# verses

text:
During all the time that I had authority in Judah, I did not eat the food of those in authority. I did this from the 20th to the 32nd year of King Artaxerxes. For 12 years I did not eat this food. Nor did my brothers. 


text:
Those in authority before I came took 40 pieces of <i>silver</i>, food and <i>wine</i> from the people. Those who helped them thought of them as more important than other people. I did not do this, because I <i>worship</i> God. 


text:
Every day, my servants cooked one ox, 6 sheep and some birds for us to eat. Every 10 days I bought much <i>wine</i>. I did not ask for all the things that usually they gave to people in authority. The <i>Jews</i> were poor. They could not give me the food that people in authority could ask for. 


text:
‘Please God, remember me. And do good things to me because of what I have done on behalf of the <i>Jews</i>.’ <n>An ox is a large animal, like a cow. 


text:
We had finished building the wall. There were no holes in it, but the doors were not in the gates. Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem and all our enemies knew that we had finished building the wall. (Geshem came from Arabia.) 


text:
Sanballat and Geshem sent this message to me, ‘Let us meet together in a village on the Ono flat land.’ I knew that they wanted to hurt me. 


text:
I sent a man with my reply, ‘I am too busy to meet you. I will not stop this important work to meet you.’ 


text:
Then Sanballat sent his officer to me. He carried a letter that was open. Any person could read this letter. 


text:
This is what the letter said, ‘They are telling the people that you (Nehemiah) and the <i>Jews</i> will cause trouble for the king. Geshem also says that this is true. This is why you are building the city wall. They say that you want to be King of Jerusalem. 


text:
You have told <i>prophets</i> that they must say, “There is a king in Judah.” This report will go to King Artaxerxes. So we must meet together.’


text:
Our enemies wanted to frighten us. They thought, ‘The <i>Jews</i> will be so afraid that their hands will be weak. They will not finish building the wall.’ I prayed to God, ‘Make my hands strong.’


text:
One day I went to Shemaiah’s house. He is the son of Delaiah, son of Mehetabel. He would not go out of his house. He said to me, ‘Meet me in the <i>temple</i> of God. We will close the <i>temple</i> doors. Our enemies are coming to kill you. At night, they will come to kill you.’ <n>Shemaiah was a friend of Tobiah. Tobiah was Nehemiah’s enemy. Even when they had finished the wall, Nehemiah’s enemies wanted to cause trouble for him. 


text:
Then I knew that my enemies had sent Shemaiah. Tobiah and Sanballat had paid him to say this to me. 


text:
They wanted to frighten me so that I would hide in the <i>temple</i>. My enemies knew that this would be a <i>sin</i>. If I <i>sinned</i>, they would tell the people about it. Then people would not have <i>respect</i> for me after that. 


text:
‘Please God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat. Remember what they have done. Remember Noadiah the <i>prophetess</i> and the other <i>prophets</i> who want to frighten me.’ <n>Nehemiah was not a <i>priest</i>. Only the <i>priests</i> could go into the <i>temple</i>. So it would be a <i>sin</i> if Nehemiah went into the temple. 


text:
When our enemies knew this, they were afraid. All the people who lived near Jerusalem were afraid. They knew that God had helped the <i>Jews</i> to build the city wall again.


text:
Many people in Judah had promised to obey Tobiah. That was because his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam. He had helped to repair the city wall. And his wife was Shecaniah’s daughter. Shecaniah was Arah’s son. 


text:
The men of Judah told me often about the good things that Tobiah had done. Then they told Tobiah everything that I said. And Tobiah sent letters to people to cause trouble for me.


text:
When we had built the wall I put the doors in their place. We chose men to watch at the gates (these men are called gatekeepers), singers and <i>Levites</i>. 


text:
I gave my brother Hanani authority over Jerusalem. I also gave authority over the strongest building to Hananiah. He was a good man. He gave God more <i>respect</i> than many men. 


text:
I said to them, ‘Do not open the city gates until the sun is high in the sky. Lock the gates while the <i>gatekeepers</i> are still there. Choose people who live in Jerusalem to watch for enemies. Some people must stand by the gates; other people must stand by their houses.’


text:
Jerusalem city was large, but not many people lived in it. We had not yet built the houses completely.


text:
God put an idea in my mind. All the people who returned to Jerusalem must write down their <i>family</i> names. I found the <i>family</i> records of the first people to return to Jerusalem.


text:
These <i>families</i> returned to Jerusalem and Judah after King Nebuchadnezzar took the <i>Jews</i> away in the <i>exile</i>. 


text:
They came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum and Baanah. This is a list of the men of Israel:


text:
the <i>gatekeepers</i> of the <i>descendants</i> of Shallum, Ater, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita and Shobai, 138.


text:
the <i>descendants</i> of the servants of Solomon who were <i>descendants</i> of Sotai, Sophereth, Perida,


text:
There were some people who came from the towns of Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Kerub, Addon and Immer. But they did not have <i>family</i> records. They could not be sure that they were <i>Jewish</i>:


text:
Among the <i>priests</i> there were the <i>descendants</i> of Hobaiah, Hakkoz and Barzillai. (Barzillai was a man who married a daughter of Barzillai. He came from Gilead and he took that name.) 


text:
These people could not find <i>family</i> records. Because of this, they could not be <i>priests</i>. They were not <i>clean</i>. 


text:
The officer in Judah said that they could not eat the <i>priests</i>’ special food. They had to wait for a <i>priest</i> to use the Urim and Thummim. <n>It was very important that the <i>Jews</i> had <i>family</i> records. These showed that they were true <i>Jews</i>. The Urim and Thummim are special things. God used them to show the <i>priests</i> what he wanted. <i>Priests</i> had to be <i>descendants</i> of Aaron. 


text:
Some of the <i>family</i> leaders gave money to help build the wall. The man with authority in that place gave 8.5 kilos of gold, 50 bowls and 530 sets of special clothes for the <i>priests</i>. 


text:
The rest of the people gave 170 kilos of gold and 1.3 metric tons of silver. They also gave 67 sets of special clothes for the <i>priests</i>. <n>Gold and silver are valuable metals. A metric ton is a weight. <n>Horses, mules, camels and donkeys are animals that carry things and people. 


text:
The <i>priests</i>, the <i>Levites</i>, the <i>gatekeepers</i>, the singers and the <i>temple</i> servants now lived in their towns. Other people and the rest of the <i>Jewish</i> people also lived in their own towns. All the people were living in their own towns when the 7th month came.


text:
All the <i>Jews</i> met together in the wide place by the Water Gate. The people asked Ezra to bring the Book of the <i>Law</i> of Moses. The <i>laws</i> that God gave to Israel are in the Book of the <i>Law</i>. 


text:
On the first day of the 7th month, Ezra brought the Book of the <i>Law</i> to the people. All the men and women who were able to understand were there. 


text:
Ezra read aloud while he stood there. He read to all those people from morning to noon. Everyone watched him while he read. He read to them while he stood by the Water Gate. Everyone there listened carefully to Ezra while he read the Book of the <i>Law</i>. 


text:
Ezra stood up above the people on a high floor made out of wood. They made this so that they could see and hear him. Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah stood at his right side. Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam stood at his left side. 


text:
Ezra opened the book. All the people could see Ezra because he was high above them. When he opened the book, the crowd stood up. 


text:
Ezra <i>praised</i> God. All the people lifted their hands and they <i>praised</i> God. The people shouted, ‘<i>Amen</i>! Amen!’ They went on their knees and they <i>worshipped</i> God. 


text:
The <i>Levites</i> taught the people the <i>law</i>. The names of the <i>Levites</i> were: Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah. 


text:
The <i>Levites</i> taught the <i>Law</i> to the people who stood there. They helped the people to understand what Ezra read to them.


