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SURE OF GOD'S PLAN
Like Gideon, we can sometimes feel lost, confused or even just not confident of what God's plan for our life really is. Sometimes it seems that all our reasoning cannot tell which direction we should go in our lives and we need specific help from God to make those choices. Gideon felt that way on a number of occasions.
First he asked for a sign that God was really talking to him at his initial calling, and the sign that was given to him was that of the offering being miraculously burned up and the angel disappearing. Sometimes he will give us a sign too and if we are willing to receive it, we cannot ignore it. He still works in the same way today.
The second sign God gave Gideon was with the fleece. It was to answer a question - "If you will be with me then ... " The first night, as Gideon had asked, the fleece was wet and the ground was dry, and the second night the fleece was dry and the ground was wet. We too can ask for this sort of sign when we need God's guidance. We can ask, "If such and such happens then I will take it as a sign to do so and so." Many people, including myself, have found this really helps (although sometimes the answer can be very challenging.)
Let's not be afraid to ask God for direction as long as we are prepared to listen for the answer and act on the direction God has given us.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
12 The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior.” 13 Then Gideon said to him, “O my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now theLord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.” 14 The Lord [g]looked at him and said, “Go in this your strength and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you?” It was the angel of the LORD that appeared, but he speaks as The LORD. Just as it was at the burning bush. Even after the angel leaves though the LORD still speaks to Gideon. Just has it says in God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son.
Alex Browning [Kitchener-Waterloo] Comment added in 2015 Reply to Alex
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1. And the children <1121> of Israel <3478> did <6213>(8799) evil <7451> in the sight <5869> of the LORD <3068>: and the LORD <3068> delivered <5414>(8799) them into the hand <3027> of Midian <4080> seven <7651> years <8141>.
2. And the hand <3027> of Midian <4080> prevailed <5810>(8799) against Israel <3478>: and because <6440> of the Midianites <4080> the children <1121> of Israel <3478> made <6213>(8804) them the dens <4492> which are in the mountains <2022>, and caves <4631>, and strong holds <4679>.
3. And so it was, when Israel <3478> had sown <2232>(8804), that the Midianites <4080> came up <5927>(8804), and the Amalekites <6002>, and the children <1121> of the east <6924>, even they came up <5927>(8804) against them;
4. And they encamped <2583>(8799) against them, and destroyed <7843>(8686) the increase <2981> of the earth <776>, till thou come <935>(8800) unto Gaza <5804>, and left <7604>(8686) no sustenance <4241> for Israel <3478>, neither sheep <7716>, nor ox <7794>, nor ass <2543>.
5. For they came up <5927>(8799) with their cattle <4735> and their tents <168>, and they came <935>(8804)(8675) <935>(8799) as <1767> grasshoppers <697> for multitude <7230>; for both they and their camels <1581> were without number <4557>: and they entered <935>(8799) into the land <776> to destroy <7843>(8763) it.
6. And Israel <3478> was greatly <3966> impoverished <1809>(8735) because <6440> of the Midianites <4080>; and the children <1121> of Israel <3478> cried <2199>(8799) unto the LORD <3068>.
7. And it came to pass, when the children <1121> of Israel <3478> cried <2199>(8804) unto the LORD <3068> because <182> of the Midianites <4080>,
8. That the LORD <3068> sent <7971>(8799) a prophet <376> <5030> unto the children <1121> of Israel <3478>, which said <559>(8799) unto them, Thus saith <559>(8804) the LORD <3068> God <430> of Israel <3478>, I brought you up <5927>(8689) from Egypt <4714>, and brought you forth <3318>(8686) out of the house <1004> of bondage <5650>;
9. And I delivered <5337>(8686) you out of the hand <3027> of the Egyptians <4714>, and out of the hand <3027> of all that oppressed <3905>(8801) you, and drave them out <1644>(8762) from before <6440> you, and gave <5414>(8799) you their land <776>;
10. And I said <559>(8799) unto you, I am the LORD <3068> your God <430>; fear <3372>(8799) not the gods <430> of the Amorites <567>, in whose land <776> ye dwell <3427>(8802): but ye have not obeyed <8085>(8804) my voice <6963>.
