:1-15

[1] My son, pay attention to my wisdom; lend your ear to my understanding, [2] that you may preserve discretion, and your lips may keep knowledge. [3] For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; [4] but in the end she is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. [5] Her feet go down to death, her steps lay hold of hell. [6] Lest you ponder her path of life—her ways are unstable; you do not know them. [7] Therefore hear me now, my children, and do not depart from the words of my mouth. [8] Remove your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house, [9] lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one; [10] lest aliens be filled with your wealth, and your labors go to the house of a foreigner; [11] and you mourn at last, when your flesh and your body are consumed, [12] and say: “How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised correction!” [13] I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined my ear to those who instructed me! [14] I was on the verge of total ruin, in the midst of the assembly and congregation.” [15] Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well.

Isaiah 5:16-25

[16] But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God who is holy shall be hallowed in righteousness. [17] Then the lambs shall feed in their pasture, and in the waste places of the fat ones strangers shall eat. [18] Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as if with a cart rope; [19] that say, “Let Him make speed and hasten His work, that we may see it; and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come, that we may know it.” [20] Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! [21] Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! [22] Woe to men mighty at drinking wine, woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, [23] who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away justice from the righteous man! [24] Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble, and the flame consumes the chaff, so their root will be as rottenness, and their blossom will ascend like dust; because they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. [25] Therefore the anger of the Lord is aroused against His people; He has stretched out His hand against them and stricken them, and the hills trembled. Their carcasses were as refuse in the midst of the streets. For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still.

Genesis 4:16-26

[16] Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the land of Nod on the east of Eden. [17] And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. And he built a city, and called the name of the city after the name of his son—Enoch. [18] To Enoch was born Irad; and Irad begot Mehujael, and Mehujael begot Methushael, and Methushael begot Lamech. [19] Then Lamech took for himself two wives: the name of one was Adah, and the name of the second was Zillah. [20] And Adah bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. [21] His brother’s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute. [22] And as for Zillah, she also bore Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-Cain was Naamah. [23] Then Lamech said to his wives: “Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; wives of Lamech, listen to my speech! For I have killed a man for wounding me, even a young man for hurting me. [24] If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.” [25] And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, “For God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed.” [26] And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on the name of the Lord.

Proverbs 5:15-6:3

[15] Drink water from your own cistern, and running water from your own well. [16] Should your fountains be dispersed abroad, streams of water in the streets? [17] Let them be only your own, and not for strangers with you. [18] Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth. [19] As a loving deer and a graceful doe, let her breasts satisfy you at all times; and always be enraptured with her love. [20] For why should you, my son, be enraptured by an immoral woman, and be embraced in the arms of a seductress? [21] For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his paths. [22] His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin. [23] He shall die for lack of instruction, and in the greatness of his folly he shall go astray. [6:1] My son, if you become surety for your friend, if you have shaken hands in pledge for a stranger, [2] you are snared by the words of your mouth; you are taken by the words of your mouth. [3] So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; for you have come into the hand of your friend: go and humble yourself; plead with your friend.

Isaiah 6:1-12

[1] In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. [2] Above it stood seraphim; each one had six wings: with two he covered his face, with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. [3] And one cried to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” [4] And the posts of the door were shaken by the voice of him who cried out, and the house was filled with smoke. [5] So I said: “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.” [6] Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. [7] And he touched my mouth with it, and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged.” [8] Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.” [9] And He said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’ [10] Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and return and be healed.” [11] Then I said, “Lord, how long?” And He answered: “Until the cities are laid waste and without inhabitant, the houses are without a man, the land is utterly desolate, [12] The Lord has removed men far away, and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land."

Genesis 5:1-24

[1] This is the book of the genealogy of Adam. In the day that God created man, He made him in the likeness of God. [2] He created them male and female, and blessed them and called them Mankind in the day they were created. [3] And Adam lived one hundred and thirty years, and begot a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. [4] After he begot Seth, the days of Adam were eight hundred years; and he had sons and daughters. [5] So all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years; and he died. [6] Seth lived one hundred and five years, and begot Enosh. [7] After he begot Enosh, Seth lived eight hundred and seven years, and had sons and daughters. [8] So all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years; and he died. [9] Enosh lived ninety years, and begot Cainan. [10] After he begot Cainan, Enosh lived eight hundred and fifteen years, and had sons and daughters. [11] So all the days of Enosh were nine hundred and five years; and he died. [12] Cainan lived seventy years, and begot Mahalalel. [13] After he begot Mahalalel, Cainan lived eight hundred and forty years, and had sons and daughters. [14] So all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years; and he died. [15] Mahalalel lived sixty-five years, and begot Jared. [16] After he begot Jared, Mahalalel lived eight hundred and thirty years, and had sons and daughters. [17] So all the days of Mahalalel were eight hundred and ninety-five years; and he died. [18] Jared lived one hundred and sixty-two years, and begot Enoch. [19] After he begot Enoch, Jared lived eight hundred years, and had sons and daughters. [20] So all the days of Jared were nine hundred and sixty-two years; and he died. [21] Enoch lived sixty-five years, and begot Methuselah. [22] After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. [23] So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. [24] And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.

Proverbs 6:3-20

[3] So do this, my son, and deliver yourself; for you have come into the hand of your friend: go and humble yourself; plead with your friend. [4] Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids. [5] Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, and like a bird from the hand of the fowler. [6] Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, [7] which, having no captain, overseer or ruler, [8] provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest. [9] How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? [10] A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep—[11] so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, and your need like an armed man. [12] A worthless person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth; [13] he winks with his eyes, he shuffles his feet, he points with his fingers; [14] perversity is in his heart, he devises evil continually, he sows discord. [15] Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; suddenly he shall be broken without remedy. [16] These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: [17] A proud look, a lying tongue, [18] a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, [19] a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. [20] My son, keep your father’s command, and do not forsake the law of your mother. 

Isaiah 7:1-15

[1] Now it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up to Jerusalem to make war against it, but could not prevail against it. [2] And it was told to the house of David, saying, “Syria’s forces are deployed in Ephraim.” So his heart and the heart of his people were moved as the trees of the woods are moved with the wind. [3] Then the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out now to meet Ahaz, you and Shear-Jashub your son, at the end of the aqueduct from the upper pool, on the highway to the Fuller’s Field, [4] and say to him: Take heed, and be quiet; do not fear or be fainthearted for these two stubs of smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and the son of Remaliah. [5] Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah have plotted evil against you, saying, [6] “Let us go up against Judah and trouble it, and let us make a gap in its wall for ourselves, and set a king over them, the son of Tabel"—[7] thus says the Lord God: “It shall not stand, nor shall it come to pass. [8] For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin. Within sixty-five years Ephraim will be broken, so that it will not be a people. [9] The head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah’s son. If you will not believe, surely you shall not be established.'"" [10] Moreover the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying, [11] “Ask a sign for yourself from the Lord your God; ask it either in the depth or in the height above.” [12] But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I test the Lord!” [13] Then he said, “Hear now, O house of David! Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you weary my God also? [14] Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. [15] Curds and honey He shall eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good."

Genesis 5:32-6:8

[32] And Noah was five hundred years old, and Noah begot Shem, Ham, and Japheth. [6:1] Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, [2] that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose. [3] And the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.” [4] There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown. [5] Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. [6] And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. [7] So the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, creeping thing and birds of the air, for I am sorry that I have made them.” [8] But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.

Proverbs 6:20-7:1

[20] My son, keep your father’s command, and do not forsake the law of your mother. [21] bind them continually upon your heart; tie them around your neck. [22] When you roam, they will lead you; when you sleep, they will keep you; and when you awake, they will speak with you. [23] For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life, [24] to keep you from the evil woman, from the flattering tongue of a seductress. [25] Do not lust after her beauty in your heart, nor let her allure you with her eyelids. [26] For by means of a harlot a man is reduced to a crust of bread; and an adulteress will prey upon his precious life. [27] Can a man take fire to his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? [28] Can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be seared? [29] So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent. [30] People do not despise a thief if he steals to satisfy himself when he is starving. [31] Yet when he is found, he must restore sevenfold; he may have to give up all the substance of his house. [32] Whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does so destroys his own soul. [33] Wounds and dishonor he will get, and his reproach will not be wiped away. [34] For jealousy is a husband’s fury; therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. [35] He will accept no recompense, nor will he be appeased though you give many gifts. [7:1] My son, keep my words, and treasure my commands within you.

Hebrews 3:12-16

[12] Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; [13] but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. [14] For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, [15] while it is said: “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” [16] For who, having heard, rebelled? Indeed, was it not all who came out of Egypt, led by Moses?

Mark 1:35-44

[35] Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. [36] And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. [37] When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.” [38] But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.” [39] And He was preaching in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and casting out demons. [40] Now a leper came to Him, imploring Him, kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” [41] Then Jesus, moved with compassion, stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” [42] As soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed. [43] And He strictly warned him and sent him away at once, [44] and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things which Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

Hebrews 1:10-2:3

[10] And: “You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. [11] They will perish, but You remain; and they will all grow old like a garment; [12] like a cloak You will fold them up, and they will be changed. But You are the same, and Your years will not fail.” [13] But to which of the angels has He ever said: “Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool”? [14] Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? [2:1] Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. [2] For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, [3] how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.

Mark 2:1-12

[1] And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house. [2] Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them. [3] Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. [4] And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. [5] When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” [6] And some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, [7] “Why does this Man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” [8] But immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they reasoned thus within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason about these things in your hearts? [9] Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed and walk’? [10] But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—He said to the paralytic, [11] “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” [12] Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

Isaiah 8:13-9:7

[13] The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow; let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. [14] He will be as a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, as a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. [15] And many among them shall stumble; they shall fall and be broken, be snared and taken. [16] Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. [17] And I will wait on the Lord, Who hides His face from the house of Jacob; and I will hope in Him. [18] Here am I and the children whom the Lord has given me! We are for signs and wonders in Israel from the Lord of Hosts, Who dwells in Mount Zion. [19] And when they say to you, “Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,” should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? [20] To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. [21] They will pass through it hard-pressed and hungry; and it shall happen, when they are hungry, that they will be enraged and curse their king and their God, and look upward. [22] Then they will look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and they will be driven into darkness. [9:1] Nevertheless the gloom will not be upon her who is distressed, as when at first He lightly esteemed the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward more heavily oppressed her, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the Gentiles. [2] The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined. [3] You have multiplied the nation and increased its joy; they rejoice before You according to the joy of harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil. [4] For You have broken the yoke of his burden and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. [5] For every warrior’s sandal from the noisy battle, and garments rolled in blood, will be used for burning and fuel of fire. [6] For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His Name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Genesis 6:9-22

[9] This is the genealogy of Noah. Noah was a just man, perfect in his generations. Noah walked with God. [10] And Noah begot three sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. [11] The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. [12] So God looked upon the earth, and indeed it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. [13] And God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth. [14] Make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and outside with pitch. [15] And this is how you shall make it: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. [16] You shall make a window for the ark, and you shall finish it to a cubit from above; and set the door of the ark in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks. [17] And behold, I Myself am bringing floodwaters on the earth, to destroy from under heaven all flesh in which is the breath of life; everything that is on the earth shall die. [18] But I will establish My covenant with you; and you shall go into the ark – you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. [19] And of every living thing of all flesh you shall bring two of every sort into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. [20] Of the birds after their kind, of animals after their kind, and of every creeping thing of the earth after its kind, two of every kind will come to you to keep them alive. [21] And you shall take for yourself of all food that is eaten, and you shall gather it to yourself; and it shall be food for you and for them.” [22] Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.