text:
Then Ezra, Nehemiah and the <i>Levites</i> said to the people, ‘Do not be sad today. Do not cry. Today is <i>holy</i> to God.’ They said this because the people were crying. The words of the <i>Law</i> had made them sad. 


text:
Nehemiah told the people to eat special food and to drink sweet drinks. Nehemiah also told the people to give food and drink to those who had none. He told the people that they should not be sad. They should not be sad because they were giving pleasure to God. This would make them strong. 


text:
The people went away. They ate and they were very happy. They understood that that day was separate (<i>holy</i>) for God.


text:
On the 2nd day of the 7th month, the <i>family</i> leaders met together. They met with the <i>priests</i>, <i>Levites</i> and with Ezra. They wanted to know God’s <i>laws</i>. 


text:
They had heard the Book of the <i>Law</i>. And it said that <i>Jews</i> must live in huts made from tree branches. They must do this in the <i>feast</i> of the 7th month. <n>God brought the <i>Jews</i> out of Egypt in the 7th month. So they must remember this with a special feast. A feast is a time to eat and drink. We read about this in Leviticus 23:33-43. 


text:
In the Book of the <i>Law</i>, it says that they must tell everyone in the country to go into the hills. They should bring back branches from <i>olive</i> trees, myrtle trees and from palm trees. They must use these to build their huts. 


text:
The people went to the hills and they picked branches. They made huts on their roofs and near their houses. They made them outside the <i>temple</i> and by the Water Gate. They made them by the Gate of Ephraim. 


text:
Everyone who had returned from <i>exile</i> built a hut. The <i>Jews</i> had not remembered a <i>feast</i> with such pleasure since the time of Joshua son of Nun. 


text:
Every day of the <i>feast</i>, Ezra read aloud from the Book of the <i>Law</i>. The <i>feast</i> went on for 7 days. On the 8th day, the <i>Jews</i> met together, as the <i>law</i> said.


text:
On the 24th day of the same month, the <i>Jews</i> met together. They did not eat or drink. They wore sackcloth and they put <i>dust</i> on their heads. <n>Sackcloth is hard. It is not nice to wear. <i>Jews</i> wore sackcloth to show that they were sorry. <i>Jews</i> put <i>dust</i> on their heads to show that they were sad or in trouble. 


text:
The people from <i>Jewish families</i> had kept themselves separate from foreign people. The <i>Jewish</i> people stood up because they were sorry for their <i>sins</i>. They said that they and their <i>ancestors</i> had done many bad things. 


text:
The <i>Jews</i> read from the Book of the <i>Law</i> during a quarter of the day. During a quarter of the day they told God their <i>sins</i> and they <i>worshipped</i> him. 


text:
The <i>Levites</i> stood above the other people on steps made from wood. They cried aloud to God. The <i>Levites</i> were Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani and Kenani. 


text:
The <i>Levites</i> Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah and Pethahiah said, ‘Stand up and <i>praise</i> your God. He lives from the beginning for always and always.’ They said, ‘Your name is great and beautiful. It is above all <i>praising</i> and good words. 


text:
Only you are the <i>Lord</i>. You made the sky. You made even the highest sky and everything in it and the stars. You made the earth and everything on it. You made the sea and everything in it. You gave life to everything. All things in <i>heaven worship</i> you. 


text:
You are the <i>Lord</i> God who chose Abram. You brought him out of Ur, the country where the people called Chaldeans live. You called him Abraham. 


text:
Abraham was <i>faithful</i>. He believed you and he obeyed you. You made a promise to him. You promised to give to his <i>descendants</i> the country where the people called Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Jebusites and Girgashites lived. You have always <i>kept your promises</i> because you are good. You do only good things.


text:
You saw that our <i>ancestors</i> were not happy in Egypt. You heard them cry aloud to you at the Red Sea. 


text:
You made great things happen against Pharaoh (the king of Egypt) and all his people and soldiers. You knew their thoughts. They thought that your people had no value. And they did bad things to your people. You showed everyone that you are a powerful God. And people believe this still. 


text:
You made a path in the sea between two walls. The <i>Jews</i> walked through on a dry path. When Pharaoh and his soldiers followed, you threw the sea over them. You closed the path through the sea. And so Pharaoh’s soldiers drowned. 


text:
During the day, you led the <i>Jews</i> with a tall cloud. At night, you led them with a cloud of fire to give them light. You showed them the way to go.


text:
You came to the mountain called Sinai. You spoke to Moses there. You gave him your <i>laws</i> and rules. Your <i>laws</i> are good and true. All that you told them was right. 


text:
You told the <i>Jews</i> about the <i>Sabbath</i>. And by your servant Moses you gave them your <i>laws</i>. 


text:
You gave the <i>Jews</i> bread from <i>heaven</i> when they were hungry. You gave them water from a rock to drink. You told them to go and take the land. You had promised to give it to them.


text:
They did not listen to you. They forgot all the good things that you had done on their behalf. They chose a leader to take them back to Egypt. They chose to return to where they had been slaves. But you <i>forgave</i> them. You are God who loves his people very much. You do not become angry quickly. So you did not leave your people. 


text:
The <i>Jewish</i> people made a gold calf to <i>worship</i>. They said that this was a god. They said that the gold calf had brought them out of Egypt. But even then you did not leave your people. 


text:
You did not leave them in the desert, because you loved your people. In the day, the beam of cloud did not stop showing them the way. The beam of fire did not stop showing them the way at night.’ <n>A calf is a young cow. The <i>Jews</i> used gold to make something in the shape of a calf. Then they <i>worshipped</i> it. <n>A desert is a large piece of land made of sand and stone. It is empty because there is not much water there. 


text:
‘You gave them your good Spirit to tell them what to do. You continued to give them bread from <i>heaven</i>. You gave them water from a rock to drink. 


text:
During 40 years you gave them everything that they needed. Their clothes did not become thin. Their feet did not get big and hurt. 


text:
You gave the <i>Jews</i> countries that other kings had ruled. You gave them the country Heshbon, of King Sihon and the country Bashan, of King Og. 


text:
The <i>Jewish</i> people had many sons. You brought their sons into the country. You had told their fathers to take it and to live there. 


text:
The sons of the <i>Jewish</i> people took the land. You gave them power over the <i>Canaanites</i> who lived there. You gave the <i>Canaanites</i>’ kings and people to the <i>Jewish</i> people’s sons. They did with the <i>Canaanites</i> as they wanted to do. 


text:
They took their cities and land. The houses that they took were full of good things. Your people did not have to dig wells. The country was full of fruit and <i>olive</i> trees. They had plenty of food to eat. Everyone said how good God was.


text:
But the <i>Jews</i> did not obey you. They stopped obeying your <i>laws</i>. They killed the <i>prophets</i> that you sent. Those <i>prophets</i> had told them that they should return to your ways. Your people had said very bad things about you. 


text:
So you gave the <i>Jews</i> to their enemies. Their enemies ruled over them. Then the <i>Jews</i> cried aloud to you. From <i>heaven</i> you heard them cry. You loved them very much. So you sent people to save them from their enemies.


text:
But when they were safe from their enemies, they did bad things again. So you gave them back to their enemies. Their enemies ruled over them. Your people cried aloud to you again, and again you heard them. You saved them many, many times because you loved them. 


text:
You told them that they must obey your <i>laws</i>. But they would not listen to you. They thought that their ways were better than yours. They <i>sinned</i> against you. They would not obey your <i>laws</i>. But those <i>laws</i> help people to live. 


text:
You helped the <i>Jews</i> during many years. You sent your Spirit to them by your <i>prophets</i>. They told them that they should remember your <i>laws</i>. And they told them that they should return to you. But they would not listen to you. So you gave them to enemies from the countries round Israel. 


text:
You are a God who loves your people. And you are kind to them. So you did not let your people die nor did you leave them alone.


