Those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. | For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. |
For we are God’s coworkers; you are God’s field, God’s building. | For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building. |
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For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. | “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” |
Your statutes are my everlasting heritage; they are the very joy of my heart. | Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart’s delight. |
The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry. | The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help. |
“All things are lawful,” you may say—but not all things are beneficial. All things may be lawful—but not all things are constructive. | You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. |
Blessed are those who are persecuted in the cause of justice, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. | God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. |
As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts above your thoughts. | For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. |
Blessed are the pure of heart, for they will see God. | God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. |
Give proper consideration to those widows who are truly in need. | Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her. |
But many who are first will be last, and the last will be first. | But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then. |
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are beneficial. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not allow myself to be dominated by anything. | You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. |
The Lord abhors lying lips, but he delights in those who are truthful. | The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in those who tell the truth. |
For our eyes are fixed not on what is seen but rather on that which cannot be seen. What is visible is transitory; what is invisible is eternal. | So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. |
But you, O Lord, are a shield to protect me; you are my glory and the one who raises my head high. | But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high. |
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. | God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. |
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in accord with the law of the Lord. | Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. |
Fix your thoughts on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth. | Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. |
Indeed, 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. | The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. |
Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their parents. | Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children. |
Nevertheless, do not rejoice in the knowledge that the spirits are subject to you. Rejoice rather that your names are inscribed in heaven. | But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven. |
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. | God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. |
You are my refuge and my shield; I put my hope in your word. | You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. |
Come to me, all you who are weary and overburdened, and I will give you rest. | Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” |
You are all-beautiful, my love, without the slightest blemish. | You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way. |