Proverbs 8:1-21

[1] Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? [2] She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet. [3] She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors: [4] “To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. [5] O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart. [6] Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things; [7] for my mouth will speak truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. [8] All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; nothing crooked or perverse is in them. [9] They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge. [10] Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; [11] for wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her. [12] I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion. [13] The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; pride and arrogance and the evil way and the perverse mouth I hate. [14] Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. [15] By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice. [16] By me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth. [17] I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me. [18] Riches and honor are with me, enduring riches and righteousness. [19] My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, and my revenue than choice silver. [20] I traverse the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice, [21] that I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries."

Isaiah 9:9-10:4

[9] All the people will know—Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria—who say in pride and arrogance of heart: [10] “The bricks have fallen down, but we will rebuild with hewn stones; the sycamores are cut down, but we will replace them with cedars.” [11] Therefore the Lord shall set up the adversaries of Rezin against him, and spur his enemies on, [12] the Syrians before and the Philistines behind; and they shall devour Israel with an open mouth. For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still. [13] For the people do not turn to Him who strikes them, nor do they seek the Lord of hosts. [14] Therefore the Lord will cut off head and tail from Israel, palm branch and bulrush in one day. [15] The elder and honorable, he is the head; the prophet who teaches lies, he is the tail. [16] For the leaders of this people cause them to err, and those who are led by them are destroyed. [17] Therefore the Lord will have no joy in their young men, nor have mercy on their fatherless and widows; for everyone is a hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly. For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still. [18] For wickedness burns as the fire; it shall devour the briers and thorns, and kindle in the thickets of the forest; they shall mount up like rising smoke. [19] Through the wrath of the Lord of hosts the land is burned up, and the people shall be as fuel for the fire; no man shall spare his brother. [20] And he shall snatch on the right hand and be hungry; he shall devour on the left hand and not be satisfied; every man shall eat the flesh of his own arm. [21] Manasseh shall devour Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh; together they shall be against Judah. For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still. [10:1] “Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, who write misfortune, which they have prescribed [2] to rob the needy of justice, and to take what is right from the poor of My people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless. [3] What will you do in the day of punishment, and in the desolation which will come from afar? To whom will you flee for help? And where will you leave your glory? [4] Without Me they shall bow down among the prisoners, and they shall fall among the slain.” For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is stretched out still.

Genesis 7:1-15

[1] Then the Lord said to Noah, “Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation. [2] You shall take with you seven each of every clean animal, a male and his female; two each of animals that are unclean, a male and his female; [3] also seven each of birds of the air, male and female, to keep the species alive on the face of all the earth. [4] For after seven more days I will cause it to rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and I will destroy from the face of the earth all living things that I have made.” [5] And Noah did according to all that the Lord commanded him. [6] Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters were on the earth. [7] So Noah, with his sons, his wife, and his sons’ wives, went into the ark because of the waters of the flood. [8] Of clean animals, of animals that are unclean, of birds, and of everything that creeps on the earth, [9] two by two they went into the ark to Noah, male and female, as God had commanded Noah. [10] And it came to pass after seven days that the waters of the flood were on the earth. [11] In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. [12] And the rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights. [13] On the very same day Noah and Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark—[14] they and every beast after its kind, all cattle after their kind, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, every bird of every sort. [15] And they went into the ark to Noah, two by two, of all flesh in which is the breath of life.

Proverbs 8:32-9:11

[32] “Now therefore, listen to me, my children, for blessed are those who keep my ways. [33] Hear instruction and be wise, and do not disdain it. [34] Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. [35] For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord; [36] but he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.” [9:1] Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars; [2] she has slaughtered her meat, she has mixed her wine, she has also furnished her table. [3] She has sent out her maidens, she cries out from the highest places of the city, [4] “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, [5] “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I have mixed. [6] Forsake foolishness and live, and go in the way of understanding. [7] He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. [8] Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; [9] give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. [10] The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. [11] For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.”

Isaiah 10:12-20

[12] Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Lord has performed all His work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, that He will say, “I will punish the fruit of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his haughty looks.” [13] For he says: “By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I am prudent; also I have removed the boundaries of the people, and have robbed their treasuries; so I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man. [14] My hand has found like a nest the riches of the people, and as one gathers eggs that are left, I have gathered all the earth; and there was no one who moved his wing, nor opened his mouth with even a peep.” [15] Shall the ax boast itself against him who chops with it? Or shall the saw exalt itself against him who saws with it? As if a rod could wield itself against those who lift it up, or as if a staff could lift up, as if it were not wood! [16] Therefore the Lord, the Lord of hosts, will send leanness among his fat ones; and under his glory He will kindle a burning like the burning of a fire. [17] So the Light of Israel will be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame; it will burn and devour His thorns and his briers in one day. [18] And it will consume the glory of his forest and of his fruitful field, both soul and body; and they will be as when a sick man wastes away. [19] Then the rest of the trees of his forest will be so few in number that at child may write them. [20] And it shall come to pass in that day that the remnant of Israel, and such as have escaped of the house of Jacob, will never again depend on him who defeated them, but will depend on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.

Genesis 7:6-9

[6] Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters were on the earth. [7] So Noah, with his sons, his wife, and his sons’ wives, went into the ark because of the waters of the flood. [8] Of clean animals, of animals that are unclean, of birds, and of everything that creeps on the earth, [9] two by two they went into the ark to Noah, male and female, as God had commanded Noah.

Proverbs 9:12-18

[12] If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you will bear it alone.” [13] A foolish woman is clamorous; she is simple, and knows nothing. [14] For she sits at the door of her house, on a seat by the highest places of the city, [15] to call to those who pass by, who go straight on their way: [16] “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here”; and as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, [17] “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” [18] But he does not know that the dead are there, that her guests are in the depths of hell.

Isaiah 11:10-12:2

[10] “And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious.” [11] It shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people who are left, from Assyria and Egypt, from Pathros and Cush, from Elam and Shinar, from Hamath and the islands of the sea. [12] He will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. [13] Also the envy of Ephraim shall depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off; Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not harass Ephraim. [14] But they shall fly down upon the shoulder of the Philistines toward the west; together they shall plunder the people of the East; they shall lay their hand on Edom and Moab; and the people of Ammon shall obey them. [15] The Lord will utterly destroy the tongue of the Sea of Egypt; with His mighty wind He will shake His fist over the River, and strike it in the seven streams, and make men cross over dry-shod. [16] There will be a highway for the remnant of His people who will be left from Assyria, as it was for Israel in the day that he came up from the land of Egypt. [12:1] And in that day you will say: “O Lord, I will praise You; though You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me. [2] Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; ‘For Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my salvation.’”

Genesis 7:11-8:3

[11] In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, on that day all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. [12] And the rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights. [13] On the very same day Noah and Noah’s sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and Noah’s wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark—[14] they and every beast after its kind, all cattle after their kind, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, every bird of every sort. [15] And they went into the ark to Noah, two by two, of all flesh in which is the breath of life. [16] So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the Lord shut him in. [17] Now the flood was on the earth forty days. The waters increased and lifted up the ark, and it rose high above the earth. [18] The waters prevailed and greatly increased on the earth, and the ark moved about on the surface of the waters. [19] And the waters prevailed exceedingly on the earth, and all the high hills under the whole heaven were covered. [20] The waters prevailed fifteen cubits upward, and the mountains were covered. [21] And all flesh died that moved on the earth: birds and cattle and beasts and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, and every man. [22] All in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, all that was on the dry land, died. [23] So He destroyed all living things which were on the face of the ground: both man and cattle, creeping thing and bird of the air. They were destroyed from the earth. Only Noah and those who were with him in the ark remained alive. [24] And the waters prevailed on the earth one hundred and fifty days. [8:1] Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided. [2] The fountains of the deep and the windows of heaven were also stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained. [3] And the waters receded continually from the earth. At the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters decreased.

Proverbs 10:1-22

[1] The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the grief of his mother. [2] Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death. [3] The Lord will not allow the righteous soul to famish, but He casts away the desire of the wicked. [4] He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. [5] He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. [6] Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. [7] The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot. [8] The wise in heart will receive commands, but a prating fool will fall. [9] He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known. [10] He who winks with the eye causes trouble, but a prating fool will fall. [11] The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. [12] Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins. [13] Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding. [14] Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. [15] The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the destruction of the poor is their poverty. [16] The labor of the righteous leads to life, the wages of the wicked to sin. [17] He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray. [18] Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. [19] In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. [20] The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is worth little. [21] The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom. [22] The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.

Isaiah 13:2-13

[2] “Lift up a banner on the high mountain, raise your voice to them; wave your hand, that they may enter the gates of the nobles. [3] I have commanded My sanctified ones; I have also called My mighty ones for My anger—those who rejoice in My exaltation.” [4] The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like that of many people! A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together! The Lord of hosts musters the army for battle. [5] They come from a far country, from the end of heaven—the Lord and His weapons of indignation, to destroy the whole land. [6] Wail, for the day of the Lord is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty. [7] Therefore all hands will be limp, every man’s heart will melt, [8] And they will be afraid. Pangs and sorrows will take hold of them; they will be in pain as a woman in childbirth; they will be amazed at one another; their faces will be like flames. [9] Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate; and He will destroy its sinners from it. [10] For the stars of heaven and their constellations will not give their light; the sun will be darkened in its going forth, and the moon will not cause its light to shine. [11] “I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will halt the arrogance of the proud, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. [12] I will make a mortal more rare than fine gold, a man more than the golden wedge of Ophir. [13] Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth will move out of her place, in the wrath of the Lord of hosts and in the day of His fierce anger."

Genesis 8:4-21

[4] Then the ark rested in the seventh month, the seventeenth day of the month, on the mountains of Ararat. [5] And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month. In the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were seen. [6] So it came to pass, at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made. [7] Then he sent out a raven, which kept going to and fro until the waters had dried up from the earth. [8] He also sent out from himself a dove, to see if the waters had receded from the face of the ground. [9] But the dove found no resting place for the sole of her foot, and she returned into the ark to him, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth. So he put out his hand and took her, and drew her into the ark to himself. [10] And he waited yet another seven days, and again he sent the dove out from the ark. [11] Then the dove came to him in the evening, and behold, a freshly plucked olive leaf was in her mouth; and Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth. [12] So he waited yet another seven days and sent out the dove, which did not return again to him anymore. [13] And it came to pass in the six hundred and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, that the waters were dried up from the earth; and Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked, and indeed the surface of the ground was dry. [14] And in the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dried. [15] Then God spoke to Noah, saying, [16] “Go out of the ark, you and your wife, and your sons and your sons’ wives with you. [17] Bring out with you every living thing of all flesh that is with you: birds and cattle and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, so that they may abound on the earth, and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.” [18] So Noah went out, and his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives with him. [19] Every animal, every creeping thing, every bird, and whatever creeps on the earth, according to their families, went out of the ark. [20] Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. [21] And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma. Then the Lord said in His heart, “I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done."

Proverbs 10:31-11:12

[31] The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut out. [32] The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked what is perverse. [1] Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight. [2] When pride comes, then comes shame; but with the humble is wisdom. [3] The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them. [4] Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. [5] The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, but the wicked will fall by his own wickedness. [6] The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, but the unfaithful will be caught by their lust. [7] When a wicked man dies, his expectation will perish, and the hope of the unjust perishes. [8] The righteous is delivered from trouble, and it comes to the wicked instead. [9] The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous will be delivered. [10] When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; and when the wicked perish, there is jubilation. [11] By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. [12] He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace.

