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Notes that are not verse specific
16:10 So Job sees his friends 'help' as a smack on the cheek! He sees them, also, as 'against' him. They truly had failed Job.
17:10 So Job, sinking further into despair, feels that none of his friends are wise enough to help him - he is 'wise', though, as Eliphaz had told him so (15:2)
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
The main point that Job makes once again, is that his friends are doing nothing to help him. This is rather central to the whole story, because it was to mourn with him and comfort him that they initially came to him. Job is trying to make the point that, whether or not their words might be wise and eloquent, their words are simply not comforting to him. Given that he is a man in desperate sorrow, that ought to have been uppermost in their minds:
"I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all. Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest? I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you. But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should assuage your grief."
Job 16:2-5 KJV
It speaks of a focus that was entirely wrong with the three friends, and this focus uncovered underlying problems in their understanding of God. Their focus was on proving Job wrong, and in correcting him. It pointed to their underlying incorrect understanding of God as someone who immediately treats people according to their righteousness. For example:
"The wicked man travaileth with pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor. A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him." Job 15:20-21
This statement simply isn't being honest about what we see around us. We don't see only the righteous prospering and the wicked in pain. The implication of Eliphaz's words here are that Job is afflicted because of his sin. Notice the wording "in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him", which is exactly what had happened to Job. So Eliphaz is by implication accusing Job of wickedness and oppression, and misrepresenting God into the bargain.
When someone is ill or troubled, it's ok not to have any answers. God's dealings with mankind are intricate, and it's ok to admit we don't understand. It is far more honest to do this than simplify God's dealings into a single rule when it is clear that this rule doesn't apply. In contrast, Jeremiah had a more honest and humble approach:
"Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?" Jer 12:1
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Rob
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1. Then Job <347> answered <6030>(8799) and said <559>(8799),
2. I have heard <8085>(8804) many such things <7227>: miserable <5999> comforters <5162>(8764) are ye all.
3. Shall vain <7307> words <1697> have an end <7093>? or what emboldeneth <4834>(8686) thee that thou answerest <6030>(8799)?
4. I also could speak <1696>(8762) as ye do: if <3863> your soul <5315> were <3426> in my soul's <5315> stead, I could heap up <2266>(8686) words <4405> against you, and shake <5128>(8686) mine head <7218> at <1119> you.
5. But I would strengthen <553>(8762) you with <1119> my mouth <6310>, and the moving <5205> of my lips <8193> should asswage <2820>(8799) your grief.
6. Though I speak <1696>(8762), my grief <3511> is not asswaged <2820>(8735): and though I forbear <2308>(8799), what am I eased <1980>(8799)?
7. But now he hath made me weary <3811>(8689): thou hast made desolate <8074>(8689) all my company <5712>.
8. And thou hast filled me with wrinkles <7059>(8799), which is a witness <5707> against me: and my leanness <3585> rising up <6965>(8799) in me beareth witness <6030>(8799) to my face <6440>.
9. He teareth <2963>(8804) me in his wrath <639>, who hateth <7852>(8799) me: he gnasheth <2786>(8804) upon me with his teeth <8127>; mine enemy <6862> sharpeneth <3913>(8799) his eyes <5869> upon me.
10. They have gaped <6473>(8804) upon me with their mouth <6310>; they have smitten <5221>(8689) me upon the cheek <3895> reproachfully <2781>; they have gathered <4390>(8691) themselves together <3162> against me.
11. God <410> hath delivered <5462>(8686) me to the ungodly <5760>, and turned me over <3399>(8804) into the hands <3027> of the wicked <7563>.
12. I was at ease <7961>, but he hath broken me asunder <6565>(8770): he hath also taken <270>(8804) me by my neck <6203>, and shaken me to pieces <6327>(8770), and set me up <6965>(8686) for his mark <4307>.
