For thus says the Lord to the house of Israel: “Seek Me and live.” | Now this is what the Lord says to the family of Israel: “Come back to me and live!” |
The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. | The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. |
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But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. | But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. |
“Now therefore,” he said, “put away the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your heart to the Lord God of Israel.” | “All right then,” Joshua said, “destroy the idols among you, and turn your hearts to the Lord, the God of Israel.” |
He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. | He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. |
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. | Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. |
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. | If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. |
For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. | For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. |
‘Return, backsliding Israel,’ says the Lord; ‘I will not cause My anger to fall on you. For I am merciful,’ says the Lord; ‘I will not remain angry forever.’ | O Israel, my faithless people, come home to me again, for I am merciful. I will not be angry with you forever. |
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting. | But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf. |
He covets greedily all day long, But the righteous gives and does not spare. | Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give! |
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. | I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. |
And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good? | And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? He requires only that you fear the Lord your God, and live in a way that pleases him, and love him and serve him with all your heart and soul. And you must always obey the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good. |
Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. | Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life. |
The wicked borrows and does not repay, But the righteous shows mercy and gives. | The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers. |
Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. | Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. |
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. | I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep. |
That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. | Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. |
A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back. | Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back. |
Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. | No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. |
God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound into prosperity; But the rebellious dwell in a dry land. | God places the lonely in families; he sets the prisoners free and gives them joy. But he makes the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. |
A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men. | Giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people! |
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. | For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. |
The Lord will give strength to His people; The Lord will bless His people with peace. | The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. |
As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. | And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. |