Hebrews 2:11-18

[11] For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, [12] saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” [13] And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” And again: “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.” [14] Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, [15] and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. [16] For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. [17] Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. [18] For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.

Luke 1:24-38

[24] Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, [25] Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people. [26] Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, [27] to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. [28] And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!” [29] But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. [30] Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. [31] And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. [32] He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. [33] And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.” [34] Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” [35] And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. [36] Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. [37] For with God nothing will be impossible.” [38] Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Hebrews 10:32-38

[32] But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: [33] partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; [34] for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. [35] Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. [36] For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: [37] “For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. [38] Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”

Mark 2:14-17

[14] As He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” So he arose and followed Him. [15] Now it happened, as He was dining in Levi’s house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples; for there were many, and they followed Him. [16] And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” [17] When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Hebrews 4:14-5:6

[14] Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. [15] For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. [5:1] For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. [2] He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. [3] Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins. [4] And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was. [5] So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” [6] As He also says in another place: “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

Mark 8:34-9:1

[34] When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. [35] For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. [36] For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? [37] Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? [38] For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” [9:1] And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.”

Isaiah 14:24-32

[24] The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying, “Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, and as I have purposed, so it shall stand: [25] That I will break the Assyrian in My land, and on My mountains tread him underfoot. Then his yoke shall be removed from them, and his burden removed from their shoulders. [26] This is the purpose that is purposed against the whole earth, and this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations. [27] For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?” [28] This is the burden which came in the year that King Ahaz died. [29] “Do not rejoice, all you of Philistia, because the rod that struck you is broken; for out of the serpent’s roots will come forth a viper, and its offspring will be a fiery flying serpent. [30] The firstborn of the poor will feed, and the needy will lie down in safety; I will kill your roots with famine, and it will slay your remnant. [31] Wail, O gate! Cry, O city! All you of Philistia are dissolved; for smoke will come from the north, and no one will be alone in his appointed times.” [32] What will they answer the messengers of the nation? That the Lord has founded Zion, and the poor of His people shall take refuge in it.

Genesis 8:21-9:7

[21] And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma. Then the Lord said in His heart, “I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done. [22] While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease.” [9:1] So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth. [2] “And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand. [3] Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs. [4] But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. [5] Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning; from the hand of every beast I will require it, and from the hand of man. From the hand of every man’s brother I will require the life of man. [6] Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man. [7] And as for you, be fruitful and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth and multiply in it.”

Proverbs 11:19-12:6

[19] As righteousness leads to life, so he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death. [20] Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord, but the blameless in their ways are His delight. [21] Though they join forces, the wicked will not go unpunished; but the posterity of the righteous will be delivered. [22] As a ring of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a lovely woman who lacks discretion. [23] The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. [24] There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. [25] The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself. [26] The people will curse him who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. [27] He who earnestly seeks good finds favor, but trouble will come to him who seeks evil. [28] He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage. [29] He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. [30] The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. [31] If the righteous will be recompensed on the earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner. [12:1] Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. [2] A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemn. [3] A man is not established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous cannot be moved. [4] An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. [5] The thoughts of the righteous are right, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful. [6] The words of the wicked are, “Lie in wait for blood,” but the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

Isaiah 25:1-9

[1] O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. [2] For You have made a city a ruin, a fortified city a ruin, a palace of foreigners to be a city no more; it will never be rebuilt. [3] Therefore the strong people will glorify You; the city of the terrible nations will fear You. [4] For You have been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat; for the blast of the terrible ones is as a storm against the wall. [5] You will reduce the noise of aliens, as heat in a dry place; as heat in the shadow of a cloud, the song of the terrible ones will be diminished. [6] And in this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all people a feast of choice pieces, a feast of wines on the lees, of fat things full of marrow, of well-refined wines on the lees. [7] And He will destroy on this mountain the surface of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations. [8] He will swallow up death forever, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; the rebuke of His people He will take away from all the earth; for the Lord has spoken. [9] And it will be said in that day: “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for Him; we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.”

Genesis 9:8-17

[8] Then God spoke to Noah and to his sons with him, saying: [9] “And as for Me, behold, I establish My covenant with you and with your descendants after you, [10] and with every living creature that is with you: the birds, the cattle, and every beast of the earth with you, of all that go out of the ark, every beast of the earth. [11] Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.” [12] And God said: “This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: [13] I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. [14] It shall be, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow shall be seen in the cloud; [15] and I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh. [16] The rainbow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it to remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” [17] And God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant which I have established between Me and all flesh that is on the earth.”

Proverbs 12:8-22

[8] A man will be commended according to his wisdom, but he who is of a perverse heart will be despised. [9] Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant, than he who honors himself but lacks bread. [10] A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. [11] He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding. [12] The wicked covet the catch of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit. [13] The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous will come through trouble. [14] A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the recompense of a man’s hands will be rendered to him. [15] The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise. [16] A fool’s wrath is known at once, but a prudent man covers shame. [17] He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit. [18] There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health. [19] The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. [20] Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy. [21] No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil. [22] Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.

Isaiah 26:21-27:9

[21] For behold, the Lord comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity; the earth will also disclose her blood, and will no more cover her slain. [27:1] In that day the Lord with His severe sword, great and strong, will punish Leviathan the fleeing serpent, Leviathan that twisted serpent; and He will slay the reptile that is in the sea. [2] In that day sing to her, “A vineyard of red wine! [3] I, the Lord, keep it, I water it every moment; lest any hurt it, I keep it night and day. [4] Fury is not in Me. Who would set briers and thorns against Me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together. [5] Or let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me; and he shall make peace with Me.” [6] Those who come He shall cause to take root in Jacob; Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit. [7] Has He struck Israel as He struck those who struck him? Or has He been slain according to the slaughter of those who were slain by Him? [8] In measure, by sending it away, you contended with it. He removes it by His rough wind in the day of the east wind. [9] Therefore by this the iniquity of Jacob will be covered; and this is all the fruit of taking away his sin: when he makes all the stones of the altar like chalkstones that are beaten to dust, wooden images and incense altars shall not stand.

Genesis 9:18-10:1

[18] Now the sons of Noah who went out of the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. And Ham was the father of Canaan. [19] These three were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated. [20] And Noah began to be a farmer, and he planted a vineyard. [21] Then he drank of the wine and was drunk, and became uncovered in his tent. [22] And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside. [23] But Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and went backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned away, and they did not see their father’s nakedness. [24] So Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done to him. [25] Then he said: “Cursed be Canaan; A servant of servants He shall be to his brethren.” [26] And he said: “Blessed be the Lord, The God of Shem, And may Canaan be his servant. [27] May God enlarge Japheth, And may he dwell in the tents of Shem; And may Canaan be his servant.” [28] And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years. [29] So all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years; and he died. [10:1] Now this is the genealogy of the sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. And sons were born to them after the flood.

Proverbs 12:23-13:9

[23] A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness. [24] The hand of the diligent will rule, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor. [25] Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. [26] The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray. [27] The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, but diligence is man’s precious possession. [28] In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death. [13:1] A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. [2] A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth, but the soul of the unfaithful feeds on violence. [3] He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction. [4] The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich. [5] A righteous man hates lying, but a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame. [6] Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. [7] There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches. [8] The ransom of a man’s life is his riches, but the poor does not hear rebuke. [9] The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked shall be extinguished.

Isaiah 28:14-22

[14] Therefore hear the word of the Lord, you scornful men, who rule this people who are in Jerusalem, [15] because you have said, “We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we are in agreement. When the overflowing scourge passes through, it will not come to us, for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood we have hidden ourselves.” [16] Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily. [17] Also I will make justice the measuring line, and righteousness the plummet; the hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters will overflow the hiding place. [18] Your covenant with death will be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol will not stand; when the overflowing scourge passes through, then you will be trampled down by it. [19] As often as it goes out it will take you; for morning by morning it will pass over, and by day and by night; it will be a terror just to understand the report.” [20] For the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the covering so narrow that one cannot wrap himself in it. [21] For the Lord will rise up as at Mount Perazim, He will be angry as in the Valley of Gibeon—that He may do His work, His awesome work, and bring to pass His act, His unusual act. [22] Now therefore, do not be mockers, lest your bonds be made strong; for I have heard from the Lord God of hosts, a destruction determined even upon the whole earth.

Genesis 10:32-11:9

[32] These were the families of the sons of Noah, according to their generations, in their nations; and from these the nations were divided on the earth after the flood. [11:1] Now the whole earth had one language and one speech. [2] And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelt there. [3] Then they said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar. [4] And they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.” [5] But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built. [6] And the Lord said, “Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. [7] “Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” [8] So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city. [9] Therefore its name is called Babel, because there the Lord confused the language of all the earth; and from there the Lord scattered them abroad over the face of all the earth.

Proverbs 13:19-14:6

[19] A desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, but it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil. [20] He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. [21] Evil pursues sinners, but to the righteous, good shall be repaid. [22] A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. [23] Much food is in the fallow ground of the poor, and for lack of justice there is waste. [24] He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly. [25] The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul, but the stomach of the wicked shall be in want. [14:1] The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands. [2] He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is perverse in his ways despises Him. [3] In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, but the lips of the wise will preserve them. [4] Where no oxen are, the trough is clean; but much increase comes by the strength of an ox. [5] A faithful witness does not lie, but a false witness will utter lies. [6] A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge is easy to him who understands.

Isaiah 29:13-23

[13] Therefore the Lord said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men, [14] therefore, behold, I will again do a marvelous work among this people, a marvelous work and a wonder; for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hidden.” [15] Woe to those who seek deep to hide their counsel far from the Lord, and their works are in the dark; they say, “Who sees us?” and, “Who knows us?” [16] Surely you have things turned around! Shall the potter be esteemed as the clay; for shall the thing made say of him who made it, “He did not make me”? Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He has no understanding”? [17] Is it not yet a very little while till Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field be esteemed as a forest? [18] In that day the deaf shall hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness. [19] The humble also shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. [20] For the terrible one is brought to nothing, the scornful one is consumed, and all who watch for iniquity are cut off—[21] who make a man an offender by a word, and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate, and turn aside the just by empty words. [22] Therefore thus says the Lord, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: “Jacob shall not now be ashamed, nor shall his face now grow pale; [23] but when he sees his children, the work of My hands, in his midst, they will hallow My name, and hallow the Holy One of Jacob, and fear the God of Israel.

Genesis 12:1-7

[1] Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. [2] I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. [3] I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” [4] So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. [5] Then Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people whom they had acquired in Haran, and they departed to go to the land of Canaan. So they came to the land of Canaan. [6] Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, as far as the terebinth tree of Moreh. And the Canaanites were then in the land. [7] Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” And there he built an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him.

Proverbs 14:15-26

[15] The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps. [16] A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident. [17] A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, and a man of wicked intentions is hated. [18] The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. [19] The evil will bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. [20] The poor man is hated even by his own neighbor, but the rich has many friends. [21] He who despises his neighbor sins; but he who has mercy on the poor, happy is he. [22] Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth belong to those who devise good. [23] In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty. [24] The crown of the wise is their riches, but the foolishness of fools is folly. [25] A true witness delivers souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies. [26] In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, and His children will have a place of refuge.