13. His archers <7228> compass me round about <5437>(8799), he cleaveth <6398> <0> my reins <3629> asunder <6398>(8762), and doth not spare <2550>(8799); he poureth out <8210>(8799) my gall <4845> upon the ground <776>.
14. He breaketh <6555>(8799) me with breach <6556> upon <6440> breach <6556>, he runneth <7323>(8799) upon me like a giant <1368>.
15. I have sewed <8609>(8804) sackcloth <8242> upon my skin <1539>, and defiled <5953>(8782) my horn <7161> in the dust <6083>.
16. My face <6440> is foul <2560>(8777) with weeping <1065>, and on my eyelids <6079> is the shadow of death <6757>;
17. Not for any injustice <2555> in mine hands <3709>: also my prayer <8605> is pure <2134>.
18. O earth <776>, cover <3680>(8762) not thou my blood <1818>, and let my cry <2201> have no place <4725>.
19. Also now, behold, my witness <5707> is in heaven <8064>, and my record <7717> is on high <4791>.
20. My friends <7453> scorn <3887>(8688) me: but mine eye <5869> poureth out <1811>(8804) tears unto God <433>.
21. O that one might plead <3198>(8686) for a man <1397> with God <433>, as a man <120> pleadeth for his neighbour <1121> <7453>!
22. When a few <4557> years <8141> are come <857>(8799), then I shall go <1980>(8799) the way <734> whence I shall not return <7725>(8799).
1. My breath <7307> is corrupt <2254>(8795), my days <3117> are extinct <2193>(8738), the graves <6913> are ready for me.
2. Are there not mockers <2049> with me? and doth not mine eye <5869> continue <3885>(8799) in their provocation <4784>(8687)?
3. Lay down <7760>(8798) now, put me in a surety <6148>(8798) with thee; who is he that will strike <8628>(8735) hands <3027> with me?
4. For thou hast hid <6845>(8804) their heart <3820> from understanding <7922>: therefore shalt thou not exalt <7311>(8787) them.
5. He that speaketh <5046>(8686) flattery <2506> to his friends <7453>, even the eyes <5869> of his children <1121> shall fail <3615>(8799).
6. He hath made <3322>(8689) me also a byword <4914> of the people <5971>; and aforetime <6440> I was as a tabret <8611>.
7. Mine eye <5869> also is dim <3543>(8799) by reason of sorrow <3708>, and all my members <3338> are as a shadow <6738>.
8. Upright <3477> men shall be astonied <8074>(8799) at this, and the innocent <5355> shall stir up <5782>(8709) himself against the hypocrite <2611>.
9. The righteous <6662> also shall hold <270>(8799) on his way <1870>, and he that hath clean <2890> hands <3027> shall be <3254>(8686) stronger and stronger <555>.
10. But <199> as for you all, do ye return <7725>(8799), and come now <935>(8798): for I cannot find <4672>(8799) one wise <2450> man among you.
11. My days <3117> are past <5674>(8804), my purposes <2154> are broken off <5423>(8738), even the thoughts <4180> of my heart <3824>.
12. They change <7760>(8799) the night <3915> into day <3117>: the light <216> is short <7138> because <6440> of darkness <2822>.
13. If I wait <6960>(8762), the grave <7585> is mine house <1004>: I have made <7502>(8765) my bed <3326> in the darkness <2822>.
14. I have said <7121>(8804) to corruption <7845>, Thou art my father <1>: to the worm <7415>, Thou art my mother <517>, and my sister <269>.
15. And where is now <645> my hope <8615>? as for my hope <8615>, who shall see <7789>(8799) it?
16. They shall go down <3381>(8799) to the bars <905> of the pit <7585>, when our rest <5183> together <3162> is in the dust <6083>.