11. And there came <935>(8799) an angel <4397> of the LORD <3068>, and sat <3427>(8799) under an oak <424> which was in Ophrah <6084>, that pertained unto Joash <3101> the Abiezrite <33>: and his son <1121> Gideon <1439> threshed <2251>(8802) wheat <2406> by the winepress <1660>, to hide <5127>(8687) it from <6440> the Midianites <4080>.
12. And the angel <4397> of the LORD <3068> appeared <7200>(8735) unto him, and said <559>(8799) unto him, The LORD <3068> is with thee, thou mighty <1368> man of valour <2428>.
13. And Gideon <1439> said <559>(8799) unto him, Oh <994> my Lord <113>, if <3426> the LORD <3068> be with us, why then is all this befallen <4672>(8804) us? and where be all his miracles <6381>(8737) which our fathers <1> told <5608>(8765) us of, saying <559>(8800), Did not the LORD <3068> bring us up <5927>(8689) from Egypt <4714>? but now the LORD <3068> hath forsaken <5203>(8804) us, and delivered <5414>(8799) us into the hands <3709> of the Midianites <4080>.
14. And the LORD <3068> looked <6437>(8799) upon him, and said <559>(8799), Go <3212>(8798) in this thy might <3581>, and thou shalt save <3467>(8689) Israel <3478> from the hand <3709> of the Midianites <4080>: have not I sent <7971>(8804) thee?
15. And he said <559>(8799) unto him, Oh <994> my Lord <136>, wherewith <4100> shall I save <3467>(8686) Israel <3478>? behold, my family <504>(8676) <505> is poor <1800> in Manasseh <4519>, and I am the least <6810> in my father's <1> house <1004>.
16. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite <5221>(8689) the Midianites <4080> as one <259> man <376>.
17. And he said <559>(8799) unto him, If now I have found <4672>(8804) grace <2580> in thy sight <5869>, then shew <6213>(8804) me a sign <226> that thou talkest <1696>(8764) with me.
18. Depart <4185>(8799) not hence, I pray thee, until I come <935>(8800) unto thee, and bring forth <3318>(8689) my present <4503>, and set <3240>(8689) it before <6440> thee. And he said <559>(8799), I will tarry <3427>(8799) until thou come again <7725>(8800).
19. And Gideon <1439> went in <935>(8804), and made ready <6213>(8799) a kid <5795> <1423>, and unleavened cakes <4682> of an ephah <374> of flour <7058>: the flesh <1320> he put <7760>(8804) in a basket <5536>, and he put <7760>(8804) the broth <4839> in a pot <6517>, and brought it out <3318>(8686) unto him under the oak <424>, and presented <5066>(8686) it.
20. And the angel <4397> of God <430> said <559>(8799) unto him, Take <3947>(8798) the flesh <1320> and the unleavened cakes <4682>, and lay <3240>(8685) them upon this <1975> rock <5553>, and pour out <8210>(8798) the broth <4839>. And he did <6213>(8799) so.
21. Then the angel <4397> of the LORD <3068> put forth <7971>(8799) the end <7097> of the staff <4938> that was in his hand <3027>, and touched <5060>(8799) the flesh <1320> and the unleavened cakes <4682>; and there rose up <5927>(8799) fire <784> out of the rock <6697>, and consumed <398>(8799) the flesh <1320> and the unleavened cakes <4682>. Then the angel <4397> of the LORD <3068> departed <1980>(8804) out of his sight <5869>.
22. And when Gideon <1439> perceived <7200>(8799) that he was an angel <4397> of the LORD <3068>, Gideon <1439> said <559>(8799), Alas <162>, O Lord <136> GOD <3069>! for because <3651> I have seen <7200>(8804) an angel <4397> of the LORD <3068> face <6440> to face <6440>.
23. And the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto him, Peace <7965> be unto thee; fear <3372>(8799) not: thou shalt not die <4191>(8799).
24. Then Gideon <1439> built <1129>(8799) an altar <4196> there unto the LORD <3068>, and called <7121>(8799) it Jehovahshalom <3073>: unto this day <3117> it is yet in Ophrah <6084> of the Abiezrites <33>.