text:
Oh God, you are great and powerful and you <i>keep your promises</i>. You continue to love us. Remember how many troubles we have had. They are not small troubles. Our kings, <i>priests</i>, <i>prophets</i> and our <i>ancestors</i> have all had great troubles. We have had trouble since the time of the kings of Assyria. 


text:
But in all our troubles, you have always been fair to us. When we did wrong things, you were always fair to us. 


text:
Our kings, leaders, <i>priests</i> and our fathers did not obey your <i>laws</i>. They did not listen to your rules. They would not do as your <i>prophets</i> told them to do. 


text:
You gave them good land and food. They enjoyed these, but they would not obey you. They did not stop doing things that were wrong. 


text:
So now we are slaves. We are slaves in the country that you gave to our <i>ancestors</i>. You wanted them to enjoy its food and good things. 


text:
But we have <i>sinned</i>. So their kings take the food that grows in our fields. You put these kings to rule over us. They use us and our animals as they like. We have many troubles.


text:
Because of this we are all making a promise. We are writing our promise. Our leaders, <i>Levites</i> and <i>priests</i> are putting their mark of authority on it.’


text:
These people put their mark of authority on the promise that they had written: <n>Nehemiah son of Hacaliah (King Artaxerxes gave him authority in Judah) and Zedekiah, 


text:
The other people, the <i>priests</i>, <i>Levites</i>, <i>gatekeepers</i>, singers and <i>temple</i> servants made a promise. The people who had kept themselves separate from foreign people because of God’s <i>law</i> also made a promise. They and their wives, sons and daughters agreed to join their leaders. 


text:
All these people promised to obey everything that was in the <i>Law</i>. That was the <i>Law</i> that God gave to his servant Moses. They asked God to do bad things to them if they did not obey his <i>Laws</i> and rules. They agreed to obey these rules carefully.


text:
They said, ‘We promise not to let our daughters marry foreign people. We will not let daughters of foreign people marry our sons. 


text:
We will not buy or sell anything on the <i>Sabbath</i> or any special day. If foreign <i>merchants</i> come to us on a <i>Sabbath</i>, we will not buy their things. Every 7th year we will not work on the land. Every 7th year we will tell people that they do not need to pay their debts. And we will return their land.


text:
We will use this for God’s special loaves of bread, for <i>grain offerings</i> and for burnt <i>offerings</i>. We will use this for the <i>offerings</i> on the <i>Sabbath</i>, new moon parties and <i>feasts</i>. And we will use it for the <i>sin offerings</i> to take away Israel’s <i>sin</i>. And we will use it for all the work in God’s house.’ <n>The <i>Jews</i> gave God <i>grain</i> from their fields. People kill animals and burn them with fire on an <i>altar</i> in the <i>temple</i>. Those are burnt offerings. A shekel is a piece of <i>silver</i> with a weight of 11.5 grams. A gram is a weight. There are 1000 grams in a kilo. 


text:
The <i>priests</i> and the <i>Levites</i> threw <i>lots</i>. In that way, they told <i>families</i> when they should bring wood for fires. Each <i>family</i> must bring wood to the house of God at a different time of the year. The wood will burn on God’s <i>altar</i>. This is what Moses wrote in the Book of the <i>Law</i>. 


text:
They said, ‘We will also bring the first fruit from our trees and the first of our <i>grain</i>. We will bring these to the <i>priests</i> who work in God’s house. 


text:
We will bring our first son to the house of God. We will bring to God’s house the first of our young animals that are born. We will bring them to the <i>priests</i>. We read this in God’s <i>Law</i>. 


text:
We will bring the first <i>dough</i>, fruit, <i>wine</i> and oil and other special <i>offerings</i> to the house of God. The <i>priests</i> will store them in its rooms. We will bring our <i>tithes</i> to the <i>Levites</i>. They will take them from our towns to God’s house. They will store them there. 


text:
A <i>priest</i> from the <i>family</i> of Aaron will go with the <i>Levites</i> to get the <i>tithes</i>. The <i>Levites</i> will bring 1/10th part of the <i>tithes</i> to store in God’s house. 


text:
The people of Israel will bring <i>grain</i>, <i>wine</i> and oil to the <i>temple</i> rooms. They will store them with the things that they use for <i>worship</i>. The <i>priests</i> who are working there, the <i>gatekeepers</i> and the singers stay there. We will keep the house of God ready to <i>worship</i> him.’


text:
The leaders of the <i>Jews</i> lived in Jerusalem. The other people threw <i>lots</i>. In that way, they chose which <i>families</i> would live there. From every group of 10 <i>families</i> they chose one <i>family</i>. Then that <i>family</i> would live in Jerusalem, the <i>holy</i> city. The other <i>families</i> could stay in their own towns. 


text:
These are the leaders from other towns that came to live in Jerusalem. Some <i>Jews</i>, <i>priests</i>, <i>Levites</i>, and <i>temple</i> servants lived in Judah’s towns. <i>Descendants</i> of Solomon’s servants also lived in towns in Judah. Each lived in his own house. 


text:
Other people from Judah and Benjamin lived in Jerusalem. From the <i>descendants</i> of Judah: Athaiah son of Uzziah, Zechariah’s son. Zechariah was the son of Amariah, Shephatiah’s son. He was the son of Mahalalel, a <i>descendant</i> of Perez. 


text:
Also Maaseiah son of Baruch, Col-Hozeh’s son. Col-Hozeh was the son of Hazaiah, Adaiah’s son. Adaiah was the son of Joiarib, son of Zechariah. He was a <i>descendant</i> of Shelah. 


text:
From the <i>descendants</i> of Benjamin: Sallu son of Meshullam, Joed’s son. Joed was Pedaiah’s son, son of Kolaiah, Maaseiah’s son. Maaseiah was the son of Ithiel, Jeshaiah’s son. 


text:
Also Seraiah son of Hilkiah, son of Meshullam, Zadok’s son. Zadok was Meraioth’s son, son of Ahitub. Ahitub had authority in the house of God. 


text:
Their friends worked with them in God’s house. There were 822 men; and Adaiah son of Jeroham, Pelaliah’s son. Pelaliah was the son of Amzi. Amzi was the son of Zechariah, son of Pashhur, Malkijah’s son. 


text:
They and those with them were leaders of families. There were 242 men; and Amashsai son of Azarel, Ahzai’s son. Ahzai was the son of Meshillemoth, son of Immer. 


text:
And their friends came with them. They were 128 strong brave men. Their officer with authority was Zabdiel, son of Haggedolim.


text:
From the <i>Levites</i>: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, son of Azrikam. Azrikam was the son of Hashabiah, Bunni’s son. 


text:
Also Mattaniah son of Mica, son of Zabdi, Asaph’s son. He led the people when they prayed and thanked God. Also Bakbukiah and Abda son of Shammua. He was the son of Galal, Jeduthun’s son. 


text:
The <i>gatekeepers</i> were: Akkub, Talmon and their friends, who watched at the city gates. The number of men was 172. 


text:
The other <i>Jews</i> and the <i>priests</i> and <i>Levites</i> were in the towns of Judah. They lived at the homes of their <i>ancestors</i>. 


text:
Uzzi was the <i>Levites</i>’ leader. He was the son of Bani, Hashabiah’s son and Hashabiah was the son of Mattaniah, Mica’s son. Uzzi was one of Asaph’s <i>descendants</i>. He had authority over the singers in God’s house. 


text:
Pethahiah son of Meshezabel, a <i>descendant</i> of Zerah, Judah’s son, spoke for the king. He told the people everything that the king wanted.


text:
Many people lived in villages with fields. Some people of Judah lived in Kiriath Arba, Dibon and Jekabzeel and the land round them. 


text:
Other people lived in Zanoah and Adullam and their villages. Some people were in Lachish and its fields and in Azekah and its villages. They were living from Beersheba to the Hinnom Valley.