Notes that are not verse specific
This chapter is a prayer, and like all prayers recorded in scripture is full of praise for God in His great works of creation and the things that He does on behalf of those who love Him and do His commandments.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
3:8 'ride', 'horses', 'chariots' specifically catches the language of the Exodus - Exodus 15:1,3
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2003 Reply to Peter
The chariots are related to the cherubim (Ezekiel 1) which outwork God's purpose (2 Kings 6:17). The cherubim moves as fast as lightning (Ezekiel1:13,14), burning up the old air, bringing in the new. In like manner, our Lord will manifest himself to the world (Matthew 24:27). The earthquake he will trigger (Zech 14:5) is reflected in Hab 3:6,10 and will cause new rivers to be formed (Ezek 47; Joel 3:18). What a time! When the Lord will take over management of the earth that he had once entrusted to man and woman (Genesis 1:26).
Beulah Edwards [Christchurch West New Zealand] Comment added in 2019 Reply to Beulah
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1. A prayer <8605> of Habakkuk <2265> the prophet <5030> upon Shigionoth <7692>.
2. O LORD <3068>, I have heard <8085>(8804) thy speech <8088>, and was afraid <3372>(8804): O LORD <3068>, revive <2421>(8761) thy work <6467> in the midst <7130> of the years <8141>, in the midst <7130> of the years <8141> make known <3045>(8686); in wrath <7267> remember <2142>(8799) mercy <7355>(8763).
3. God <433> came <935>(8799) from Teman <8487>, and the Holy One <6918> from mount <2022> Paran <6290>. Selah <5542>. His glory <1935> covered <3680>(8765) the heavens <8064>, and the earth <776> was full <4390>(8804) of his praise <8416>.
4. And his brightness <5051> was as the light <216>; he had horns <7161> coming out of his hand <3027>: and there was the hiding <2253> of his power <5797>.
5. Before <6440> him went <3212>(8799) the pestilence <1698>, and burning coals <7565> went forth <3318>(8799) at his feet <7272>.
6. He stood <5975>(8804), and measured <4128>(8787) the earth <776>: he beheld <7200>(8804), and drove asunder <5425>(8686) the nations <1471>; and the everlasting <5703> mountains <2042> were scattered <6327>(8691), the perpetual <5769> hills <1389> did bow <7817>(8804): his ways <1979> are everlasting <5769>.
7. I saw <7200>(8804) the tents <168> of Cushan <3572> in affliction <205>: and the curtains <3407> of the land <776> of Midian <4080> did tremble <7264>(8799).
8. Was the LORD <3068> displeased <2734>(8804) against the rivers <5104>? was thine anger <639> against the rivers <5104>? was thy wrath <5678> against the sea <3220>, that thou didst ride <7392>(8799) upon thine horses <5483> and thy chariots <4818> of salvation <3444>?
9. Thy bow <7198> was made quite <6181> naked <5783>(8735), according to the oaths <7621> of the tribes <4294>, even thy word <562>. Selah <5542>. Thou didst cleave <1234>(8762) the earth <776> with rivers <5104>.
10. The mountains <2022> saw <7200>(8804) thee, and they trembled <2342>(8799): the overflowing <2230> of the water <4325> passed by <5674>(8804): the deep <8415> uttered <5414>(8804) his voice <6963>, and lifted up <5375>(8804) his hands <3027> on high <7315>.
11. The sun <8121> and moon <3394> stood still <5975>(8804) in their habitation <2073>: at the light <216> of thine arrows <2671> they went <1980>(8762), and at the shining <5051> of thy glittering <1300> spear <2595>.
12. Thou didst march through <6805>(8799) the land <776> in indignation <2195>, thou didst thresh <1758>(8799) the heathen <1471> in anger <639>.
13. Thou wentest forth <3318>(8804) for the salvation <3468> of thy people <5971>, even for salvation <3468> with thine anointed <4899>; thou woundedst <4272>(8804) the head <7218> out of the house <1004> of the wicked <7563>, by discovering <6168>(8763) the foundation <3247> unto the neck <6677>. Selah <5542>.