25. And it came to pass the same night <3915>, that the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto him, Take <3947>(8798) thy father's <1> young <6499> bullock <7794>, even the second <8145> bullock <6499> of seven <7651> years old <8141>, and throw down <2040>(8804) the altar <4196> of Baal <1168> that thy father <1> hath, and cut down <3772>(8799) the grove <842> that is by it:
26. And build <1129>(8804) an altar <4196> unto the LORD <3068> thy God <430> upon the top <7218> of this rock <4581>, in the ordered place <4634>, and take <3947>(8804) the second <8145> bullock <6499>, and offer <5927>(8689) a burnt sacrifice <5930> with the wood <6086> of the grove <842> which thou shalt cut down <3772>(8799).
27. Then Gideon <1439> took <3947>(8799) ten <6235> men <582> of his servants <5650>, and did <6213>(8799) as the LORD <3068> had said <1696>(8765) unto him: and so it was, because he feared <3372>(8804) his father's <1> household <1004>, and the men <582> of the city <5892>, that he could not do <6213>(8800) it by day <3119>, that he did <6213>(8799) it by night <3915>.
28. And when the men <582> of the city <5892> arose early <7925>(8686) in the morning <1242>, behold, the altar <4196> of Baal <1168> was cast down <5422>(8795), and the grove <842> was cut down <3772>(8795) that was by it, and the second <8145> bullock <6499> was offered <5927>(8717) upon the altar <4196> that was built <1129>(8803).
29. And they said <559>(8799) one <376> to another <7453>, Who hath done <6213>(8804) this thing <1697>? And when they enquired <1875>(8799) and asked <1245>(8762), they said <559>(8799), Gideon <1439> the son <1121> of Joash <3101> hath done <6213>(8804) this thing <1697>.
30. Then the men <582> of the city <5892> said <559>(8799) unto Joash <3101>, Bring out <3318>(8685) thy son <1121>, that he may die <4191>(8799): because he hath cast down <5422>(8804) the altar <4196> of Baal <1168>, and because he hath cut down <3772>(8804) the grove <842> that was by it.
31. And Joash <3101> said <559>(8799) unto all that stood <5975>(8804) against him, Will ye plead <7378>(8799) for Baal <1168>? will ye save <3467>(8686) him? he that will plead <7378>(8799) for him, let him be put to death <4191>(8714) whilst it is yet morning <1242>: if he be a god <430>, let him plead <7378>(8799) for himself, because one hath cast down <5422>(8804) his altar <4196>.
32. Therefore on that day <3117> he called <7121>(8799) him Jerubbaal <3378>, saying <559>(8800), Let Baal <1168> plead <7378>(8799) against him, because he hath thrown down <5422>(8804) his altar <4196>.
33. Then all the Midianites <4080> and the Amalekites <6002> and the children <1121> of the east <6924> were gathered <622>(8738) together <3162>, and went over <5674>(8799), and pitched <2583>(8799) in the valley <6010> of Jezreel <3157>.
34. But the Spirit <7307> of the LORD <3068> came <3847>(8804) upon Gideon <1439>, and he blew <8628>(8799) a trumpet <7782>; and Abiezer <44> was gathered <2199>(8735) after <310> him.
35. And he sent <7971>(8804) messengers <4397> throughout all Manasseh <4519>; who also was gathered <2199>(8735) after <310> him: and he sent <7971>(8804) messengers <4397> unto Asher <836>, and unto Zebulun <2074>, and unto Naphtali <5321>; and they came up <5927>(8799) to meet <7125>(8800) them.
36. And Gideon <1439> said <559>(8799) unto God <430>, If thou wilt <3426> save <3467>(8688) Israel <3478> by mine hand <3027>, as thou hast said <1696>(8765),
37. Behold, I will put <3322>(8688) a fleece <1492> of wool <6785> in the floor <1637>; and if the dew <2919> be on the fleece <1492> only, and it be dry <2721> upon all the earth <776> beside, then shall I know <3045>(8804) that thou wilt save <3467>(8686) Israel <3478> by mine hand <3027>, as thou hast said <1696>(8765).