text:
This is a list of the <i>priests</i> and <i>Levites</i> who returned with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua: <n>Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, 


text:
Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah and Jedaiah. These were the leaders of the <i>priests</i> and the people who helped them in the time of Jeshua. 


text:
The <i>Levites</i> were: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah and Mattaniah. Mattaniah and the people led the songs that thanked God. And other people helped him. 


text:
Bakbukiah and Unni and other people stood across from them when they sang. And other people helped them. 


text:
Jeshua was the father of Joiakim. Joiakim was the father of Eliashib. Eliashib was the father of Joiada, 


text:
This is a list of the <i>priests</i>’ <i>family</i> leaders in the time of Joiakim: Meraiah was leader of the <i>family</i> of Seraiah. Hananiah was leader of the <i>family</i> of Jeremiah.


text:
Meshullam was leader of the <i>family</i> of Ezra. Jehohanan was leader of the <i>family</i> of Amariah.


text:
Jonathan was leader of the <i>family</i> of Malluch. Joseph was leader of the <i>family</i> of Shecaniah.


text:
Zechariah was leader of the <i>family</i> of Iddo. Meshullam was leader of the <i>family</i> of Ginnethon.


text:
Zicri was leader of the <i>family</i> of Abijah. Piltai was leader of the <i>families</i> of Miniamin and Moadiah.


text:
Shammua was leader of the <i>family</i> of Bilgah. Jehonathan was leader of the <i>family</i> of Shemaiah.


text:
Mattenai was leader of the <i>family</i> of Joiarib. Uzzi was leader of the <i>family</i> of Jedaiah.


text:
Hashabiah was leader of the <i>family</i> of Hilkiah. Nethanel was leader of the <i>family</i> of Jedaiah.


text:
They recorded the names of the leaders of the <i>Levites</i>’ <i>families</i>. That was in the time of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan and Jaddua. They lived when King Darius ruled Persia. I also recorded the names of the <i>family</i> leaders of the <i>priests</i>. 


text:
I wrote the names of the <i>family</i> leaders who were <i>descendants</i> of Levi, the <i>Levites</i>, in the special book. It was the book where we recorded names. These were their <i>descendants</i> to the time of Johanan son of Eliashib. 


text:
The leaders of the <i>Levites</i> were: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, Jeshua son of Kadmiel, and the people who helped them. The people who helped them stood across from them to sing and <i>praise</i> and thank God. The <i>Levites</i> sang first. And then the people who helped them replied. They did this as David, God’s man, had told the <i>Jews</i>. 


text:
Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon and Akkub were <i>gatekeepers</i>. They watched for enemies from the store-rooms by the gates. 


text:
They were <i>gatekeepers</i> in the time of Joiakim son of Jeshua, son of Jozadak. This was also in the time of Nehemiah, who had authority over Judah. And it was in the time of Ezra, who was a <i>priest</i> and teacher of the <i>law</i>.


text:
The <i>Jews</i> brought the <i>Levites</i> to Jerusalem from their homes. The <i>Levites</i> were happy that they could help to dedicate the wall to God. They made music with cymbals, harps and lyres. They sang songs to thank God. <n>To dedicate something to God means that you are giving it to God. The <i>Jews</i> knew that God helped them to build the wall. People use cymbals, harps and lyres to make music. 


text:
The <i>temple</i> singers came together from places round Jerusalem. They came from the villages round Netophah 


text:
The <i>priests</i> and <i>Levites purified</i> themselves. Then they <i>purified</i> the people. Then they <i>purified</i> the gates and the city wall. <n>Purify means to make something <i>clean</i>. The <i>Jews</i> had special ways to make themselves <i>clean</i>. Sometimes they killed an animal for a <i>sacrifice</i>. When they had made themselves <i>clean</i>, God would accept them. 


text:
I told the leaders of Judah that they should stand on top of the wall. I told two large groups of singers that they should sing songs. They would thank God. I told the first group that they should walk in the direction of the <i>Dung</i> Gate.


text:
Some <i>priests</i> with <i>trumpets</i> followed them also. And Zechariah son of Jonathan, Shemaiah’s son followed them. Shemaiah was the son of Mattaniah, Micaiah’s son. Micaiah was the son of Zaccur, Asaph’s son. 


text:
Other people helped them: Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah and Hanani. They all had things to make music. They did this as David, God’s man, had told the <i>Jews</i>. Ezra the teacher of the <i>law</i> led this group of people. They walked towards the <i>Dung</i> Gate. 


text:
When they came to the <i>Fountain</i> Gate they all went up the steps of the City of David. While they went up the steps, they passed above the house of David. Then they went to the Water Gate on the east.


text:
The second group of singers went the opposite way. I followed them along the top of the wall with half of the people. We went past the <i>Tower</i> of the <i>Ovens</i>. We went to the Broad Wall. 


text:
We went over the Gate of Ephraim. We went over the Jeshanah Gate. We went over the Fish Gate. We went past the <i>Tower</i> of Hananel. We went past the <i>Tower</i> of the Hundred to the Sheep Gate. We stopped at the Gate of the <i>Guards</i>.


text:
The two groups of singers went into God’s house. I (Nehemiah) went with them. Half of the officers also went into the house of God. 


text:
The <i>priests</i> Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah and Hananiah went in also. They had <i>trumpets</i>. 


text:
Also Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malkijah, Elam and Ezer went into the house of God. Jezrahiah told the groups of singers how to sing. 


text:
The <i>Jews</i> gave big <i>sacrifices</i> to God. Men, women and children were very happy. They sang and shouted. People heard them far away from Jerusalem.


text:
The people chose men to look after the rooms where they kept the first fruits and <i>tithes</i>. They had to bring the <i>tithes</i> and the first fruits from the fields near the town. They read this in the <i>law</i>. These were for the <i>Levites</i> and <i>priests</i>. The work of the <i>priests</i> and <i>Levites</i> gave pleasure to the people of Judah.


text:
The <i>priests</i> and <i>Levites</i> worked on God’s behalf. The singers and <i>gatekeepers</i> also worked on God’s behalf. They made themselves <i>clean</i> as David and his son Solomon had written. 


text:
In the time of David and Asaph, special <i>Levites</i> sang the songs to <i>praise</i> and thank God. 


text:
In the time of Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, all the <i>Jews</i> gave food for the singers and <i>gatekeepers</i> every day. They put on one side what was for the <i>Levites</i>. And the <i>Levites</i> put on one side what was for the <i>priests</i>, the <i>descendants</i> of Aaron.


text:
On that day, we read the book of Moses to the people. The people listened to what Moses had written in the book. One of the <i>laws</i> said that no <i>descendant</i> of Ammon or Moab should be among the people of God. 


text:
This was because they had not given the <i>Jews</i> food and water. But they had paid Balaam to ask God to do bad things to the <i>Jews</i>. But God did good things for the <i>Jews</i> instead. 


text:
Before this happened, I had given to Eliashib the <i>priest</i> authority over the store-rooms. They used these rooms to keep the <i>offerings</i>. These rooms were in the house of God. Eliashib was a friend of Tobiah. 


text:
He let Tobiah use a large room in the house of God. The purpose of the room was to store the <i>temple</i>’s <i>grain offerings</i> and <i>incense</i>. They also kept there <i>tithes</i> of <i>grain</i>, <i>wine</i> and oil. These were for the <i>Levites</i>, singers and <i>gatekeepers</i> and for the <i>priests</i>.


text:
But when this happened, I (Nehemiah) was not in Jerusalem. In the 32nd year of Artaxerxes, King of Babylon, I had returned to the king. After some time had passed, I asked the king 


text:
to let me return to Jerusalem. There I heard about the bad thing that Eliashib had done. He had given Tobiah, who was not a <i>Jew</i>, a large room in the house of God. 