14. Thou didst strike through <5344>(8804) with his staves <4294> the head <7218> of his villages <6518>: they came out as a whirlwind <5590>(8799) to scatter <6327>(8687) me: their rejoicing <5951> was as to devour <398>(8800) the poor <6041> secretly <4565>.
15. Thou didst walk <1869>(8804) through the sea <3220> with thine horses <5483>, through the heap <2563> of great <7227> waters <4325>.
16. When I heard <8085>(8804), my belly <990> trembled <7264>(8799); my lips <8193> quivered <6750>(8804) at the voice <6963>: rottenness <7538> entered <935>(8799) into my bones <6106>, and I trembled <7264>(8799) in myself, that I might rest <5117>(8799) in the day <3117> of trouble <6869>: when he cometh up <5927>(8800) unto the people <5971>, he will invade them with his troops <1464>(8799).
17. Although the fig tree <8384> shall not blossom <6524>(8799), neither shall fruit <2981> be in the vines <1612>; the labour <4639> of the olive <2132> shall fail <3584>(8765), and the fields <7709> shall yield <6213>(8804) no meat <400>; the flock <6629> shall be cut off <1504>(8804) from the fold <4356>, and there shall be no herd <1241> in the stalls <7517>:
18. Yet I will rejoice <5937>(8799) in the LORD <3068>, I will joy <1523>(8799) in the God <430> of my salvation <3468>.
19. The LORD <3069> God <136> is my strength <2428>, and he will make <7760>(8799) my feet <7272> like hinds <355>' feet, and he will make me to walk <1869>(8686) upon mine high places <1116>. To the chief singer <5329>(8764) on my stringed instruments <5058>.
Notes that are not verse specific
"A More Sure Word of Prophecy"
How do we know that the Scripture to be true? God has authenticated His Word by giving us the sign posts along the way by way of prophecy. That's what prophecy is all about. It's incredible that 95% of prophecies have been fulfilled with only a small part left to unfold and by this we know that His word is sure. By understanding prophecy we can be prepared for coming events. It is like a flashlight that God provides to guide us through the dark times we live in - so that we may see the future.. "a light that shineth in a dark place" (2 Peter 1:19)
Peter Dulis [toronto west] Comment added in 2016 Reply to Peter
The Greek word for 'patience' in this verse is <5281> hupomone and carries the idea of 'hopeful endurance'. How often do we 'endure' adversity or suffering hopefully? Speaking personally, VERY rarely if ever: I just complain bitterly and think God is punishing me (as per Deuteronomy 28).
Yet the Apostle Paul tells us so clearly in Acts 14:22 that it is through MUCH tribulation we must enter the Kingdom of God.
Furthermore James tells us (James 1:3) that the very trying of our faith (i.e. the 'fiery' trials we go through), helps us to develop the 'hopeful endurance'.
I just wish I could bring these two verses to mind when all is crashing down around me!
Nigel Morgan [Fawley UK] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Nigel
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1. Simon <4826> Peter <4074>, a servant <1401> and <2532> an apostle <652> of Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, to them that have obtained <2975>(5631) like precious <2472> faith <4102> with us <2254> through <1722> the righteousness <1343> of God <2316> and <2532> our <2257> Saviour <4990> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>:
2. Grace <5485> and <2532> peace <1515> be multiplied <4129>(5684) unto you <5213> through <1722> the knowledge <1922> of God <2316>, and <2532> of Jesus <2424> our <2257> Lord <2962>,
3. According as <5613> his <846> divine <2304> power <1411> hath given <1433>(5772) unto us <2254> all things <3956> that pertain unto <4314> life <2222> and <2532> godliness <2150>, through <1223> the knowledge <1922> of him that hath called <2564>(5660) us <2248> to <1223> glory <1391> and <2532> virtue <703>:
4. Whereby <1223> <3739> are given <1433>(5769) unto us <2254> exceeding great <3176> and <2532> precious <5093> promises <1862>: that <2443> by <1223> these <5130> ye might be <1096>(5638) partakers <2844> of the divine <2304> nature <5449>, having escaped <668>(5631) the corruption <5356> that is in <1722> the world <2889> through <1722> lust <1939>.