38. And it was so: for he rose up early <7925>(8686) on the morrow <4283>, and thrust <2115> <0> the fleece <1492> together <2115>(8799), and wringed <4680>(8799) the dew <2919> out of the fleece <1492>, a bowl <5602> full <4393> of water <4325>.
39. And Gideon <1439> said <559>(8799) unto God <430>, Let not thine anger <639> be hot <2734>(8799) against me, and I will speak <1696>(8762) but this once <6471>: let me prove <5254>(8762), I pray thee, but this once <6471> with the fleece <1492>; let it now be dry <2721> only upon the fleece <1492>, and upon all the ground <776> let there be dew <2919>.
40. And God <430> did <6213>(8799) so that night <3915>: for it was dry <2721> upon the fleece <1492> only, and there was dew <2919> on all the ground <776>.
Notes that are not verse specific
V15 Righteousness is linked with our speech. Prov 15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life.
It isnt just about what we shouldnt say, swearing etc but also about saying the right words. Wholesome has the idea of medicine, so our tongues should give health and life to those around us. Our mouths should be a source of comfort to our brethren and sisters.
stephen cox [Sedgley UK] Comment added in 2013 Reply to stephen
32:9 The reproof of those “at ease” is echoed by the contemporary prophet –Amos 6:1.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2017 Reply to Peter
32:2 the “king” is Jesus and the “princes” are the redeemed believers when the kingdom is re-established. The “saints” will have been given eternal life and will, being free from sin, judge righteously as Jesus will.
Peter Forbes [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2020 Reply to Peter
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1. Woe <1945> to thee that spoilest <7703>(8802), and thou wast not spoiled <7703>(8803); and dealest treacherously <898>(8802), and they dealt not treacherously <898>(8804) with thee! when thou shalt cease <8552>(8687) to spoil <7703>(8802), thou shalt be spoiled <7703>(8714); and when thou shalt make an end <5239>(8687) to deal treacherously <898>(8800), they shall deal treacherously <898>(8799) with thee.
2. O LORD <3068>, be gracious <2603>(8798) unto us; we have waited <6960>(8765) for thee: be thou their arm <2220> every morning <1242>, our salvation <3444> also in the time <6256> of trouble <6869>.
3. At the noise <6963> of the tumult <1995> the people <5971> fled <5074>(8804); at the lifting up <7427> of thyself the nations <1471> were scattered <5310>(8804).
4. And your spoil <7998> shall be gathered <622>(8795) like the gathering <625> of the caterpiller <2625>: as the running to and fro <4944> of locusts <1357> shall he run <8264>(8802) upon them.
5. The LORD <3068> is exalted <7682>(8737); for he dwelleth <7931>(8802) on high <4791>: he hath filled <4390>(8765) Zion <6726> with judgment <4941> and righteousness <6666>.
6. And wisdom <2451> and knowledge <1847> shall be the stability <530> of thy times <6256>, and strength <2633> of salvation <3444>: the fear <3374> of the LORD <3068> is his treasure <214>.
7. Behold, their valiant ones <691> shall cry <6817>(8804) without <2351>: the ambassadors <4397> of peace <7965> shall weep <1058>(8799) bitterly <4751>.
8. The highways <4546> lie waste <8074>(8738), the wayfaring man <5674>(8802) <734> ceaseth <7673>(8804): he hath broken <6565>(8689) the covenant <1285>, he hath despised <3988>(8804) the cities <5892>, he regardeth <2803>(8804) no man <582>.
9. The earth <776> mourneth <56>(8804) and languisheth <535>(8797): Lebanon <3844> is ashamed <2659>(8689) and hewn down <7060>(8804): Sharon <8289> is like a wilderness <6160>; and Bashan <1316> and Carmel <3760> shake off <5287>(8802) their fruits.
10. Now will I rise <6965>(8799), saith <559>(8799) the LORD <3068>; now will I be exalted <7426>(8735); now will I lift up <5375>(8735) myself.
11. Ye shall conceive <2029>(8799) chaff <2842>, ye shall bring forth <3205>(8799) stubble <7179>: your breath <7307>, as fire <784>, shall devour <398>(8799) you.