Hebrews 6:9-12

[9] But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner. [10] For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. [11] And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, [12] that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Mark 7:31-37

[31] Again, departing from the region of Tyre and Sidon, He came through the midst of the region of Decapolis to the Sea of Galilee. [32] Then they brought to Him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, and they begged Him to put His hand on him. [33] And He took him aside from the multitude, and put His fingers in his ears, and He spat and touched his tongue. [34] Then, looking up to heaven, He sighed, and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” [35] Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly. [36] Then He commanded them that they should tell no one; but the more He commanded them, the more widely they proclaimed it. [37] And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”

Hebrews 6:13-20

[13] For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, [14] saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” [15] And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. [16] For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. [17] Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, [18] that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us. [19] This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, [20] where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Mark 9:17-31

[17] Then one of the crowd answered and said, “Teacher, I brought You my son, who has a mute spirit. [18] And wherever it seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, but they could not.” [19] He answered him and said, “O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him to Me.” [20] Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. [21] So He asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. [22] And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” [23] Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” [24] Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” [25] When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it: “Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!” [26] Then the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and came out of him. And he became as one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” [27] But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. [28] And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” [29] So He said to them, “This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.” [30] Then they departed from there and passed through Galilee, and He did not want anyone to know it. [31] For He taught His disciples and said to them, “The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And after He is killed, He will rise the third day.”

Isaiah 37:33-38:6

[33] “Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria: ‘He shall not come into this city, nor shoot an arrow there, nor come before it with shield, nor build a siege mound against it. [34] By the way that he came, by the same shall he return; and he shall not come into this city,’ says the Lord. [35] ‘For I will defend this city, to save it for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.’” [36] Then the angel of the Lord went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses—all dead. [37] So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went away, returned home, and remained at Nineveh. [38] Now it came to pass, as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, that his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him down with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. Then Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place. [38:1] In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, went to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.’” [2] Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall, and prayed to the Lord, [3] and said, “Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. [4] And the word of the Lord came to Isaiah, saying, [5] “Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years. [6] I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city.”’

Genesis 13:12-18

[12] Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent even as far as Sodom. [13] But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord. [14] And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are northward, southward, eastward, and westward; [15] for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. [16] And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth, then your descendants also could be numbered. [17] Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.” [18] Then Abram moved his tent, and went and dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to the Lord.

Proverbs 14:27-15:4

[27] The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death. [28] In a multitude of people is a king’s honor, but in the lack of people is the downfall of a prince. [29] He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is impulsive exalts folly. [30] A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones. [31] He who oppresses the poor reproaches his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the needy. [32] The wicked is banished in his wickedness, but the righteous has a refuge in his death. [33] Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, but what is in the heart of fools is made known. [34] Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. [35] The king’s favor is toward a wise servant, but his wrath is against him who causes shame. [15:1] A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. [2] The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. [3] The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good. [4] A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

Isaiah 40:18-31

[18] To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to Him? [19] The workman molds an image, the goldsmith overspreads it with gold, and the silversmith casts silver chains. [20] Whoever is too impoverished for such a contribution chooses a tree that will not rot; he seeks for himself a skillful workman to prepare a carved image that will not totter. [21] Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? [22] It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. [23] He brings the princes to nothing; He makes the judges of the earth useless. [24] Scarcely shall they be planted, scarcely shall they be sown, scarcely shall their stock take root in the earth, when He will also blow on them, and they will wither, and the whirlwind will take them away like stubble. [25] “To whom then will you liken Me, or to whom shall I be equal?” says the Holy One. [26] Lift up your eyes on high, and see Who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, by the greatness of His might and the strength of His power; not one is missing. [27] Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel: “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my just claim is passed over by my God”? [28] Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable. [29] He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. [30] Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, [31] but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Genesis 15:1-15

[1] After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.” [2] But Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” [3] Then Abram said, “Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!” [4] And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.” [5] Then He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” [6] And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. [7] Then He said to him, “I am the Lord, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans, to give you this land to inherit it.” [8] And he said, “Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?” [9] So He said to him, “Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, a three-year-old female goat, a three-year-old ram, a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” [10] Then he brought all these to Him and cut them in two, down the middle, and placed each piece opposite the other; but he did not cut the birds in two. [11] And when the vultures came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. [12] Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. [13] Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. [14] And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions. [15] Now as for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried at a good old age."

Proverbs 15:7-19

[7] The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but the heart of the fool does not do so. [8] The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. [9] The way of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but He loves him who follows righteousness. [10] Harsh discipline is for him who forsakes the way, and he who hates correction will die. [11] Hell and Destruction are before the Lord; so how much more the hearts of the sons of men. [12] A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, nor will he go to the wise. [13] A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. [14] The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. [15] All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. [16] Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble. [17] Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fatted calf with hatred. [18] A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger allays contention. [19] The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the upright is a highway.

Isaiah 41:4-14

[4] “Who has performed and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord, am the first; and with the last I am He. [5] The coastlands saw it and feared, the ends of the earth were afraid; they drew near and came. [6] Everyone helped his neighbor, and said to his brother, ‘Be of good courage!’ [7] So the craftsman encouraged the goldsmith; he who smooths with the hammer inspired him who strikes the anvil, Saying, ‘It is ready for the soldering’; then he fastened it with pegs, that it might not totter. [8] But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham My friend. [9] You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called from its farthest regions, and said to you, ‘You are My servant, I have chosen you and have not cast you away: [10] fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ [11] Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; they shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish. [12] You shall seek them and not find them—those who contended with you. Those who war against you shall be as nothing, as a nonexistent thing. [13] For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ [14] Fear not, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel! I will help you,” says the Lord and your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Genesis 17:1-9

[1] When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. [2] “And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” [3] Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: [4] “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. [5] No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. [6] I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. [7] And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. [8] Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.” [9] And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations."

Proverbs 15:20-16:9

[20] A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish man despises his mother. [21] Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, but a man of understanding walks uprightly. [22] Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established. [23] A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is! [24] The way of life winds upward for the wise, that he may turn away from hell below. [25] The Lord will destroy the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow. [26] The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasant. [27] He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes will live. [28] The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil. [29] The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. [30] The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good report makes the bones healthy. [31] The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. [32] He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. [33] The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility. [16:1] The preparations of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. [2] All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits. [3] Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established. [4] The Lord has made all for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of doom. [5] Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord; though they join forces, none will go unpunished. [6] In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; and by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil. [7] When a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. [8] Better is a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice. [9] A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.

Isaiah 42:5-16

[5] Thus says God the Lord, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, and spirit to those who walk on it: [6] “I, the Lord, have called You in righteousness, and will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the Gentiles, [7] to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison, those who sit in darkness from the prison house. [8] I am the Lord, that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to carved images. [9] Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them.” [10] Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you coastlands and you inhabitants of them! [11] Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar inhabits. Let the inhabitants of Sela sing, let them shout from the top of the mountains. [12] Let them give glory to the Lord, and declare His praise in the coastlands. [13] The Lord shall go forth like a mighty man; He shall stir up His zeal like a man of war. He shall cry out, yes, shout aloud; He shall prevail against His enemies. [14] “I have held My peace a long time, I have been still and restrained Myself. Now I will cry like a woman in labor, I will pant and gasp at once. [15] I will lay waste the mountains and hills, and dry up all their vegetation; I will make the rivers coastlands, and I will dry up the pools. [16] I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. These things I will do for them, and not forsake them."

Genesis 18:20-33

[20] And the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave, [21] I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know.” [22] Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. [23] And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? [24] Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it? [25] Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” [26] So the Lord said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.” [27] Then Abraham answered and said, “Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: [28] Suppose there were five less than the fifty righteous; would You destroy all of the city for lack of five?” So He said, “If I find there forty-five, I will not destroy it.” [29] And he spoke to Him yet again and said, “Suppose there should be forty found there?” So He said, “I will not do it for the sake of forty.” [30] Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Suppose thirty should be found there?” So He said, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.” [31] And he said, “Indeed now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: Suppose twenty should be found there?” So He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty.” [32] Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.” [33] So the Lord went His way as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place.

Proverbs 16:17-17:17

[17] The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he who keeps his way preserves his soul. [18] Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. [19] Better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly, than to divide the spoil with the proud. [20] He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. [21] The wise in heart will be called prudent, and sweetness of the lips increases learning. [22] Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction of fools is folly. [23] The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. [24] Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones. [25] There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. [26] The person who labors, labors for himself, for his hungry mouth drives him on. [27] An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire. [28] A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends. [29] A violent man entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good. [30] He winks his eye to devise perverse things; he purses his lips and brings about evil. [31] The silver-haired head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness. [32] He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. [33] The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord. [17:1] Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife. [2] A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, and will share an inheritance among the brothers. [3] The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tests the hearts. [4] An evildoer gives heed to false lips; a liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue. [5] He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished. [6] Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father. [7] Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, much less lying lips to a prince. [8] A present is a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; wherever he turns, he prospers. [9] He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates friends. [10] Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool. [11] An evil man seeks only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him. [12] Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, rather than a fool in his folly. [13] Whoever rewards evil for good, evil will not depart from his house. [14] The beginning of strife is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts. [15] He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord. [16] Why is there in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, since he has no heart for it? [17] A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Isaiah 45:11-17

[11] Thus says the Lord, The Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: “Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons; and concerning the work of My hands, you command Me. [12] I have made the earth, and created man on it. I—My hands—stretched out the heavens, and all their host I have commanded. [13] I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways; He shall build My city and let My exiles go free, not for price nor reward,” says the Lord of hosts. [14] Thus says the Lord: “The labor of Egypt and merchandise of Cush and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over to you, and they shall be yours; they shall walk behind you, they shall come over in chains; and they shall bow down to you. They will make supplication to you, saying, ‘God is with you only, and there is no other; no god besides Him.’" [15] Truly You are God, who hide Yourself, O God of Israel, the Savior! [16] They shall be ashamed and also disgraced, all of them; they shall go in confusion together, who are makers of idols. [17] But Israel shall be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation; you shall not be ashamed or disgraced forever and ever.

Genesis 22:1-18

[1] Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” [2] Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” [3] So Abraham rose early in the morning and saddled his donkey, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son; and he split the wood for the burnt offering, and arose and went to the place of which God had told him. [4] Then on the third day Abraham lifted his eyes and saw the place afar off. [5] And Abraham said to his young men, “Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you.” [6] So Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife, and the two of them went together. [7] But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” [8] And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.” So the two of them went together. [9] Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. [10] And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. [11] But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” [12] And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” [13] Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son. [14] And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” [15] Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, [16] and said: “By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son—[17] blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. [18] In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.”

Proverbs 17:17-18:5

[17] A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. [18] A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, and becomes surety for his friend. [19] He who loves transgression loves strife, and he who exalts his gate seeks destruction. [20] He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, and he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil. [21] He who begets a scoffer does so to his sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy. [22] A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. [23] A wicked man accepts a bribe behind the back to pervert the ways of justice. [24] Wisdom is in the sight of him who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. [25] A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her who bore him. [26] Also, to punish the righteous is not good, nor to strike princes for their uprightness. [27] He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. [28] Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive. [18:1] A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; he rages against all wise judgment. [2] A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart. [3] When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; and with dishonor comes reproach. [4] The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the wellspring of wisdom is a flowing brook. [5] It is not good to show partiality to the wicked, or to overthrow the righteous in judgment.