5. And <2532> <1161> beside <846> this <5124>, giving <3923>(5660) all <3956> diligence <4710>, add <2023>(5657) to <1722> your <5216> faith <4102> virtue <703>; and <1161> to <1722> virtue <703> knowledge <1108>;
6. And <1161> to <1722> knowledge <1108> temperance <1466>; and <1161> to <1722> temperance <1466> patience <5281>; and <1161> to <1722> patience <5281> godliness <2150>;
7. And <1161> to <1722> godliness <2150> brotherly kindness <5360>; and <1161> to <1722> brotherly kindness <5360> charity <26>.
8. For <1063> if these things <5023> be <5225>(5723) in you <5213>, and <2532> abound <4121>(5723), they make <2525>(5719) you that ye shall neither <3756> be barren <692> nor <3761> unfruitful <175> in <1519> the knowledge <1922> of our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>.
9. But <1063> he that <3739> lacketh <3361> <3918>(5748) these things <5023> is <2076>(5748) blind <5185>, and cannot see afar off <3467>(5723), and hath forgotten <3024> <2983>(5631) that he was purged from <2512> his <848> old <3819> sins <266>.
10. Wherefore <1352> the rather <3123>, brethren <80>, give diligence <4704>(5657) to make <4160>(5733) your <5216> calling <2821> and <2532> election <1589> sure <949>: for <1063> if ye do <4160>(5723) these things <5023>, ye shall <4218> <0> <4417> <0> never <3364> fall <4218> <4417>(5661):
11. For <1063> so <3779> an entrance <1529> shall be ministered <2023>(5701) unto you <5213> abundantly <4146> into <1519> the everlasting <166> kingdom <932> of our <2257> Lord <2962> and <2532> Saviour <4990> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>.
12. Wherefore <1352> I will <272> <0> not <3756> be negligent <272>(5692) to put <5279> <0> you <5209> always <104> in remembrance <5279>(5721) of <4012> these things <5130>, though <2539> ye know <1492>(5761) them, and <2532> be established <4741>(5772) in <1722> the present <3918>(5752) truth <225>.
13. Yea <1161>, I think it <2233>(5736) meet <1342>, as long as <1909> <3745> I am <1510>(5748) in <1722> this <5129> tabernacle <4638>, to stir <1326> <0> you <5209> up <1326>(5721) by <1722> putting you in remembrance <5280>;
14. Knowing <1492>(5761) that <3754> shortly <5031> I must <2076>(5748) put off <595> this my <3450> tabernacle <4638>, even <2532> as <2531> our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> hath shewed <1213>(5656) me <3427>.
15. Moreover <1161> <2532> I will endeavour <4704>(5692) that ye <5209> may be able <2192>(5721) after <3326> my <1699> decease <1841> to have <4160>(5733) these things <5130> always <1539> in remembrance <3420>.
16. For <1063> we have <1811> <0> not <3756> followed <1811>(5660) cunningly devised <4679>(5772) fables <3454>, when we made known <1107>(5656) unto you <5213> the power <1411> and <2532> coming <3952> of our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, but <235> were <1096>(5679) eyewitnesses <2030> of his <1565> majesty <3168>.
17. For <1063> he received <2983>(5631) from <3844> God <2316> the Father <3962> honour <5092> and <2532> glory <1391>, when there came <5342>(5685) such <5107> a voice <5456> to him <846> from <5259> the excellent <3169> glory <1391>, This <3778> is <2076>(5748) my <3450> beloved <27> Son <5207>, in <1519> whom <3739> I <1473> am well pleased <2106>(5656).
18. And <2532> this <5026> voice <5456> which came <5342>(5685) from <1537> heaven <3772> we <2249> heard <191>(5656), when we were <5607>(5752) with <4862> him <846> in <1722> the holy <40> mount <3735>.