text:
I told people that they must <i>purify</i> the rooms. Then I put God’s things back into the room. I put back the things that they used in God’s house and the <i>grain offerings</i> and <i>incense</i>.


text:
People told me that the <i>Levites</i> did not have any food. The people had not given them anything. So all the <i>Levites</i> and singers had returned to their fields. They were not doing their work in the <i>Lord</i>’s <i>temple</i>. 


text:
I was angry with the officers. I said, ‘I am angry because you have forgotten the house of God.’ Then I called them all back. I told them that they should stand in their special places in the <i>temple</i>.


text:
All the people in Judah brought <i>tithes</i> of <i>grain</i> and <i>wine</i> and oil. They put them into the store-rooms. 


text:
I gave Shelemiah the <i>priest</i>, Zadok the writer and Pedaiah a <i>Levite</i>, authority. They watched over the things that they kept in these special rooms. Hanan son of Zaccur, Mattaniah’s son, helped them. People knew that these men were good. They gave out the <i>grain</i>, oil and <i>wine</i>. They gave it to the people who worked on God’s behalf. 


text:
‘Remember what I have done, my God. Do not forget what I have done on behalf of the house of God and its work. I have been <i>faithful</i>.’


text:
In those days, I saw men in Judah working on the <i>Sabbath</i> day. They were making <i>wine</i> and they were putting <i>wine</i>, <i>grapes</i> and other fruit on their donkeys. And they brought them into Jerusalem. I told them that they should not work on the <i>Sabbath</i> day. And I told them that they should not sell things on the <i>Sabbath</i> day. <n>God had told Moses that the <i>Jews</i> must not work on the <i>Sabbath</i> day. The <i>Jews</i> must keep that day to rest and <i>worship</i> God (Exodus 20:8-11). A donkey is an animal that can carry things and people. 


text:
Men from Tyre, who lived in Jerusalem, sold fish and other things on the <i>Sabbath</i> day. The <i>Jews</i> then bought things from them. 


text:
I was angry with the leaders of Judah. I said, ‘You are doing a thing that is wrong. It is the <i>Sabbath</i> day. 


text:
Your <i>ancestors</i> did the same thing. God brought trouble on Jerusalem city because of this. You are making God angry with the <i>Jews</i> by doing wrong things on the <i>Sabbath</i> day.’


text:
I said to the <i>gatekeepers</i>, ‘You must close the city’s gates in the evening before the <i>Sabbath</i> begins.’ I did not let them open until the <i>Sabbath</i> was finished. I told my men that they should stand at the gates. They did not let anyone bring things into Jerusalem until after the end of the <i>Sabbath</i>. 


text:
I said to them, ‘You should not stay outside the wall all night. If you do this again, I will hurt you.’ After this, they did not come to Jerusalem on the <i>Sabbath</i>. 


text:
Then I told the <i>Levites</i> that they must <i>purify</i> themselves. I told them that they must stand at the gates. This went on during the whole of the <i>Sabbath</i> day. They kept the day <i>holy</i> on God’s behalf. ‘Remember this, oh my God. Because of your love, be kind to me.’


text:
Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or the language of another country. They did not know how to speak the language of Judah. 


text:
I was angry and I said angry words to them. I hit some of them. I pulled out the hair of some of these men. I made them make a promise in God’s name. I said, ‘You must not let your daughters marry the sons of foreign people. You must not let your sons marry the daughters of foreign people.


text:
Solomon, king of Israel <i>sinned</i> against God because he married foreign women. There was no greater king in any other country. God loved him and made him king over all Israel. But foreign women made even Solomon <i>sin</i>.


text:
Now we hear that you are doing this bad thing. You are marrying foreign women. You are not <i>faithful</i> to God.’


text:
Joiada was the son of Eliashib, the leader of the <i>priests</i>. One of Joiada’s sons married a daughter of Sanballat, who came from Horonaim. I sent him away.


text:
‘Remember them, my God. They were <i>priests</i>, but they <i>sinned</i>. They did not do what you told them to do. They took away people’s <i>respect</i> for the <i>priest</i>’s work.’ 


text:
So I <i>purified</i> the <i>priests</i> and <i>Levites</i>. I made them <i>clean</i> from anything foreign. I told them what they should do. I gave to each man a special job. 


text:
I also made sure that people brought wood for the <i>altar</i>. I made them bring their first fruits. ‘Remember me, my God. And please be good to me.’ <n>God is not against foreign people. But he does not want his people to <i>worship</i> other gods. He tells them that they must not mix with foreign people. That is because they <i>worshipped</i> other gods.


text:
This happened when King Xerxes ruled over 127 parts of the <i>kingdom</i> of <i>Persia</i>. He ruled from India to Cush. 


text:
When King Xerxes had ruled for more than 2 years, he gave a big <i>feast</i>. The <i>feast</i> was for all the important men who had authority in the <i>kingdom</i>. <n>Cush was the <i>Persian</i> name for a certain country. It included almost all the country that is called Sudan today. It also included some of the country called Ethiopia today. Susa was where the kings of <i>Persia</i> lived in the winter. 


text:
The <i>feast</i> was for 180 days. King Xerxes wanted to show everyone how rich and powerful he was. 


text:
When this <i>feast</i> finished, he gave another <i>feast</i>. This happened in the <i>palace</i> gardens. It was for 7 days. This <i>feast</i> was for everyone who lived in the city called Susa. It was for people who were important. And it was for people who were not important. 


text:
The gardens had blue and white curtains. People had made the curtains out of <i>linen</i>. Other curtains were hanging from <i>columns</i>. The colour of those curtains is called purple. There were beds that people had made out of gold and <i>silver</i>. And the floor had many valuable stones in it. <n>Only rich people would have material of blue and white <i>linen</i>. And only rich people would have purple material. 


text:
People drank from gold cups. Each cup was different. The king let everyone have his own <i>wine</i>. 


text:
Each man had as much <i>wine</i> to drink as he wanted. But no man had to drink any <i>wine</i> if he did not want to. That is what the king had said to all his officers.


text:
On the 7th day, King Xerxes was feeling happy. He told his <i>eunuchs</i> that they must come to him. Their names were Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar and Carcas. 


text:
He told them that they must bring Queen Vashti to him. He said that she must wear her <i>royal crown</i>. King Xerxes wanted to show everyone how beautiful his queen was. 


text:
The <i>eunuchs</i> told Queen Vashti what the king had said. But she would not go to him. This made King Xerxes very angry.


text:
The king had men who knew the <i>law</i>. He always asked them what to do when someone did not obey him. 


text:
He <i>trusted</i> these men. Their names were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena and Memucan. These men always sat next to the king. They had a lot of authority in the <i>kingdom</i>.


text:
The king asked them, ‘What must I do with Queen Vashti? The <i>eunuchs</i> told her what I said. But she did not obey me. What is the <i>law</i> about this?’


text:
In front of the king and all the important men, Memucan (one of the men) replied, ‘The queen has not only done something wrong to you. She has done something wrong to all the important men in your <i>kingdom</i>. 


text:
When other wives hear about this, they will not obey their own husbands. All the women in the <i>kingdom</i> will say, “King Xerxes said that Queen Vashti should come to him. But she would not come.” 


text:
So now, the wives of the king’s officers will not obey their husbands. This will make their husbands angry.


text:
If it makes the king happy, we suggest this: The king should make a <i>law</i>. Someone should write this <i>law</i> with the other laws of Media and <i>Persia</i> so that nobody can change it. This <i>law</i> should say that Vashti must not stand in front of you again. Then find a better woman to be queen. 


text:
When people know the <i>law</i>, all women will obey their husbands. They will obey them if they are rich or poor.’