12. And the people <5971> shall be as the burnings <4955> of lime <7875>: as thorns <6975> cut up <3683>(8803) shall they be burned <3341>(8799) in the fire <784>.
13. Hear <8085>(8798), ye that are far off <7350>, what I have done <6213>(8804); and, ye that are near <7138>, acknowledge <3045>(8798) my might <1369>.
14. The sinners <2400> in Zion <6726> are afraid <6342>(8804); fearfulness <7461> hath surprised <270>(8804) the hypocrites <2611>. Who among us shall dwell <1481>(8799) with the devouring <398>(8802) fire <784>? who among us shall dwell <1481>(8799) with everlasting <5769> burnings <4168>?
15. He that walketh <1980>(8802) righteously <6666>, and speaketh <1696>(8802) uprightly <4339>; he that despiseth <3988>(8802) the gain <1215> of oppressions <4642>, that shaketh <5287>(8802) his hands <3709> from holding <8551>(8800) of bribes <7810>, that stoppeth <331>(8801) his ears <241> from hearing <8085>(8800) of blood <1818>, and shutteth <6105>(8802) his eyes <5869> from seeing <7200>(8800) evil <7451>;
16. He shall dwell <7931>(8799) on high <4791>: his place of defence <4869> shall be the munitions <4679> of rocks <5553>: bread <3899> shall be given <5414>(8737) him; his waters <4325> shall be sure <539>(8737).
17. Thine eyes <5869> shall see <2372>(8799) the king <4428> in his beauty <3308>: they shall behold <7200>(8799) the land <776> that is very far off <4801>.
18. Thine heart <3820> shall meditate <1897>(8799) terror <367>. Where is the scribe <5608>(8802)? where is the receiver <8254>(8802)? where is he that counted <5608>(8802) the towers <4026>?
19. Thou shalt not see <7200>(8799) a fierce <3267>(8737) people <5971>, a people <5971> of a deeper <6012> speech <8193> than thou canst perceive <8085>(8800); of a stammering <3932>(8737) tongue <3956>, that thou canst not understand <998>.
20. Look <2372>(8798) upon Zion <6726>, the city <7151> of our solemnities <4150>: thine eyes <5869> shall see <7200>(8799) Jerusalem <3389> a quiet <7600> habitation <5116>, a tabernacle <168> that shall not be taken down <6813>(8799); not one of the stakes <3489> thereof shall ever <5331> be removed <5265>(8799), neither shall any of the cords <2256> thereof be broken <5423>(8735).
21. But there the glorious <117> LORD <3068> will be unto us a place <4725> of broad <7342> <3027> rivers <5104> and streams <2975>; wherein shall go <3212>(8799) no <1077> galley <590> with oars <7885>, neither shall gallant <117> ship <6716> pass <5674>(8799) thereby.
22. For the LORD <3068> is our judge <8199>(8802), the LORD <3068> is our lawgiver <2710>(8781), the LORD <3068> is our king <4428>; he will save <3467>(8686) us.
23. Thy tacklings <2256> are loosed <5203>(8738); they could not well <3653> strengthen <2388>(8762) their mast <8650>, they could not spread <6566>(8804) the sail <5251>: then is the prey <5706> of a great <4766> spoil <7998> divided <2505>(8795); the lame <6455> take <962>(8804) the prey <957>.
24. And the inhabitant <7934> shall not say <559>(8799), I am sick <2470>(8804): the people <5971> that dwell <3427>(8802) therein shall be forgiven <5375>(8803) their iniquity <5771>.
Notes that are not verse specific
WISDOM
When we think of wisdom we can tend to think of some of those ultra clever people - Einstein, Pythagoras, Newton and so on. But anyone can have wisdom. If they just ask God, he will give it to them - you and me included! James tells us in chapter 1 v 5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." But in receiving wisdom it does not mean that we will be able to pass every exam that comes our way or be given special knowledge like Einstein, Pythagoras and Newton. If that is what we want we need to ask for intelligence. Wisdom is better than intelligence. Wisdom is knowing how to live. Wisdom is making right decisions. Wisdom is treating people right. Wisdom is living a life that is pleasing to God. So James says, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."