Hebrews 9:24-28

[24] For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; [25] not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another—[26] He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. [27] And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, [28] so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

Mark 8:27-31

[27] Now Jesus and His disciples went out to the towns of Caesarea Philippi; and on the road He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?” [28] So they answered, “John the Baptist; but some say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” [29] He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.” [30] Then He strictly warned them that they should tell no one about Him. [31] And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

Hebrews 9:11-14

[11] But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. [12] Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. [13] For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, [14] how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Mark 10:32-45

[32] Now they were on the road, going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was going before them; and they were amazed. And as they followed they were afraid. Then He took the twelve aside again and began to tell them the things that would happen to Him: [33] “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes; and they will condemn Him to death and deliver Him to the Gentiles; [34] and they will mock Him, and scourge Him, and spit on Him, and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.” [35] Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” [36] And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” [37] They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory.” [38] But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” [39] They said to Him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; [40] but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.” [41] And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. [42] But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. [43] Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. [44] And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. [45] For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Isaiah 48:17-49:4

[17] Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, Who teaches you to profit, Who leads you by the way you should go. [18] Oh, that you had heeded My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. [19] Your descendants also would have been like the sand, and the offspring of your body like the grains of sand; his name would not have been cut off nor destroyed from before Me.” [20] Go forth from Babylon! Flee from the Chaldeans! With a voice of singing, declare, proclaim this, utter it to the end of the earth; say, “The Lord has redeemed His servant, Jacob!” [21] And they did not thirst when He led them through the deserts; He caused the waters to flow from the rock for them; He also split the rock, and the waters gushed out. [22] “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.” [1] Listen, O coastlands, to me, and take heed, you peoples from afar! The Lord has called me from the womb; from the matrix of my mother he has made mention of my name. [2] And He has made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of His hand He has hidden me, and made me a polished shaft; in His quiver He has hidden me. [3] And He said to me, "You are My servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified." [4] Then I said, "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain; yet surely my just reward is with the Lord, and my work with my God."

Genesis 27:1-41

[1] Now it came to pass, when Isaac was old and his eyes were so dim that he could not see, that he called Esau his older son and said to him, “My son.” And he answered him, “Here I am.” [2] Then he said, “Behold now, I am old. I do not know the day of my death. [3] “Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me. [4] “And make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.” [5] Now Rebekah was listening when Isaac spoke to Esau his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt game and to bring it. [6] So Rebekah spoke to Jacob her son, saying, “Indeed I heard your father speak to Esau your brother, saying, [7] ‘Bring me game and make savory food for me, that I may eat it and bless you in the presence of the Lord before my death.’ [8] Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to what I command you. [9] Go now to the flock and bring me from there two choice kids of the goats, and I will make savory food from them for your father, such as he loves. [10] Then you shall take it to your father, that he may eat it, and that he may bless you before his death.” [11] And Jacob said to Rebekah his mother, “Look, Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth-skinned man. [12] Perhaps my father will feel me, and I shall seem to be a deceiver to him; and I shall bring a curse on myself and not a blessing.” [13] But his mother said to him, “Let your curse be on me, my son; only obey my voice, and go, get them for me.” [14] And he went and got them and brought them to his mother, and his mother made savory food, such as his father loved. [15] Then Rebekah took the choice clothes of her elder son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob her younger son. [16] And she put the skins of the kids of the goats on his hands and on the smooth part of his neck. [17] Then she gave the savory food and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob. [18] So he went to his father and said, “My father.” And he said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?” [19] Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn; I have done just as you told me; please arise, sit and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me.” [20] But Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” And he said, “Because the Lord your God brought it to me.” [21] Then Isaac said to Jacob, “Please come near, that I may feel you, my son, whether you are really my son Esau or not.” [22] So Jacob went near to Isaac his father, and he felt him and said, “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” [23] And he did not recognize him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau’s hands; so he blessed him. [24] Then he said, “Are you really my son Esau?” He said, “I am.” [25] He said, “Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son’s game, so that my soul may bless you.” So he brought it near to him, and he ate; and he brought him wine, and he drank. [26] Then his father Isaac said to him, “Come near now and kiss me, my son.” [27] And he came near and kissed him; and he smelled the smell of his clothing, and blessed him and said: “Surely, the smell of my son is like the smell of a field which the Lord has blessed. [28] Therefore may God give you of the dew of heaven, of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine. [29] Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be master over your brethren, and let your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you, and blessed be those who bless you!” [30] Now it happened, as soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, and Jacob had scarcely gone out from the presence of Isaac his father, that Esau his brother came in from his hunting. [31] He also had made savory food, and brought it to his father, and said to his father, “Let my father arise and eat of his son’s game, that your soul may bless me.” [32] And his father Isaac said to him, “Who are you?” So he said, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.” [33] Then Isaac trembled exceedingly, and said, “Who? Where is the one who hunted game and brought it to me? I ate all of it before you came, and I have blessed him—and indeed he shall be blessed.” [34] When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with an exceedingly great and bitter cry, and said to his father, “Bless me—me also, O my father!” [35] But he said, “Your brother came with deceit and has taken away your blessing.” [36] And Esau said, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright, and now look, he has taken away my blessing!” And he said, “Have you not reserved a blessing for me?” [37] Then Isaac answered and said to Esau, “Indeed I have made him your master, and all his brethren I have given to him as servants; with grain and wine I have sustained him. What shall I do now for you, my son?” [38] And Esau said to his father, “Have you only one blessing, my father? Bless me—me also, O my father!” And Esau lifted up his voice and wept. [39] Then Isaac his father answered and said to him: “Behold, your dwelling shall be of the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above. [40] By your sword you shall live, and you shall serve your brother; and it shall come to pass, when you become restless, that you shall break his yoke from your neck.” [41] So Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him, and Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand; then I will kill my brother Jacob.”

Proverbs 19:16-25

[16] He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is careless of his ways will die. [17] He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given. [18] Chasten your son while there is hope, and do not set your heart on his destruction. [19] A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; for if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. [20] Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days. [21] There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand. [22] What is desired in a man is kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar. [23] The fear of the Lord leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; he will not be visited with evil. [24] A lazy man buries his hand in the bowl, and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. [25] Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.

Isaiah 49:6-10

[6] Indeed He says, “It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.” [7] Thus says the Lord, the Redeemer of Israel, their Holy One, to Him whom man despises, to Him Whom the nation abhors, to the servant of rulers: “Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord Who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, Who has chosen You.” [8] Thus says the Lord: “In an acceptable time I have heard You, and in the day of salvation I have helped You; I will preserve You and give You as a covenant to the people, to restore the earth, to cause them to inherit the desolate heritages; [9] that You may say to the prisoners, ‘Go forth,’ to those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’” They shall feed along the roads, and their pastures shall be on all desolate heights. [10] They shall neither hunger nor thirst, neither heat nor sun shall strike them; for He who has mercy on them will lead them, even by the springs of water He will guide them.

Genesis 31:3-16

[3] Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.” [4] So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field, to his flock, [5] and said to them, “I see your father’s countenance, that it is not favorable toward me as before; but the God of my father has been with me. [6] And you know that with all my might I have served your father. [7] Yet your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times, but God did not allow him to hurt me. [8] If he said thus: ‘The speckled shall be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore speckled. And if he said thus: ‘The streaked shall be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore streaked. [9] So God has taken away the livestock of your father and given them to me. [10] And it happened, at the time when the flocks conceived, that I lifted my eyes and saw in a dream, and behold, the rams which leaped upon the flocks were streaked, speckled, and gray-spotted. [11] Then the Angel of God spoke to me in a dream, saying, ‘Jacob.’ And I said, ‘Here I am.’ [12] And He said, ‘Lift your eyes now and see, all the rams which leap on the flocks are streaked, speckled, and gray-spotted; for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you. [13] I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and where you made a vow to Me. Now arise, get out of this land, and return to the land of your family.’” [14] Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, “Is there still any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house? [15] Are we not considered strangers by him? For he has sold us, and also completely consumed our money. [16] For all these riches which God has taken from our father are really ours and our children’s; now then, whatever God has said to you, do it.”

Proverbs 21:3-21

[3] To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. [4] A haughty look, a proud heart, and the plowing of the wicked are sin. [5] The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. [6] Getting treasures by a lying tongue is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death. [7] The violence of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do justice. [8] The way of a guilty man is perverse; but as for the pure, his work is right. [9] Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, than in a house shared with a contentious woman. [10] The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. [11] When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; but when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. [12] The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked, overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness. [13] Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard. [14] A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe behind the back, strong wrath. [15] It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity. [16] A man who wanders from the way of understanding will rest in the assembly of the dead. [17] He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich. [18] The wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the unfaithful for the upright. [19] Better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and angry woman. [20] There is desirable treasure, and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man squanders it. [21] He who follows righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor.

Isaiah 58:1-11

 [1] “Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like a trumpet; tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. [2] Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and did not forsake the ordinance of their God. They ask of Me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching God. [3] ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and you take no notice?’ In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure, and exploit all your laborers. [4] Indeed you fast for strife and debate, and to strike with the fist of wickedness. You will not fast as you do this day, to make your voice heard on high. [5] Is it a fast that I have chosen, a day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Would you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? [6] Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? [7] Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh? [8] Then your light shall break forth like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. [9] Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, [10] If you extend your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall dawn in the darkness, and your darkness shall be as the noonday. [11] The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail."

Genesis 43:26-31, 45:1-16

[26] And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed down before him to the earth. [27] Then he asked them about their well-being, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” [28] And they answered, “Your servant our father is in good health; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads down and prostrated themselves. [29] Then he lifted his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your younger brother of whom you spoke to me?” And he said, “God be gracious to you, my son.” [30] Now his heart yearned for his brother; so Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep. And he went into his chamber and wept there. [31] Then he washed his face and came out; and he restrained himself, and said, “Serve the bread.” [45:1] Then Joseph could not restrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried out, “Make everyone go out from me!” So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. [2] And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it. [3] Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph; does my father still live?” But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence. [4] And Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near to me.” So they came near. Then he said: “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. [5] But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. [6] For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. [7] And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. [8] So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. [9] Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him, ‘Thus says your son Joseph: “God has made me lord of all Egypt; come down to me, do not tarry. [10] You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near to me, you and your children, your children’s children, your flocks and your herds, and all that you have. [11] There I will provide for you, lest you and your household, and all that you have, come to poverty; for there are still five years of famine.”’ [12] And behold, your eyes and the eyes of my brother Benjamin see that it is my mouth that speaks to you. [13] So you shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen; and you shall hurry and bring my father down here.” [14] Then he fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. [15] Moreover he kissed all his brothers and wept over them, and after that his brothers talked with him. [16] Now the report of it was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have come.” So it pleased Pharaoh and his servants well.

Proverbs 21:23-22:4

[23] Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles. [24] A proud and haughty man—“Scoffer” is his name; he acts with arrogant pride. [25] The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. [26] He covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and does not spare. [27] The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with wicked intent! [28] A false witness shall perish, but the man who hears him will speak endlessly. [29] A wicked man hardens his face, but as for the upright, he establishes his way. [30] There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the Lord. [31] The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but deliverance is of the Lord. [22:1] A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold. [2] The rich and the poor have this in common, the Lord is the maker of them all. [3] A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished. [4] By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life.

