The precepts of the Lord are right, causing the heart to rejoice. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving light to the eyes. | The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. |
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. Even the hairs on your head have all been counted. Do not be afraid. You are worth far more than any number of sparrows. | What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. |
|
You are the light of the world. A city built upon a mountain cannot be hidden. | You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. |
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer. However, the face of the Lord is set against those who do evil. | The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil. |
Two are better than one: they earn a far greater reward for their toil. | Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. |
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. | God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. |
The Spirit himself bears witness with our Spirit that we are children of God. | For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. |
Jesus replied, “Blessed, rather, are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” | Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” |
Blessed are those who observe his statutes and seek him with their whole heart. | Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. |
I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; I have no good apart from you.” | I said to the Lord, “You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.” |
This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples: if you love one another. | Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. |
Pleasing words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and affording health to the body. | Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. |
For the desires of the flesh are opposed to the Spirit, and those of the Spirit are opposed to the flesh. They are in conflict with one another, so that you cannot do what you want. | The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. |
Those who live according to the flesh can never be pleasing to God. | That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God. |
The whispers of a gossiper are tasty morsels that corrode one’s inner being. | Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart. |
What then? Should we sin because we are not under the Law but under grace? Of course not! | Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! |
Where can I go to hide from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I take my rest in the netherworld, you are also there. | I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. |
No, throughout all these things we are conquerors because of him who loved us. | No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. |
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them can fall to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. Even the hairs on your head have all been counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth far more than any number of sparrows. | What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. |
When Jesus heard this, he said, “It is not the healthy who need a physician, but rather those who are sick.” | When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” |
He is a rock, his deeds are perfect, and all of his ways are just. He is a God of truth who does no wrong; he is just and upright. | He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is! |
Fine words are not becoming to a fool, and much less are false words to a noble. | Eloquent words are not fitting for a fool; even less are lies fitting for a ruler. |
What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? | What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? |
Come now and let us discuss this, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow. Though they are as red as crimson, they shall become as white as wool. | “Come now, let’s settle this,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” |
Now who is going to harm you if you are eager to do what is right? | Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? |