Wisdom produces a good life, good deeds and humility. The person you see practising these three godly qualities is a wise person indeed. Let's ask God for wisdom and then show it in our own lives as we live well, do good deeds and practice humility.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
3:17 During his earthly ministry, Jesus opposed sin, and publicly rebuked the spiritual leaders of Israel. Yet the moral and social outcasts (prostitutes and tax collectors) experienced both his wisdom from above and his great love. They knew that he was peace loving, considerate, full of mercy and without partiality.
John Wilson [Toronto West (Can)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to John
https://christadelphianvideo.org/christadelphian-daily-readings/
Stuart-Caleb Art Courtonel [Rugby] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Stuart-Caleb Art
Today's readings.. (Judges 6), (Isaiah 33), (James 3,4)
The letter of James is full of challenging spiritual statements. Many are applicable to the world which surrounds us. James was writing at the time when Jerusalem was about to be destroyed as his half-brother (our Lord) had warned. The great majority had rejected the divine message, it is evident that, 30+ years after their Lord ascended to heaven the convictions and commitment of believers was in serious decline.
What James writes is also appropriate for the world today and the spirit among many who consider themselves believers, “You ask and do not receive,” he declares, “because you ask wrongly to spend it on your passions.... Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? [4 v.3,4]
What he writes next reminds us of what Paul said to the people of Athens - about the unseen presence of the only real God, encouraging them to “feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for 'In him we live and move and have our being'” [Acts 17 v.27,28] Compare this with what James told believers in Jerusalem about God, “'He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us?'” [Ch. 4 v.5] The Creator of all things, it is clear, sees and knows all.
In Judges we read about Gideon; in his days the people had largely forgotten their history, especially the faith that Moses and Joshua inspired in them as they started to possess the promised land. The nation was in deep trouble, Gideon had an astonishing encounter with an angel of the LORD and asked him, “if the LORD is with us why has all this happened ...” [6 v.13]
We know the reason, few in our world will know the reason when our world starts to really fall apart. Finally, what Isaiah writes in todays' ch. 33 is a sort of prayer, an inspiration that we can and should take to heart, “O LORD , be gracious to us,; we wait for you. Be our arm every morning, our salvation in time of trouble.” [v.2]
We all need to experience “friendship” How do we find ours? Does it sustain us spiritually? Above all, how real is our divine relationship? Is it “our arm every morning.”?
Stuart-Caleb Art Courtonel [Rugby] Comment added in 2022 Reply to Stuart-Caleb Art
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1. My <3450> brethren <80>, be <1096>(5737) not <3361> many <4183> masters <1320>, knowing <1492>(5761) that <3754> we shall receive <2983>(5695) the greater <3187> condemnation <2917>.
2. For <1063> in many things <4183> we offend <4417>(5719) all <537>. If any man <1536> offend <4417>(5719) not <3756> in <1722> word <3056>, the same <3778> is a perfect <5046> man <435>, and able <1415> also <2532> to bridle <5468>(5658) the whole <3650> body <4983>.
3. Behold <2400>(5628), we put <906>(5719) bits <5469> in <1519> the horses <2462>' mouths <4750>, that <4314> they <846> may obey <3982>(5745) us <2254>; and <2532> we turn about <3329>(5719) their <846> whole <3650> body <4983>.
4. Behold <2400>(5628) also <2532> the ships <4143>, which though they be <5607>(5752) so great <5082>, and <2532> are driven <1643>(5746) of <5259> fierce <4642> winds <417>, yet are they turned about <3329>(5743) with <5259> a very small <1646> helm <4079>, whithersoever <3699> <302> the governor <2116>(5723) listeth <3730> <1014>(5741).
5. Even <2532> so <3779> the tongue <1100> is <2076>(5748) a little <3398> member <3196>, and <2532> boasteth great things <3166>(5719). Behold <2400>(5628), how great <2245> a matter <5208> a little <3641> fire <4442> kindleth <381>(5719)!