Isaiah 65:8-16

8 Thus says the Lord: “As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one says, ‘Do not destroy it, for a blessing is in it,’ so will I do for My servants’ sake, that I may not destroy them all. [9] I will bring forth descendants from Jacob, and from Judah an heir of My mountains; My elect shall inherit it, and My servants shall dwell there. [10] Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the Valley of Achor a place for herds to lie down, for My people who have sought Me. [11] But you are those who forsake the Lord, who forget My holy mountain, who prepare a table for Gad, and who furnish a drink offering for Meni. [12] Therefore I will number you for the sword, and you shall all bow down to the slaughter; because, when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not hear, but did evil before My eyes, and chose that in which I do not delight.” [13] Therefore thus says the Lord God: “Behold, My servants shall eat, but you shall be hungry; behold, My servants shall drink, but you shall be thirsty; Behold, My servants shall rejoice, but you shall be ashamed; [14] Behold, My servants shall sing for joy of heart, but you shall cry for sorrow of heart, and wail for grief of spirit. [15] You shall leave your name as a curse to My chosen; for the Lord God will slay you, and call His servants by another name; [16] so that he who blesses himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth; and he who swears in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hidden from My eyes."

Genesis 46:1-7

[1] So Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. [2] Then God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, “Jacob, Jacob!” And he said, “Here I am.” [3] So He said, “I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. [4] I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will put his hand on your eyes.” [5] Then Jacob arose from Beersheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, in the carts which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. [6] So they took their livestock and their goods, which they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and went to Egypt, Jacob and all his descendants with him. [7] His sons and his sons’ sons, his daughters and his sons’ daughters, and all his descendants he brought with him to Egypt.

Proverbs 23:15-24:5

[15] My son, if your heart is wise, my heart will rejoice—indeed, I myself; [16] yes, my inmost being will rejoice when your lips speak right things. [17] Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day; [18] for surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off. [19] Hear, my son, and be wise; and guide your heart in the way. [20] Do not mix with winebibbers, or with gluttonous eaters of meat; [21] for the drunkard and the glutton will come to poverty, and drowsiness will clothe a man with rags. [22] Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old. [23] Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding. [24] The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice, and he who begets a wise child will delight in him. [25] Let your father and your mother be glad, and let her who bore you rejoice. [26] My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways. [27] For a harlot is a deep pit, and a seductress is a narrow well. [28] She also lies in wait as for a victim, and increases the unfaithful among men. [29] Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? [30] Those who linger long at the wine, those who go in search of mixed wine. [31] Do not look on the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; [32] at the last it bites like a serpent, and stings like a viper. [33] Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things. [34] Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: [35] “They have struck me, but I was not hurt; they have beaten me, but I did not feel it. When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?” [24:1] Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; [2] For their heart devises violence, and their lips talk of troublemaking. [3] Through 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 strong, yes, a man of knowledge increases strength.

Isaiah 66:10-24

[10] “Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all you who love her; rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn for her; [11] That you may feed and be satisfied with the consolation of her bosom, that you may drink deeply and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.” [12] For thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then you shall feed; on her sides shall you be carried, and be dandled on her knees. [13] As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” [14] When you see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like grass; the hand of the Lord shall be known to His servants, and His indignation to His enemies. [15] For behold, the Lord will come with fire and with His chariots, like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury, and His rebuke with flames of fire. [16] For by fire and by His sword the Lord will judge all flesh; and the slain of the Lord shall be many. [17] “Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves, to go to the gardens after an idol in the midst, eating swine’s flesh and the abomination and the mouse, shall be consumed together,” says the Lord. [18] “For I know their works and their thoughts. It shall be that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come and see My glory. [19] I will set a sign among them; and those among them who escape I will send to the nations: to Tarshish and Pul and Lud, who draw the bow, and Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands afar off who have not heard My fame nor seen My glory. And they shall declare My glory among the Gentiles. [20] Then they shall bring all your brethren for an offering to the Lord out of all nations, on horses and in chariots and in litters, on mules and on camels, to My holy mountain Jerusalem,” says the Lord, “as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord. [21] And I will also take some of them for priests and Levites,” says the Lord. [22] “For as the new heavens and the new earth which I will make shall remain before Me,” says the Lord, “so shall your descendants and your name remain. [23] And it shall come to pass that from one New Moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me,” says the Lord. [24] “And they shall go forth and look upon the corpses of the men Who have transgressed against Me. For their worm does not die, and their fire is not quenched. They shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.”

Genesis 49:33-50:26

[33] And when Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people. [50:1] Then Joseph fell on his father’s face, and wept over him, and kissed him. [2] And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father. So the physicians embalmed Israel. [3] Forty days were required for him, for such are the days required for those who are embalmed; and the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days. [4] Now when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spoke to the household of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak in the hearing of Pharaoh, saying, [5] ‘My father made me swear, saying, “Behold, I am dying; in my grave which I dug for myself in the land of Canaan, there you shall bury me.” Now therefore, please let me go up and bury my father, and I will come back.’” [6] And Pharaoh said, “Go up and bury your father, as he made you swear.” [7] So Joseph went up to bury his father; and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypt, [8] as well as all the house of Joseph, his brothers, and his father’s house. Only their little ones, their flocks, and their herds they left in the land of Goshen. [9] And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen, and it was a very great gathering. [10] Then they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, and they mourned there with a great and very solemn lamentation. He observed seven days of mourning for his father. [11] And when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning at the threshing floor of Atad, they said, “This is a deep mourning of the Egyptians.” Therefore its name was called Abel Mizraim, which is beyond the Jordan. [12] So his sons did for him just as he had commanded them. [13] For his sons carried him to the land of Canaan, and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre, which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite as property for a burial place. [14] And after he had buried his father, Joseph returned to Egypt, he and his brothers and all who went up with him to bury his father. [15] When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.” [16] So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, [17] ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.”’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. [18] Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” [19] Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? [20] “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. [21] “Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. [22] So Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he and his father’s household. And Joseph lived one hundred and ten years. [23] Joseph saw Ephraim’s children to the third generation. The children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were also brought up on Joseph’s knees. [24] And Joseph said to his brethren, “I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” [25] Then Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” [26] So Joseph died, being one hundred and ten years old; and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.

Proverbs 31:8-31

[8] Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die. [9] Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. [10] Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. [11] The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain. [12] She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. [13] She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. [14] She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. [15] She also rises while it is yet night, and provides food for her household, and a portion for her maidservants. [16] She considers a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard. [17] She girds herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. [18] She perceives that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out by night. [19] She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hand holds the spindle. [20] She extends her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. [21] She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed with scarlet. [22] She makes tapestry 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, and supplies sashes for the merchants. [25] Strength and honor are her clothing; she shall rejoice in time to come. [26] She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. [27] She watches over 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 daughters have done well, but you excel them all.” [30] Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. [31] Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Hebrews 12:28-13:8

[28] Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. [29] For our God is a consuming fire. [13:1] Let brotherly love continue. [2] Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. [3] Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also. [4] Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge. [5] Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” [6] So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” [7] Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct. [8] Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

John 11:1-45

[1] Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. [2] It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. [3] Therefore the sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” [4] When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” [5] Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. [6] So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was. [7] Then after this He said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” [8] The disciples said to Him, “Rabbi, lately the Jews sought to stone You, and are You going there again?” [9] Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. [10] But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” [11] These things He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.” [12] Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” [13] However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He was speaking about taking rest in sleep. [14] Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. [15] And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.” [16] Then Thomas, who is called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” [17] So when Jesus came, He found that he had already been in the tomb four days. [18] Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two miles away. [19] And many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. [20] Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. [21] Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” [22] But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You. [23] Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” [24] Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” [25] Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. [26] And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” [27] She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” [28] And when she had said these things, she went her way and secretly called Mary her sister, saying, “The Teacher has come and is calling for you.” [29] As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly and came to Him. [30] Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met Him. [31] Then the Jews who were with her in the house, and comforting her, when they saw that Mary rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, “She is going to the tomb to weep there.” [32] Then, when Mary came where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” [33] Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. [34] And He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” [35] Jesus wept. [36] Then the Jews said, “See how He loved him!” [37] And some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the eyes of the blind, also have kept this man from dying?” [38] Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. [39] Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.” [40] Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” [41] Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. [42] And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” [43] Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” [44] And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.” [45] Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him.

Genesis 49:1-2, 8-12

[1] And Jacob called his sons and said, “Gather together, that I may tell you what shall befall you in the last days: [2] Gather together and hear, you sons of Jacob, And listen to Israel your father. [8] Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise; Your hand shall be on the neck of your enemies; Your father’s children shall bow down before you. [9] Judah is a lion’s whelp; From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He bows down, he lies down as a lion; And as a lion, who shall rouse him? [10] The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall be the obedience of the people. [11] Binding his donkey to the vine, and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, He washed his garments in wine, and his clothes in the blood of grapes. [12] His eyes are darker than wine, and his teeth whiter than milk.”

Zephaniah 3:14-19

[14] Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem! [15] The Lord has taken away your judgments, He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst; You shall see disaster no more. [16] In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear; Zion, let not your hands be weak. [17] The Lord your God in your midst, The Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. [18] I will gather those who sorrow over the appointed assembly, who are among you, To whom its reproach is a burden. [19] Behold, at that time I will deal with all who afflict you; I will save the lame, and gather those who were driven out; I will appoint them for praise and fame in every land where they were put to shame.”

Zechariah 9:9-15

[9] Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey. [10] And he shall destroy the chariots out of Ephraim, and the horse out of Jerusalem, and the bow of war shall be utterly destroyed; and there shall be abundance and peace out of the nations. And he shall rule over the waters from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. [11] And you, by the blood of your covenant, have sent forth your prisoners out of the pit that has no water. [12] You shall sit in strongholds, you prisoners of the assembly; and for one day of your sojourning I will recompense you double. [13] For I have bent you for Myself like a bow, O Judah, I have filled it with Ephraim; and I will raise up your children, O Zion, against the children of the Greeks, and handle you like the sword of a warrior. [14] And the Lord shall be over them, and His arrow shall go forth like lightning. And the Lord God Almighty shall sound the trumpet and go forth in the noise of His threatening. [15] The Lord Almighty shall defend them!

Matthew 21:1-11, 15-17

[1] Now when they drew near Jerusalem, and came to Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, [2] saying to them, “Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Loose them and bring them to Me. [3] And if anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” [4] All this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: [5] “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” [6] So the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them. [7] They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and set Him on them. [8] And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. [9] Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Hosanna in the highest!” [10] And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” [11] So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.” [15] But when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant [16] and said to Him, “Do You hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise’?” [17] Then He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and He lodged there.

Philippians 4:4-9

[4] Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! [5] Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. [6] Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; [7] and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. [8] Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. [9] The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

John 12:1-18

[1] Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. [2] There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. [3] Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. [4] But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, [5] “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” [6] This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. [7] But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. [8] For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.” [9] Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. [10] But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, [11] because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus. [12] The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, [13] took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ The King of Israel!” [14] Then Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it; 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 were written about Him and that they had done these things to Him. [17] Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. [18] For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign.