19. We have <2192>(5719) also <2532> a more sure <949> word <3056> of prophecy <4397>; whereunto <3739> ye do <4160>(5719) well <2573> that ye take heed <4337>(5723), as <5613> unto a light <3088> that shineth <5316>(5730) in <1722> a dark <850> place <5117>, until <2193> the day <2250> dawn <1306>(5661), and <2532> the day star <5459> arise <393>(5661) in <1722> your <5216> hearts <2588>:
20. Knowing <1097>(5723) this <5124> first <4412>, that <3754> no <3756> <3956> prophecy <4394> of the scripture <1124> is <1096>(5736) of any private <2398> interpretation <1955>.
21. For <1063> the prophecy <4394> came <5342>(5681) not <3756> in old time <4218> by the will <2307> of man <444>: but <235> holy <40> men <444> of God <2316> spake <2980>(5656) as they were moved <5342>(5746) by <5259> the Holy <40> Ghost <4151>.
1. But <1161> there were <1096>(5633) false prophets <5578> also <2532> among <1722> the people <2992>, even <2532> as <5613> there shall be <2071>(5704) false teachers <5572> among <1722> you <5213>, who <3748> privily shall bring in <3919>(5692) damnable <684> heresies <139>, even <2532> denying <720>(5740) the Lord <1203> that bought <59>(5660) them <846>, and bring <1863>(5723) upon themselves <1438> swift <5031> destruction <684>.
2. And <2532> many <4183> shall follow <1811>(5692) their <846> pernicious ways <684>; by reason of <1223> whom <3739> the way <3598> of truth <225> shall be evil spoken of <987>(5701).
3. And <2532> through <1722> covetousness <4124> shall they with feigned <4112> words <3056> make merchandise <1710>(5695) of you <5209>: whose <3739> judgment <2917> now of a long time <1597> lingereth <691>(5719) not <3756>, and <2532> their <846> damnation <684> slumbereth <3573>(5719) not <3756>.
4. For <1063> if <1487> God <2316> spared <5339>(5662) not <3756> the angels <32> that sinned <264>(5660), but <235> cast them down to hell <5020>(5660), and delivered <3860>(5656) them into chains <4577> of darkness <2217>, to be reserved <5083>(5772) unto <1519> judgment <2920>;
5. And <2532> spared <5339>(5662) not <3756> the old <744> world <2889>, but <235> saved <5442>(5656) Noah <3575> the eighth <3590> person, a preacher <2783> of righteousness <1343>, bringing in <1863>(5660) the flood <2627> upon the world <2889> of the ungodly <765>;
6. And <2532> turning <5077> <0> the cities <4172> of Sodom <4670> and <2532> Gomorrha <1116> into ashes <5077>(5660) condemned <2632>(5656) them with an overthrow <2692>, making <5087>(5761) them an ensample <5262> unto those that after should <3195>(5723) live ungodly <764>(5721);
7. And <2532> delivered <4506>(5673) just <1342> Lot <3091>, vexed <2669>(5746) with <5259> the filthy <766> conversation <391> of the wicked <113>:
8. (For <1063> that righteous man <1342> dwelling <1460>(5723) among <1722> them <846>, in seeing <990> and <2532> hearing <189>, vexed <928>(5707) his righteous <1342> soul <5590> from day <2250> to <1537> day <2250> with their unlawful <459> deeds <2041>;)
9. The Lord <2962> knoweth <1492>(5758) how to deliver <4506>(5738) the godly <2152> out of <1537> temptations <3986>, and <1161> to reserve <5083>(5721) the unjust <94> unto <1519> the day <2250> of judgment <2920> to be punished <2849>(5746):
10. But <1161> chiefly <3122> them that walk <4198>(5740) after <3694> the flesh <4561> in <1722> the lust <1939> of uncleanness <3394>, and <2532> despise <2706>(5723) government <2963>. Presumptuous <5113> are they, selfwilled <829>, they are not <3756> afraid <5141>(5719) to speak evil <987>(5723) of dignities <1391>.