6. And <2532> the tongue <1100> is a fire <4442>, a world <2889> of iniquity <93>: so <3779> is <2525>(5743) the tongue <1100> among <1722> our <2257> members <3196>, that it defileth <4695>(5723) the whole <3650> body <4983>, and <2532> setteth on fire <5394>(5723) the course <5164> of nature <1078>; and <2532> it is set on fire <5394>(5746) of <5259> hell <1067>.
7. For <1063> every <3956> kind <5449> of beasts <2342>, and <5037> <2532> of birds <4071>, and <5037> of serpents <2062>, and <2532> of things in the sea <1724>, is tamed <1150>(5743), and <2532> hath been tamed <1150>(5769) of mankind <5449> <442>:
8. But <1161> the tongue <1100> can <1410>(5736) no <3762> man <444> tame <1150>(5658); it is an unruly <183> evil <2556>, full <3324> of deadly <2287> poison <2447>.
9. Therewith <1722> <846> bless we <2127>(5719) God <2316>, even <2532> the Father <3962>; and <2532> therewith <1722> <846> curse we <2672>(5736) men <444>, which <3588> are made <1096>(5756) after <2596> the similitude <3669> of God <2316>.
10. Out of <1537> the same <846> mouth <4750> proceedeth <1831>(5736) blessing <2129> and <2532> cursing <2671>. My <3450> brethren <80>, these things <5023> ought <5534>(5724) not <3756> so <3779> to be <1096>(5738).
11. Doth <3385> a fountain <4077> send forth <1032>(5719) at <1537> the same <846> place <3692> sweet <1099> water and <2532> bitter <4089>?
12. Can <3361> <1410>(5736) the fig tree <4808>, my <3450> brethren <80>, bear <4160>(5658) olive berries <1636>? either <2228> a vine <288>, figs <4810>? so <3779> can no <3762> fountain <4077> both yield <4160>(5658) salt <252> water <5204> and <2532> fresh <1099>.
13. Who <5101> is a wise man <4680> and <2532> endued with knowledge <1990> among <1722> you <5213>? let him shew <1166>(5657) out of <1537> a good <2570> conversation <391> his <848> works <2041> with <1722> meekness <4240> of wisdom <4678>.
14. But <1161> if <1487> ye have <2192>(5719) bitter <4089> envying <2205> and <2532> strife <2052> in <1722> your <5216> hearts <2588>, glory <2620>(5737) not <3361>, and <2532> lie not <5574>(5732) against <2596> the truth <225>.
15. This <3778> wisdom <4678> descendeth <2076>(5748) <2718>(5740) not <3756> from above <509>, but <235> is earthly <1919>, sensual <5591>, devilish <1141>.
16. For <1063> where <3699> envying <2205> and <2532> strife <2052> is, there <1563> is confusion <181> and <2532> every <3956> evil <5337> work <4229>.
17. But <1161> the wisdom <4678> that is from above <509> is <2076>(5748) first <4412> pure <3303> <53>, then <1899> peaceable <1516>, gentle <1933>, and easy to be intreated <2138>, full <3324> of mercy <1656> and <2532> good <18> fruits <2590>, without partiality <87>, and <2532> without hypocrisy <505>.
18. And <1161> the fruit <2590> of righteousness <1343> is sown <4687>(5743) in <1722> peace <1515> of them that make <4160>(5723) peace <1515>.
1. From whence <4159> come wars <4171> and <2532> fightings <3163> among <1722> you <5213>? come they not <3756> hence <1782>, even of <1537> your <5216> lusts <2237> that war <4754>(5734) in <1722> your <5216> members <3196>?
2. Ye lust <1937>(5719), and <2532> have <2192>(5719) not <3756>: ye kill <5407>(5719), and <2532> desire to have <2206>(5719), and <2532> cannot <3756> <1410>(5736) obtain <2013>(5629): ye fight <3164>(5736) and <2532> war <4170>(5719), yet <1161> ye have <2192>(5719) not <3756>, because <1223> ye <5209> ask <154>(5733) not <3361>.
3. Ye ask <154>(5719), and <2532> receive <2983>(5719) not <3756>, because <1360> ye ask <154>(5731) amiss <2560>, that <2443> ye may consume <1159>(5661) it upon <1722> your <5216> lusts <2237>.