Ezekiel 1:1-20

[1] Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the River Chebar, that the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. [2] On the fifth day of the month, which was in the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity, [3] the word of the Lord came expressly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the River Chebar; and the hand of the Lord was upon him there. [4] Then I looked, and behold, a whirlwind was coming out of the north, a great cloud with raging fire engulfing itself; and brightness was all around it and radiating out of its midst like the color of amber, out of the midst of the fire. [5] Also from within it came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man. [6] Each one had four faces, and each one had four wings. [7] Their legs were straight, and the soles of their feet were like the soles of calves’ feet. They sparkled like the color of burnished bronze. [8] The hands of a man were under their wings on their four sides; and each of the four had faces and wings. [9] Their wings touched one another. The creatures did not turn when they went, but each one went straight forward. [10] As for the likeness of their faces, each had the face of a man; each of the four had the face of a lion on the right side, each of the four had the face of an ox on the left side, and each of the four had the face of an eagle. [11] Thus were their faces. Their wings stretched upward; two wings of each one touched one another, and two covered their bodies. [12] And each one went straight forward; they went wherever the spirit wanted to go, and they did not turn when they went. [13] As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches going back and forth among the living creatures. The fire was bright, and out of the fire went lightning. [14] And the living creatures ran back and forth, in appearance like a flash of lightning. [15] Now as I looked at the living creatures, behold, a wheel was on the earth beside each living creature with its four faces. [16] The appearance of the wheels and their workings was like the color of beryl, and all four had the same likeness. The appearance of their workings was, as it were, a wheel in the middle of a wheel. [17] When they moved, they went toward any one of four directions; they did not turn aside when they went. [18] As for their rims, they were so high they were awesome; and their rims were full of eyes, all around the four of them. [19] When the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them; and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up. [20] Wherever the spirit wanted to go, they went, because there the spirit went; and the wheels were lifted together with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

Exodus 1:1-20

[1] Now these are the names of the children of Israel who came to Egypt; each man and his household came with Jacob: [2] Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah; [3] Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin; [4] Dan, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. [5] All those who were descendants of Jacob were seventy persons (for Joseph was in Egypt already). [6] And Joseph died, all his brothers, and all that generation. [7] But the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly, multiplied and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them. [8] Now there arose a new king over Egypt, who did not know Joseph. [9] And he said to his people, “Look, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we; [10] come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply, and it happen, in the event of war, that they also join our enemies and fight against us, and so go up out of the land.” [11] Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh supply cities, Pithom and Raamses. [12] But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were in dread of the children of Israel. [13] So the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor. [14] And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage—in mortar, in brick, and in all manner of service in the field. All their service in which they made them serve was with rigor. [15] Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of one was Shiphrah and the name of the other Puah; [16] and he said, “When you do the duties of a midwife for the Hebrew women, and see them on the birthstools, if it is a son, then you shall kill him; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.” [17] But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive. [18] So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing, and saved the male children alive?” [19] And the midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not like the Egyptian women; for they are lively and give birth before the midwives come to them.” [20] Therefore God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied and grew very mighty.

Job 1:1-12

[1] There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. [2] And seven sons and three daughters were born to him. [3] Also, his possessions were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the East. [4] And his sons would go and feast in their houses, each on his appointed day, and would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. [5] So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually. [6] Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. [7] And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” [8] Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” [9] So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing?
[10] Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. [11] But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” [12] And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

Matthew 21:18-43

[18] Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. [19] And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away. [20] And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?” [21] So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. [22] And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” [23] Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” [24] But Jesus answered and said to them, “I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: [25] The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men?” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ [26] But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet.” [27] So they answered Jesus and said, “We do not know.” And He said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. [28] But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ [29] He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he regretted it and went. [30] Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. [31] Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. [32] For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent and believe him. [33] Hear another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, dug a winepress in it and built a tower. And he leased it to vinedressers and went into a far country. [34] Now when vintage-time drew near, he sent his servants to the vinedressers, that they might receive its fruit. [35] And the vinedressers took his servants, beat one, killed one, and stoned another. [36] Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them. [37] Then last of all he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ [38] But when the vinedressers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’ [39] So they took him and cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. [40] Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?” [41] They said to Him, “He will destroy those wicked men miserably, and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.” [42] Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? [43] Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.”

Matthew 24:3-35

[3] Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” [4] And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. [5] For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. [6] And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. [7] For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. [8] All these are the beginning of sorrows. [9] Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. [10] And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. [11] Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. [12] And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. [13] But he who endures to the end shall be saved. [14] And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. [15] Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand), [16] then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. [17] Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. [18] And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. [19] But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! [20] And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. [21] For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. [22] And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. [23] Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. [24] For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. [25] See, I have told you beforehand. [26] Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. [27] For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. [28] For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. [29] Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. [30] Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. [31] And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. [32] Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. [33] So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near – at the doors! [34] Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. [35] Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

Ezekiel 1:21-28

[21] When those went, these went; when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up together with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. [22] The likeness of the firmament above the heads of the living creatures was like the color of an awesome crystal, stretched out over their heads. [23] And under the firmament their wings spread out straight, one toward another. Each one had two which covered one side, and each one had two which covered the other side of the body. [24] When they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of many waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a tumult like the noise of an army; and when they stood still, they let down their wings. [25] A voice came from above the firmament that was over their heads; whenever they stood, they let down their wings. [26] And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it. [27] Also from the appearance of His waist and upward I saw, as it were, the color of amber with the appearance of fire all around within it; and from the appearance of His waist and downward I saw, as it were, the appearance of fire with brightness all around [28] like the appearance of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness all around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.

Exodus 2:5-10

[5] Then the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river. And her maidens walked along the riverside; and when she saw the ark among the reeds, she sent her maid to get it. [6] And when she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby wept. So she had compassion on him, and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” [7] Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?” [8] And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go.” So the maiden went and called the child’s mother. [9] Then Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” So the woman took the child and nursed him. [10] And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. So she called his name Moses, saying, “Because I drew him out of the water.”

Job 1:13-22

[13] Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house; [14] and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, [15] when the Sabeans raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” [16] While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” [17] While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” [18] While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, [19] and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!” [20] Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. [21] And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.” [22] In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.

Matthew 22:15-23:39

[15] Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. [16] And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. [17] Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” [18] But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? [19] Show Me the tax money.” So they brought Him a denarius. [20] And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” [21] They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” [22] When they had heard these words, they marveled, and left Him and went their way. [23] The same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked Him, [24] saying: “Teacher, Moses said that if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and raise up offspring for his brother. [25] Now there were with us seven brothers. The first died after he had married, and having no offspring, left his wife to his brother. [26] Likewise the second also, and the third, even to the seventh. [27] Last of all the woman died also. [28] Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had her.” [29] Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. [30] For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels of God in heaven. [31] But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, [32] ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” [33] And when the multitudes heard this, they were astonished at His teaching. [34] But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. [35] Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, [36] “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” [37] Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ [38] This is the first and great commandment. [39] And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ [40] On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” [41] While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, [42] saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose Son is He?” They said to Him, “The Son of David.” [43] He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying: [44] ‘The LORD said to my Lord, sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool’? [45] If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his Son?” [46] And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore. [23:1] Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, [2] saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. [3] Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. [4] For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. [5] But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. [6] They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, [7] greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ [8] But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for One is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. [9] Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. [10] And do not be called teachers; for One is your Teacher, the Christ. [11] But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. [12] And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. [13] But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in. [14] Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation. [15] Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves. [16] Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is obliged to perform it.’ [17] Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold? [18] And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obliged to perform it.’ [19] Fools and blind! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? [20] Therefore he who swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it. [21] He who swears by the temple, swears by it and by Him who dwells in it. [22] And he who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God and by Him who sits on it. [23] Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. [24] Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! [25] Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. [26] Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. [27] Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. [28] Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. [29] Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and adorn the monuments of the righteous, [30] and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ [31] Therefore you are witnesses against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets. [32] Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers’ guilt. [33] Serpents, brood of vipers! How can you escape the condemnation of hell? [34] Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, [35] that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar. [36] Assuredly, I say to you, all these things will come upon this generation. [37] O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! [38] See! Your house is left to you desolate; [39] for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’”

Matthew 24:36-26:2

[36] “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. [37] But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. [38] For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, [39] and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. [40] Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. [41] Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. [42] Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. [43] But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. [44] Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. [45] Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? [46] Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. [47] Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods. [48] But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ [49] and begins to beat his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, [50] the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him and at an hour that he is not aware of, [51] and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [25:1] Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. [2] Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [3] Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, [4] but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. [5] But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. [6] And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’ [7] Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. [8] And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ [9] But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ [10] And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. [11] Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ [12] But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ [13] Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. [14] For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. [15] And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. [16] Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. [17] And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. [18] But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. [19] After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. [20] So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ [21] His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ [22] He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’ [23] His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ [24] Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. [25] And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’ [26] But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. [27] So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. [28] Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents. [29] For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. [30] And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ [31] When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. [32] All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. [33] And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. [34] Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: [35] for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; [36] I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ [37] Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? [38] When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? [39] Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ [40] And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ [41] Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: [42] for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; [43] I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ [44] Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ [45] Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ [46] And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” [26:1] Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, that He said to His disciples, [2] “You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”

Ezekiel 2:3-3:3

[3] And He said to me: “Son of man, I am sending you to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day. [4] For they are impudent and stubborn children. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’ [5] As for them, whether they hear or whether they refuse—for they are a rebellious house—yet they will know that a prophet has been among them. [6] And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house. [7] You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious. [8] But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.” [9] Now when I looked, there was a hand stretched out to me; and behold, a scroll of a book was in it. [10] Then He spread it before me; and there was writing on the inside and on the outside, and written on it were lamentations and mourning and woe. [3:1] Moreover He said to me, “Son of man, eat what you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.” [2] So I opened my mouth, and He caused me to eat that scroll. [3] And He said to me, “Son of man, feed your belly, and fill your stomach with this scroll that I give you.” So I ate, and it was in my mouth like honey in sweetness.

Exodus 2:11-22

[11] Now it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out to his brethren and looked at their burdens. And he saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his brethren. [12] So he looked this way and that way, and when he saw no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. [13] And when he went out the second day, behold, two Hebrew men were fighting, and he said to the one who did the wrong, “Why are you striking your companion?” [14] Then he said, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” So Moses feared and said, “Surely this thing is known!” [15] When Pharaoh heard of this matter, he sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh and dwelt in the land of Midian; and he sat down by a well. [16] Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. And they came and drew water, and they filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. [17] Then the shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock. [18] When they came to Reuel their father, he said, “How is it that you have come so soon today?” [19] And they said, “An Egyptian delivered us from the hand of the shepherds, and he also drew enough water for us and watered the flock.” [20] So he said to his daughters, “And where is he? Why is it that you have left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread.” [21] Then Moses was content to live with the man, and he gave Zipporah his daughter to Moses. [22] And she bore him a son. He called his name Gershom, for he said, “I have been a stranger in a foreign land.”

Job 2:1-10

[1] Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the Lord. [2] And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” [3] Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.” [4] So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. [5] But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” [6] And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.” [7] So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord, and struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. [8] And he took for himself a potsherd with which to scrape himself while he sat in the midst of the ashes. [9] Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” [10] But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

John 12:17-50

[17] Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness. [18] For this reason the people also met Him, because they heard that He had done this sign. [19] The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “You see that you are accomplishing nothing. Look, the world has gone after Him!” [20] Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. [21] Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” [22] Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. [23] But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. [24] Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. [25] He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. [26] If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor. [27] Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour. [28] Father, glorify Your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” [29] Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.” [30] Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sake. [31] Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. [32] And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” [33] This He said, signifying by what death He would die. [34] The people answered Him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?” [35] Then Jesus said to them, “A little while longer the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you; he who walks in 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.” These things Jesus spoke, and departed, and was hidden from them. [37] But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, [38] that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?” [39] Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again: [40] “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, lest they should see with their eyes, lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, so that I should heal them.” [41] These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him. [42] Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; [43] for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. [44] Then Jesus cried out and said, “He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me. [45] And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. [46] I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. [47] And if anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. [48] He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day. [49] For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. [50] And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak.”

Matthew 26:6-16

[6] And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, [7] a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. [8] But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? [9] For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.” [10] But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. [11] For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. [12] For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. [13] Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” [14] Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests [15] and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. [16] So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him.