11. Whereas <3699> angels <32>, which are <5607>(5752) greater in <3187> power <2479> and <2532> might <1411>, bring <5342>(5719) not <3756> railing <989> accusation <2920> against <2596> them <846> before <3844> the Lord <2962>.
12. But <1161> these <3778>, as <5613> natural <5446> brute <249> beasts <2226>, made <1080>(5772) to <1519> be taken <259> and <2532> destroyed <5356>, speak evil <987>(5723) of <1722> the things that <3739> they understand not <50>(5719); and shall utterly perish <2704>(5691) in <1722> their own <848> corruption <5356>;
13. And shall receive <2865>(5697) the reward <3408> of unrighteousness <93>, as they that count <2233>(5740) it pleasure <2237> to riot <5172> in <1722> the day time <2250>. Spots <4696> they are and <2532> blemishes <3470>, sporting themselves <1792>(5723) with <1722> their own <848> deceivings <539> while they feast <4910>(5740) with you <5213>;
14. Having <2192>(5723) eyes <3788> full <3324> of adultery <3428>, and <2532> that cannot cease from <180> sin <266>; beguiling <1185>(5723) unstable <793> souls <5590>: an heart <2588> they have <2192>(5723) exercised <1128>(5772) with covetous practices <4124>; cursed <2671> children <5043>:
15. Which have forsaken <2641>(5631) the right <2117> way <3598>, and are gone astray <4105>(5681), following <1811>(5660) the way <3598> of Balaam <903> the son of Bosor <1007>, who <3739> loved <25>(5656) the wages <3408> of unrighteousness <93>;
16. But <1161> was <2192>(5627) rebuked <1649> for his <2398> iniquity <3892>: the dumb <880> ass <5268> speaking <5350>(5674) with <1722> man's <444> voice <5456> forbad <2967>(5656) the madness <3913> of the prophet <4396>.
17. These <3778> are <1526>(5748) wells <4077> without water <504>, clouds <3507> that are carried <1643>(5746) with <5259> a tempest <2978>; to whom <3739> the mist <2217> of darkness <4655> is reserved <5083>(5769) for <1519> ever <165>.
18. For <1063> when they speak <5350>(5726) great swelling <5246> words of vanity <3153>, they allure <1185>(5719) through <1722> the lusts <1939> of the flesh <4561>, through much wantonness <766>, those that were clean <3689> escaped <668>(5631) from them who live <390>(5746) in <1722> error <4106>.
19. While they promise <1861>(5740) them <846> liberty <1657>, they themselves <846> are <5225>(5723) the servants <1401> of corruption <5356>: for <1063> of whom <3739> a man <5100> is overcome <2274>(5766), <2532> of the same <5129> is he brought in bondage <1402>(5769).
20. For <1063> if <1487> after they have escaped <668>(5631) the pollutions <3393> of the world <2889> through <1722> the knowledge <1922> of the Lord <2962> and <2532> Saviour <4990> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, they are <1707> <0> again <3825> entangled <1707>(5651) therein <5125>, and <1161> overcome <1096>(5754) <2274>(5736), the latter end <2078> is worse <5501> with them <846> than the beginning <4413>.
21. For <1063> it had been <2258>(5713) better <2909> for them <846> not <3361> to have known <1921>(5760) the way <3598> of righteousness <1343>, than <2228>, after they have known <1921>(5631) it, to turn <1994>(5658) from <1537> the holy <40> commandment <1785> delivered <3860>(5685) unto them <846>.
22. But <1161> it is happened <4819>(5758) unto them <846> according to <3588> the true <227> proverb <3942>, The dog <2965> is turned <1994> <0> to <1909> his own <2398> vomit <1829> again <1994>(5660); and <2532> the sow <5300> that was washed <3068>(5671) to <1519> her wallowing <2946> in the mire <1004>.