text:
Men on horses took the <i>law</i> to all the parts of the <i>kingdom</i>. The king said that people must write the <i>law</i> in many languages. They must write it in the languages of all who lived in the <i>kingdom</i>. The <i>law</i> said that every man must rule over his children and his wife. <n>Queen Vashti had not obeyed her husband. So now, other wives in the <i>kingdom</i> would think that they did not have to obey their own husbands. Other wives would not <i>respect</i> their husbands. The king sent Queen Vashti away because she would not obey him. She would never see the king again. So King Xerxes made this <i>law</i>: All married women must obey and <i>respect</i> their husbands. 


text:
Some time after that happened, King Xerxes was not feeling so angry. He thought about Vashti. And he thought about the <i>law</i> that he had made. <n>King Xerxes could not change the <i>law</i>. Because of this <i>law</i> he no longer had a queen. 


text:
Some of the king’s servants said, ‘We think that the king should ask his servants to look for beautiful young women for him. 


text:
The king could choose officers from every part of his <i>kingdom</i> to do this. They will take the women to the <i>harem</i> at Susa. Hegai, the king’s <i>eunuch</i>, will help them and he will keep them safe. The young women will receive <i>beauty treatments</i>. 


text:
The young woman who makes the king happy will be queen. She will be queen as Vashti was.’ King Xerxes agreed with the servants. And he did everything that the servants said.


text:
In the city called Susa there was a <i>Jew</i> called Mordecai. Mordecai was the son of Jair. Jair was the son of Shimei. Shimei was the son of Kish. Kish was in Benjamin’s <i>family</i>. <n>Mordecai was in Benjamin’s <i>family</i>. This was one of the 12 <i>families</i> of Israel. You can read about this in Genesis chapter 35. 


text:
Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, had sent Kish (with other <i>Jews</i>) to live away from Jerusalem. That was when Nebuchadnezzar took King Jeconiah of Judah away from Jerusalem. 


text:
Mordecai had a young cousin called Hadassah. (She was also called Esther.) She lived in his house. Esther’s mother and father were dead. Esther was beautiful. Mordecai called Esther his daughter. <n>Judah had been part of Israel. It had its own king. Some people had two names. Hadassah was a Hebrew name. Hebrew is the language of the <i>Jews</i>. Esther was a <i>Persian</i> name. 


text:
Esther was with the young women that the officers brought to the city called Susa. The servants brought them to the <i>palace</i>. Hegai had authority over all the young women. 


text:
Hegai liked Esther. He gave her <i>beauty treatments</i> and special food. He gave her 7 female servants from the king’s <i>palace</i>. And he moved Esther and her servants to the best part of the <i>harem</i>.


text:
Mordecai said to Esther, ‘Do not tell anyone that you are a <i>Jew</i>.’ So Esther did not tell anyone. 


text:
Mordecai wanted to know what was happening to Esther. So he walked by the <i>harem</i> many times each day.


text:
Before a young woman went to be with the king she had to have <i>beauty treatments</i>. These went on for 12 months. 


text:
Then she went to be with the king. And she could take whatever she wanted with her then. <n>A young woman could choose what clothes and other things to wear when she went to be with the king. 


text:
She would go to be with the king in the evening. She would stay with him during that night. In the morning, she went to the <i>harem</i> where the king’s other wives lived. Shaashgaz, a <i>eunuch</i>, kept the women there safe. The young woman would only see the king again if he liked her. If he did like her, he would ask for her by name. <n>These women did not have any authority in the house. In the king’s <i>harem</i>, some of these women did not see the king again. They did not have the authority that the queen had. 


text:
One evening, it was Esther’s time to go to the king. And she asked for the things that Hegai had suggested. Everyone who saw Esther liked her. 


text:
Esther went to King Xerxes in the 10th month. That is the month Tebeth. King Xerxes had ruled for nearly 7 years. <n>There is a list of the <i>Jewish</i> months at the end of the book. 


text:
The king loved Esther more than he loved any of the other women. He was nice to her because he liked her. He put the <i>crown</i> on her head and he made her queen. So, Esther became queen, as Vashti had been queen. 


text:
The king gave a great <i>feast</i> called Esther’s <i>Feast</i>. All his officers and other important men came to the <i>feast</i>. He gave everyone in the <i>kingdom</i> a day to rest. And he gave many gifts to people. <n>Mordecai saves the king</n>


text:
Esther had not told the king that she was a <i>Jew</i>. Mordecai had told her that she should not tell him. She had obeyed Mordecai when she lived with him as his daughter. And now she still obeyed him like that.


text:
Mordecai was sitting at the King’s Gate. At that time, Bigthana and Teresh, who were two of the king’s officers, became angry. And they wanted to kill the king. 


text:
Mordecai heard about this. So he told Queen Esther that the officers wanted to kill the king. Queen Esther told the king. She said that Mordecai had discovered this. 


text:
The king discovered that this was true. He told men that they must kill these officers. They must hang them from <i>gallows</i> until they were dead. The king watched while his servant wrote these things in the Book of Years. <n>At this time, Mordecai had authority in the king’s <i>palace</i>. Mordecai would know if anyone wanted to hurt the king. Esther was in the right place to tell the king. The servant recorded that Mordecai saved the king. God had given authority to Esther and Mordecai. 


text:
Some time after that happened, King Xerxes gave a certain officer a lot of authority. The officer was called Haman. Only King Xerxes had more authority in the <i>kingdom</i> than Haman. Haman’s father was in Agag’s <i>family</i>. 


text:
The king said that everyone must bend his body down to Haman to show <i>respect</i>. But Mordecai would not bend his body down to Haman.


text:
The officers at the King’s Gate said to Mordecai, ‘You are not obeying the king’s <i>law</i> and you should obey it.’ 


text:
They said this to Mordecai every day. But he would not bend his body down to Haman. So the officers told Haman that Mordecai would not bend his body down to him. Mordecai had told them that he was a <i>Jew</i>. So they wanted to know if Haman would excuse Mordecai.


text:
Haman discovered that Mordecai was a <i>Jew</i>. Haman did not want to hurt only Mordecai. He decided to kill all the <i>Jews</i> in the <i>kingdom</i> of Xerxes. <n>Mordecai would not bend his body down to Haman because Haman’s father was in Agag’s <i>family</i>. The father and grandfathers of Agag had been in Amalek’s <i>family</i>. The <i>Jews</i> and Amalek’s <i>family</i> were enemies. In Exodus 17:16 are these words, ‘The Lord (God) will be at war against people in Amalek’s <i>family</i> from <i>family</i> to <i>family</i>’. Haman discovered that Mordecai was a <i>Jew</i>. So then he wanted to kill all the <i>Jewish</i> people in the <i>kingdom</i>. He really did not like the <i>Jews</i>. <n>Haman has an idea about how to kill all the <i>Jews</i></n>


text:
His men who knew the <i>law</i> threw a <i>pur</i>. The <i>pur</i> chose the 12th month. This was the month called <i>Adar</i>. They would kill all the <i>Jews</i> on this day. 


text:
So Haman said to King Xerxes, ‘There are some people who are living in your <i>kingdom</i>. And they are different from all the other people who live in your <i>kingdom</i>. They do not obey the king’s <i>laws</i>. But they live among all your other people. It is not good for you to let them live in your <i>kingdom</i>. 


text:
If it makes the king happy, the king should make a <i>law</i> to kill all these people. I will pay 10 000 <i>talents</i> of <i>silver</i> into the king’s bank. This is for the men who obey your <i>law</i>.’


text:
The king took his <i>signet ring</i> from his finger and he gave it to Haman. Haman was the man who really did not like the <i>Jews</i>. 


text:
He said to Haman, ‘Keep your money. You can do anything that you want with these people.’ <n>Verse 9 Silver is a valuable metal. People used it as money. 10 000 <i>talents</i> is a very large amount of money. <n>Verse 10 Any <i>law</i> with the mark of the king’s <i>signet ring</i> on it had the king’s authority. 