Exodus 19:10-19

[10] Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. [11] And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. [12] You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves that you do not go up to the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. [13] Not a hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with an arrow; whether man or beast, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come near the mountain.” [14] So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and sanctified the people, and they washed their clothes. [15] And he said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not come near your wives.” [16] Then it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there were thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain; and the sound of the trumpet was very loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. [17] And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. [18] Now Mount Sinai was completely in smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly. [19] And when the blast of the trumpet sounded long and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by voice.

Job 38:1-23; 42:1-5

[1] Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: [2] “Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? [3] Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. [4] Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. [5] Who determined its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? [6] To what were its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone, [7] When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? [8] Or who shut in the sea with doors, when it burst forth and issued from the womb; [9] When I made the clouds its garment, and thick darkness its swaddling band; [10] When I fixed My limit for it, and set bars and doors; [11] When I said, ‘This far you may come, but no farther, and here your proud waves must stop!’ [12] Have you commanded the morning since your days began, and caused the dawn to know its place, [13] That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and the wicked be shaken out of it? [14] It takes on form like clay under a seal, and stands out like a garment. [15] From the wicked their light is withheld, and the upraised arm is broken. [16] Have you entered the springs of the sea? Or have you walked in search of the depths? [17] Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death? [18] Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth? Tell Me, if you know all this. [19] Where is the way to the dwelling of light? And darkness, where is its place, [20] That you may take it to its territory, that you may know the paths to its home? [21] Do you know it, because you were born then, or because the number of your days is great? [22] Have you entered the treasury of snow, or have you seen the treasury of hail, [23] Which I have reserved for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war?" [42:1] Then Job answered the Lord and said: [2] “I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You. [3] You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. [4] Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, ‘I will question you, and you shall answer Me.’ [5] I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You.”

Isaiah 50:4-11

[4] “The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to hear as the learned. [5] The Lord God has opened My ear; and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn away. [6] I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting. [7] For the Lord God will help Me; therefore I will not be disgraced; therefore I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I will not be ashamed. [8] He is near who justifies Me; who will contend with Me? Let us stand together. Who is My adversary? Let him come near Me. [9] Surely the Lord God will help Me; who is he who will condemn Me? Indeed they will all grow old like a garment; the moth will eat them up. [10] Who among you fears the Lord? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely upon his God. [11] Look, all you who kindle a fire, who encircle yourselves with sparks: Walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks you have kindled—this you shall have from My hand: you shall lie down in torment.”

1 Corinthians 11:23-32

[23] For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; [24] and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” [25] In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” [26] For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes. [27] Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. [28] But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. [29] For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. [30] For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep. [31] For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. [32] But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

Matt. 26:2-20; John 13:3-17; Matt. 26:21-39; Luke 22:43-45; Matt. 26:40-27:2 (Composite Gospel Reading)

[Matt. 26:2] “You know that after two days is the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” [3] Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, [4] and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him. [5] But they said, “Not during the feast, lest there be an uproar among the people.” [6] And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, [7] a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. [8] But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? [9] For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor.” [10] But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. [11] For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. [12] For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. [13] Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.” [14] Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests [15] and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver. [16] So from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him. [17] Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” [18] And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand; I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.”’” [19] So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover. [20] When evening had come, He sat down with the twelve.

[John 13:3] Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, [4] rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. [5] After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. [6] Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, are You washing my feet?” [7] Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this.” [8] Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part 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, “He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” [11] For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.” [12] So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? [13] You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, 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 should do as I have done to you. [16] Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. [17] If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

[Matt. 26:21] Now as they were eating, He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.” [22] And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and each of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?” [23] He answered and said, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the dish will betray Me. [24] The Son of Man indeed goes just as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” [25] Then Judas, who was betraying Him, answered and said, “Rabbi, is it I?” He said to him, “You have said it.” [26] And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” [27] Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. [28] For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. [29] But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” [30] And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. [31] Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ [32] But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.” [33] Peter answered and said to Him, “Even if all are made to stumble because of You, I will never be made to stumble.” [34] Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” [35] Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You!” And so said all the disciples. [36] Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” [37] And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. [38] Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” [39] He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

[Luke 22:43] Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him. [44] And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground. [45] When He rose up from prayer, and had come to His disciples, He found them sleeping from sorrow.

[Matt. 26:40] Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? [41] Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” [42] Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” [43] And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. [44] So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. [45] Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. [46] Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.” [47] And while He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, with a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and elders of the people. [48] Now His betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him.” [49] Immediately he went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. [50] But Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. [51] And suddenly, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand and drew his sword, struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. [52] But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword. [53] Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? [54] How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?” [55] In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to take Me? I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and you did not seize Me.” [56] But all this was done that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook Him and fled. [57] And those who had laid hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. [58] But Peter followed Him at a distance to the high priest’s courtyard. And he went in and sat with the servants to see the end. [59] Now the chief priests, the elders, and all the council sought false testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, [60] but found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward [61] and said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’” [62] And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” [63] But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I put You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!” [64] Jesus said to him, “It is as you said. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” [65] Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! What further need do we have of witnesses? Look, now you have heard His blasphemy! [66] What do you think?” They answered and said, “He is deserving of death.” [67] Then they spat in His face and beat Him; and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, [68] saying, “Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is the one who struck You?” [69] Now Peter sat outside in the courtyard. And a servant girl came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” [70] But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” [71] And when he had gone out to the gateway, another girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow also was with Jesus of Nazareth.” [72] But again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the Man!” [73] And a little later those who stood by came up and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” [74] Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. [75] And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly. [27:1] When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. [2] And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor.

Exodus 33:11-23

[11] So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he would return to the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart from the tabernacle. [12] Then Moses said to the Lord, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up this people.’ But You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.’ [13] Now therefore, I pray, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” [14] And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” [15] Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. [16] For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth.” [17] So the Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name.” [18] And he said, “Please, show me Your glory.” [19] Then He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” [20] But He said, “You cannot see My face; for no man shall see Me, and live.” [21] And the Lord said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. [22] So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. [23] Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”

Job 42:12-17 (LXX)

[12] Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning; for he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and one thousand female donkeys. [13] He also had seven sons and three daughters. [14] And he called the name of the first Jemimah, the name of the second Keziah, and the name of the third Keren-Happuch. [15] In all the land were found no women so beautiful as the daughters of Job; and their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers. [16] After this Job lived one hundred and forty years, and saw his children and grandchildren for four generations. [17] So Job died, old and full of days. And it was also written that he will rise with those whom our Lord shall raise.

Isaiah 52:13-54:1

[13] Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently; He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high. [14] Just as many were astonished at you, so His visage was marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men; [15] so shall He sprinkle many nations. Kings shall shut their mouths at Him; for what had not been told them they shall see, and what they had not heard they shall consider. [53:1] Who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? [2] For He shall grow up before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. [3] He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. and we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. [4] Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed Him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. [5] But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. [6] All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. [7] He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so He opened not His mouth. [8] He was taken from prison and from judgment, and who will declare His generation? For He was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgressions of My people He was stricken. [9] And they made His grave with the wicked—but with the rich at His death, because He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. [10] Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. [11] He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities. [12] Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong, because He poured out His soul unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors, and He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. [54:1] “Sing, O barren, you who have not borne! Break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you who have not labored with child! For more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married woman,” says the Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:18-2:2

[18] For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. [19] For it is written: [20] Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? [21] For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. [22] For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; [23] but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, [24] but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. [25] Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. [26] For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. [27] But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; [28] and the base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, [29] that no flesh should glory in His presence. [30] But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption—[31] that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.” [2:1] And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. [2] For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

Matt. 27:1-38; Luke 23:39-43; Matt. 27:39-54; John 19:31-37; Matt. 27:55-61 (Composite Gospel Reading)

[Matt. 27:1] When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. [2] And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor. [3] Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, [4] saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” [5] Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. [6] But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, because they are the price of blood.” [7] And they consulted together and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. [8] Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. [9] Then was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the value of Him who was priced, whom they of the children of Israel priced, [10] and gave them for the potter’s field, as the LORD directed me.” [11] Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” [12] And while He was being accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. [13] Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” [14] But He answered him not one word, so that the governor marveled greatly. [15] Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. [16] And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. [17] Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” [18] For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy. [19] While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” [20] But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. [21] The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” [22] Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” [23] Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” [24] When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” [25] And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” [26] Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified. [27] Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. [28] And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. [29] When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” [30] Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. [31] And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified. [32] Now as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. Him they compelled to bear His cross. [33] And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, Place of a Skull, [34] they gave Him sour wine mingled with gall to drink. But when He had tasted it, He would not drink. [35] Then they crucified Him, and divided His garments, casting lots, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet: “They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.” [36] Sitting down, they kept watch over Him there. [37] And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS. [38] Then two robbers were crucified with Him, one on the right and another on the left.

[Luke 23:39] Then one of the criminals who were hanged blasphemed Him, saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” [40] But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? [41] And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” [42] Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” [43] And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

[Matt. 27:39] And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads [40] and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” [41] Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, [42] “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. If He is the King of Israel, let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe Him. [43] He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” [44] Even the robbers who were crucified with Him reviled Him with the same thing. [45] Now from the sixth hour until the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. [46] And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” [47] Some of those who stood there, when they heard that, said, “This Man is calling for Elijah!” [48] Immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, filled it with sour wine and put it on a reed, and offered it to Him to drink. [49] The rest said, “Let Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to save Him.” [50] And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice, and yielded up His spirit. [51] Then, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth quaked, and the rocks were split, [52] and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; [53] and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. [54] So when the centurion and those with him, who were guarding Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

[John 19:31] Therefore, because it was the Preparation Day, that the bodies should 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] Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was 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 immediately blood and water came out. [35] And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe. [36] For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, “Not one of His bones shall be broken.” [37] And again another Scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”

[Matt. 27:55] And many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, were there looking on from afar, [56] among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons. [57] Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. [58] This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him. [59] When Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, [60] and laid it in his new tomb which he had hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the door of the tomb, and departed. [61] And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.

Ezekiel 37:1-14

[1] The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. [2] Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. [3] And He said to me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” So I answered, “O Lord God, You know.” [4] Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! [5] ‘Thus says the Lord God to these bones: “Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. [6] I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.”’” [7] So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. [8] Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them. [9] Also He said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’” [10] So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army. [11] Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, ‘Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!’ [12] Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. [13] Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. [14] I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it,” says the Lord.’”

1 Corinthians 5:6-8; Galatians 3:13-14 (Composite Epistle Reading)

[1 Cor. 5:6] Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? [7] Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. [8] Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

[Gal. 3:13] Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), [14] that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Matthew 27:62-66

[62] On the next day, which followed the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, [63] saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ [64] Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.” [65] Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.” [66] So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard.

Matthew 28:1-20

[1] Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. [2] And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. [3] His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. [4] And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. [5] But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. [6] He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. [7] And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” [8] So they went out quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. [9] And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” So they came and held Him by the feet and worshiped Him. [10] Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.” [11] Now while they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all the things that had happened. [12] When they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, [13] saying, “Tell them, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him away while we slept.’ [14] And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and make you secure.” [15] So they took the money and did as they were instructed; and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. [16] Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. [17] When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. [18] And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. [19] Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”

Acts 1:1-8

[1] The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, [2] until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, [3] to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. [4] And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; [5] for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” [6] Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” [7] And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. [8] But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

John 1:1-17

[1] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. [2] He was in the beginning with God. [3] All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. [4] In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. [5] And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. [6] There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. [7] This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. [8] He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. [9] That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. [10] He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. [11] He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. [12] But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: [13] who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. [14] And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. [15] John bore witness of Him and cried out, saying, “This was He of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’” [16] And of His fullness we have all received, and grace for grace. [17] For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.