4. Ye adulterers <3432> and <2532> adulteresses <3428>, know ye <1492>(5758) not <3756> that <3754> the friendship <5373> of the world <2889> is <2076>(5748) enmity <2189> with God <2316>? whosoever <3739> <302> therefore <3767> will be <1511>(5750) <1014>(5680) a friend <5384> of the world <2889> is <2525>(5743) the enemy <2190> of God <2316>.
5. <2228> Do ye think <1380>(5719) that <3754> the scripture <1124> saith <3004>(5719) in vain <2761>, The spirit <4151> that <3739> dwelleth <2730>(5656) in <1722> us <2254> lusteth <1971>(5719) to <4314> envy <5355>?
6. But <1161> he giveth <1325>(5719) more <3187> grace <5485>. Wherefore <1352> he saith <3004>(5719), God <2316> resisteth <498>(5731) the proud <5244>, but <1161> giveth <1325>(5719) grace <5485> unto the humble <5011>.
7. Submit yourselves <5293>(5649) therefore <3767> to God <2316>. Resist <436>(5628) the devil <1228>, and <2532> he will flee <5343>(5695) from <575> you <5216>.
8. Draw nigh <1448>(5657) to God <2316>, and <2532> he will draw nigh <1448>(5692) to you <5213>. Cleanse <2511>(5657) your hands <5495>, ye sinners <268>; and <2532> purify <48>(5657) your hearts <2588>, ye double minded <1374>.
9. Be afflicted <5003>(5657), and <2532> mourn <3996>(5657), and <2532> weep <2799>(5657): let your <5216> laughter <1071> be turned <3344>(5649) to <1519> mourning <3997>, and <2532> your joy <5479> to <1519> heaviness <2726>.
10. Humble yourselves <5013>(5682) in the sight <1799> of the Lord <2962>, and <2532> he shall lift <5312> <0> you <5209> up <5312>(5692).
11. Speak <2635> <0> not <3361> evil <2635>(5720) one of another <240>, brethren <80>. He that speaketh evil <2635>(5723) of his brother <80>, and <2532> judgeth <2919>(5723) his <848> brother <80>, speaketh evil <2635>(5719) of the law <3551>, and <2532> judgeth <2919>(5719) the law <3551>: but <1161> if <1487> thou judge <2919>(5719) the law <3551>, thou art <1488>(5748) not <3756> a doer <4163> of the law <3551>, but <235> a judge <2923>.
12. There is <2076>(5748) one <1520> lawgiver <3550>, who <3588> is able <1410>(5740) to save <4982>(5658) and <2532> to destroy <622>(5658): who <5101> art <1488>(5748) thou <4771> that judgest <2919>(5719) another <2087>?
13. Go to <33>(5720) now <3568>, ye that say <3004>(5723), To day <4594> or <2532> to morrow <839> we will go <4198>(5667) into <1519> such <3592> a city <4172>, and <2532> continue <4160>(5661)(5625) <4160>(5692) there <1563> a <1520> year <1763>, and <2532> buy and sell <1710>(5667)(5625) <1710>(5695), and <2532> get gain <2770>(5661)(5625) <2770>(5692):
14. Whereas <3748> ye know <1987>(5736) not <3756> what shall be on <3588> the morrow <839>. For <1063> what <4169> is your <5216> life <2222>? It is <2076>(5748) even <1063> a vapour <822>, that <4314> appeareth for <5316>(5730) a little time <3641>, and <1161> then <1899> vanisheth away <853>(5746).
15. For that <473> ye <5209> ought to say <3004>(5721), If <1437> the Lord <2962> will <2309>(5661), <2532> we shall live <2198>(5661)(5625) <2198>(5692), and <2532> do <4160>(5661)(5625) <4160>(5692) this <5124>, or <2228> that <1565>.
16. But <1161> now <3568> ye rejoice <2744>(5736) in <1722> your <5216> boastings <212>: all <3956> such <5108> rejoicing <2746> is <2076>(5748) evil <4190>.
17. Therefore <3767> to him that knoweth <1492>(5761) to do <4160>(5721) good <2570>, and <2532> doeth <4160>(5723) it not <3361>, to him <846> it is <2076>(5748) sin <266>.