And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. | Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. |
And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. | And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. |
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The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. | Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. |
As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. | God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. |
As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. | God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. |
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. | If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. |
By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. | Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. |
Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance. | Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. |
By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. | When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. |
Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. | But test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil. |
Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. | Repent, and turn from your sins. Don’t let them destroy you! |
“And I will sanctify My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst; and the nations shall know that I am the Lord,” says the Lord God, “when I am hallowed in you before their eyes.” | I will show how holy my great name is—the name on which you brought shame among the nations. And when I reveal my holiness through you before their very eyes, says the Sovereign Lord, then the nations will know that I am the Lord. |
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.” | “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!” |
Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. | So, dear brothers and sisters, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen. Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. |
And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?’— when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. | But you may wonder, ‘How will we know whether or not a prophecy is from the Lord?’ If the prophet speaks in the Lord’s name but his prediction does not happen or come true, you will know that the Lord did not give that message. That prophet has spoken without my authority and need not be feared. |
Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins. | Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses. |
Can one walk on hot coals, And his feet not be seared? | Can he walk on hot coals and not blister his feet? |
A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. | We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. |
A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back. | Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. |
A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. | A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. |
When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom. | Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. |
Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. | Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. |
For whoever finds me finds life, And obtains favor from the Lord. | For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord. |
A fool’s wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame. | A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. |
Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil. | Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. |