text:
Haman asked the king’s writers to come to him. This was on the 13th day of the 1st month. The writers wrote the <i>law</i> in the language of all the people who lived in the <i>kingdom</i> of Xerxes. Haman used the king’s <i>signet ring</i> to show that the <i>law</i> had the king’s authority. <n>The <i>law</i> had the king’s authority, but Haman wrote the <i>law</i>. The people that Haman wanted to kill were <i>Jews</i>. But king did not know that. And he did not know that Queen Esther was a <i>Jew</i>. 


text:
Men delivered the <i>law</i> to the people in all of the <i>kingdom</i>. The <i>law</i> said that on the 13th day of the 12th month people should kill all the <i>Jews</i>. They should kill old people and young people, women and children. All <i>Jews</i> would die. Haman told the people that they could take all the <i>Jews</i>’ things. 


text:
Haman caused people to make copies of the <i>law</i>. They made copies in every language that people in the <i>kingdom</i> spoke. Everybody should be ready for that day.


text:
King Xerxes told his officers that they must send the <i>law</i> quickly to all of the <i>kingdom</i>. Then Haman and the king sat down and they began to <i>feast</i> together. While they <i>feasted</i>, everyone in the city (Susa) was afraid.


text:
Mordecai discovered what had happened. Then he tore his clothes and he dressed in <i>sackcloth</i> and ashes. He went into the city. He was crying aloud.


text:
He stopped at the King’s Gate. Nobody who had dressed in <i>sackcloth</i> and ashes could come into the <i>palace</i>. 


text:
All through the <i>kingdom</i> of Xerxes, <i>Jews</i> were crying aloud and they were <i>fasting</i>. Many of the <i>Jews</i> lay on <i>sackcloth</i> and ashes. <n>While the <i>Jews fasted</i>, they usually prayed to God. Sometimes they <i>fasted</i> when something bad was going to happen. They <i>fasted</i> because they wanted to ask God for his help. 


text:
Esther’s female servants and <i>eunuchs</i> told her what Mordecai was doing. So Esther had troubles in her mind. She sent clothes for Mordecai to put on. But Mordecai refused to wear them. 


text:
Hathach was one of the king’s <i>eunuchs</i>. Esther asked Hathach to discover what was the matter with Mordecai. <n>Esther could not leave the <i>palace</i> because she was one of the king’s wives. Mordecai could not come into the <i>palace</i> because he was wearing <i>sackcloth</i> and ashes. 


text:
Mordecai told Hathach what happened with Haman. King Xerxes had said that people must kill all the <i>Jews</i>. Mordecai told Hathach about that too. And he told Hathach about the 10 000 <i>talents</i> of <i>silver</i> that Haman had promised to pay into the king’s bank. <n>Verse 7 See note after 3:10. 


text:
Mordecai gave Hathach a copy of the king’s <i>law</i> to give to Esther. He spoke to Hathach. He asked him to tell Esther that she must go to the king. She should ask the king to let her people live.


text:
‘A person can only see the king if the king asks for him or her by name. Everyone knows that. There is only one <i>law</i> for anyone who goes to the king. If the king has not asked to see him, that person must die. Only if the king holds out his gold <i>sceptre</i> will the person live. The king has not asked me to go to him for 30 days.’ <n>Esther is the queen. But even Esther can only go to the king if he asks for her by name. It is dangerous for Esther to go to the king because he has not asked for her. 


text:
Mordecai sent back this answer. ‘Do not think that you, in the king’s <i>palace</i>, will be safer than all the other <i>Jews</i>. 


text:
If you do not speak on behalf of the <i>Jews</i> at this time, help will come from another place. But you and your <i>family</i> will die. But perhaps you are queen for a time like this.’ <n>Mordecai is showing <i>faith</i> in God. God will not let Haman kill the <i>Jews</i>. Mordecai knows that. 2 Kings 19:31 tells us that. Mordecai is telling Esther that God has put her in the <i>palace</i> as queen. Because Esther is queen, she can speak to the king. Esther can ask the king to save the <i>Jews</i>. 


text:
‘Tell all the <i>Jews</i> in Susa that they should <i>fast</i> on behalf of me. They must not eat or drink for three days. They must not eat or drink in the day or night for this time. My female servants and I will also <i>fast</i>. After three days, I will go to the king even when it is against his <i>law</i>. He has not asked for me. So he may tell his officers that they must kill me. If I die, I die.’ <n>The <i>Jews</i> were <i>fasting</i> and praying to God to help Queen Esther. She had to speak to the king. Esther is showing that she has <i>faith</i> in God. She <i>trusts</i> God to keep her safe. And she will do what God wants. 


text:
After three days, Esther put on her special clothes and she went to King Xerxes. The king was sitting on his special king’s seat. Esther stood in the room that was in front of his special seat. 


text:
When the king saw Esther, he was happy. He held out his gold <i>sceptre</i>. Esther touched the top of the sceptre. <n>The king lets Esther live. 


text:
The king asked, ‘What do you want, Queen Esther? I will give to you whatever you want. Even if it is half my <i>kingdom</i>, I will give it to you.’ 


text:
Esther replied, ‘If it makes the king happy, I would like this: I would like the king and Haman to come to a <i>feast</i> that I have prepared.’


text:
The king said to his servants, ‘Bring Haman quickly. Then we can do what Esther wants.’ The king and Haman went to the meal that Esther had prepared.


text:
When they were drinking <i>wine</i>, the king asked Esther, ‘What do you want? I will give you whatever you want. Even if it is half my <i>kingdom</i>, I will give it to you.’ 


text:
I hope that the king is happy with me. And perhaps the king wants to give me what I want. And this is what I want: I would like the king and Haman to come again tomorrow. Come to a <i>feast</i> that I will prepare for you. Then I will tell the king what I want.’ <n>Mordecai makes Haman angry again</n>


text:
When Haman went from Queen Esther’s <i>feast</i> he was happy. Mordecai was sitting at the King’s Gate. But when Haman passed him, he did not get up. And he did not bend his body down to Haman. Then Haman became very angry with Mordecai. 


text:
Haman did not say anything to Mordecai. He went home. Then he asked his friends and Zeresh his wife to come to him.


text:
Haman told them how rich he was. He told his friends how many sons he had. And he told them how powerful he was. He told his friends and his wife that he was more powerful than any other man in the <i>palace</i>. 


text:
Haman told his friends and his wife about the <i>feast</i> that Queen Esther prepared for the king. He said, ‘I was the only other person that the queen asked to come to the meal. The queen has asked me to another <i>feast</i> tomorrow with the king. 


text:
But all these things do not make me happy when I see the <i>Jew</i> Mordecai. He is sitting at the King’s Gate.’ <n>Because Mordecai sat at the King’s Gate he had authority in the <i>palace</i>. Haman did not like the fact that Mordecai the <i>Jew</i> had authority in the <i>palace</i>. And even when Haman was more powerful than Mordecai, Mordecai would not bend his body down to him. So that made Haman angry too. 


text:
Haman’s wife and his friends said to him, ‘Ask some men to build a <i>gallows</i> so high that everybody can see it. In the morning, ask the king to cause his men to kill Mordecai on the <i>gallows</i>. Then go to Queen Esther’s <i>feast</i> and be happy.’ <n>What they had suggested made Haman happy. So he told his servants that they must build the <i>gallows</i>.


text:
That night the king could not sleep. He asked a servant to bring the Book of Years. And he asked the servant to read the book to him. <n>The Book of Years contained a report of everything that happened in the <i>kingdom</i>. 


text:
The Book of Years included the report of how two officers wanted to kill the king. And how Mordecai had discovered this and he had told Queen Esther. The servant read this report to the king. 


