Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this. | Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions. |
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. | Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. |
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Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist. | Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. |
Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. | Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. |
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. | For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. |
The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. | The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. |
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age. | For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. |