text:
The king asked his servant, ‘When Mordecai saved me, what did I do for him?’ The servant told the king that Mordecai did not receive anything.


text:
The king said, ‘Who is in the <i>palace</i>?’ And Haman had just come into the <i>palace</i>. He wanted to ask the king for his officers to kill Mordecai on the <i>gallows</i>. 


text:
The servants told the king that Haman was in the <i>palace</i>. The king said that Haman should come to him.


text:
Haman came to the king. The king asked him, ‘What should I do for a man that I want to make very important?’ Haman thought to himself, ‘I am sure that I am that man. I am sure that the king wants to make me very important.’ 


text:
So Haman replied to the king. ‘You should do this for the man that you want to make very important: 


text:
Your servants should bring the clothes that the king wears. They should bring the king’s horse. It should have a <i>royal crown</i> on its head. So, everyone will know that it is the king’s horse. 


text:
Tell your servants that they must give the clothes and the horse to one of your officers. It should be the officer that you <i>trust</i> most. Ask the officer to put the king’s clothes on the man that you want to make very important. Tell the officer that he must help the man on to the king’s horse. The officer must then lead the man from the beginning to the end of the city. The officer must shout, “This is the man that the king wants to make very important. See what the king does for a man like that!” ’


text:
The king said, ‘Go quickly! Get the clothes and the horse. Do as you have suggested for Mordecai the <i>Jew</i>. He is sitting at the King’s Gate. Be sure to do everything that you suggested.’ 


text:
So Haman dressed Mordecai in the king’s clothes. And he led Mordecai on the king’s horse from the beginning to the end of the city. Haman shouted, ‘This is the man that the king wants to make very important. See what the king does for a man like that!’


text:
After this, Mordecai returned to the King’s Gate. But Haman hurried home. He covered his face because he was ashamed and angry. He was ashamed and angry about what had happened. 


text:
He told his wife and friends everything that had happened to him. Then his wife, Zeresh, and his friends who knew the <i>law</i> said, ‘You have already lost some of your power to Mordecai. If he is a <i>Jew</i>, you cannot fight against him. You cannot win against him.’


text:
While they were speaking, the king’s <i>eunuchs</i> arrived. They took Haman in a hurry to Queen Esther’s <i>feast</i>.


text:
While they were drinking <i>wine</i> at this second <i>feast</i>, King Xerxes asked his question again. ‘Queen Esther’, he asked, ‘what do you want? Even if you want half the <i>kingdom</i>, I will give it to you.’


text:
Queen Esther replied, ‘I hope that you are happy with me. And perhaps you want to give me what I ask. If you do, please let me live. And let my people live. That is what I want. 


text:
Someone has sold me and my people so that we will die. If he had sold us as male and female slaves, I would not have caused trouble for the king.’ 


text:
Esther replied, ‘The man who wants to kill us is this very bad man Haman!’ Then Haman was very afraid. <n>Haman now knows that Queen Esther is a <i>Jew</i>. He knows that the king will be very angry. He will be very angry because of the <i>law</i> that Haman wrote. 


text:
The king was very angry. He left his <i>wine</i> and he went into the <i>palace</i> garden. Haman knew that the king would kill him. So, he stayed with Queen Esther to ask her to save him. 


text:
Just when the king returned, Haman threw himself down. He threw himself down on the bed that Queen Esther was lying on. He asked her to save him. The king shouted, ‘You even attack the queen when she is with me in the <i>palace</i>!’ When the king said this, servants covered Haman’s face with a piece of cloth. <n>That meant that Haman would die. 


text:
Harbona, one of the king’s <i>eunuchs</i> said, ‘There is a <i>gallows</i> outside Haman’s home. Haman’s men built it. He wanted to kill Mordecai on the <i>gallows</i>. Two officers wanted to kill the king. Mordecai is the man who told the king about it.’ The king said, ‘Hang Haman on the <i>gallows</i> until he is dead.’ 


text:
So a servant hung Haman on the <i>gallows</i> until he was dead. It was the <i>gallows</i> that Haman’s servants had built for Mordecai. Then the king did not feel so angry.


text:
That day, King Xerxes gave Queen Esther all of Haman’s things. Mordecai came in front of the king. Esther had told the king that Mordecai was her cousin. 


text:
The king had taken back his <i>signet ring</i> from Haman. He gave the <i>signet ring</i> to Mordecai. Esther gave Mordecai authority over all the things that the king gave to her. <n>They were the things that had been Haman’s. 


text:
Then Esther went to the king. She cried aloud and she threw herself down at his feet. She asked him to stop Haman’s very bad idea to kill all the <i>Jews</i>. 


text:
Esther said to the king, ‘I hope that I make the king happy. And perhaps the king thinks that this is the right thing to do: If he does, the king should do this. Tell your people that they must not kill all the <i>Jews</i> on the 13th day of the 12th month. 


text:
King Xerxes replied to Queen Esther and to Mordecai, ‘Because Haman wanted to kill the <i>Jews</i>, I have given all of his things to Esther. And my officers have killed Haman on the <i>gallows</i>. 


text:
Write another <i>law</i> with the king’s authority. Write a <i>law</i> to help the <i>Jews</i>. My <i>signet ring</i> shows that the <i>law</i> has the king’s authority. There can be no change to a <i>law</i> that has the king’s authority.’


text:
On the 23rd day of the 3rd month (the month Sivan), Mordecai asked certain men to come to him. They were the men who recorded the <i>law</i>. Mordecai the <i>Jew</i> told them what to write. Men who were riding on horses took the <i>law</i> to all the <i>kingdom</i>. Mordecai asked people to copy the <i>law</i> into every language that people spoke in the <i>kingdom</i>. So everyone would know what the new <i>law</i> said. 


text:
The <i>law</i> that Mordecai wrote had the king’s authority. It had the mark of the king’s <i>signet ring</i>. Men who were riding on fast horses took the <i>law</i> all through the <i>kingdom</i>.


text:
The king’s <i>law</i> said this: Every <i>Jew</i> in every city could fight against any person who attacked them. This included the women and children of any man who attacked them. The <i>Jews</i> could take the things of anyone that they killed. 


text:
The <i>law</i> said that the <i>Jews</i> could do this for one day. This day was the 13th day of the 12th month. That was the month called <i>Adar</i>. <n>That was the day that Haman had wanted to kill all the <i>Jews</i>. 


text:
A copy of the <i>law</i> reached all the <i>kingdom</i>. Everybody knew the <i>law</i>. The <i>Jews</i> prepared for that day. They would kill all the people who wanted to kill them on that day. 


text:
The king told his officers that they must travel quickly on their horses. The king’s officers also told everybody about the <i>law</i> in the city (Susa).


text:
Then Mordecai went from the king’s <i>palace</i>. He was wearing beautiful blue and white clothes. He had a large <i>crown</i> of gold on his head and he was wearing special clothes. The colour of the clothes was purple and somebody had made them out of <i>linen</i>. The people in Susa were very happy. <n>Mordecai does not wear <i>sackcloth</i> and ashes because God has answered the <i>Jews</i>’ <i>prayers</i>. God has saved the <i>Jews</i>. Only rich and powerful people wore purple clothes. They wore them over other clothes. They used <i>linen</i> to make clothes for rich and powerful people. 


text:
In all the <i>kingdom</i>, the <i>Jews</i> had <i>feasts</i> and they were very happy. Many people became <i>Jews</i> because of what happened.


text:
It was the 13th day of the 12th month, the month called <i>Adar</i>. Everyone who really did not like the <i>Jews</i> had hoped to kill them. But because of the king’s new <i>law</i>, the <i>Jews</i> could fight to keep themselves safe. 


text:
The <i>Jews</i> came together in their <i>provinces</i> and cities to fight against the people who wanted to kill them. Nobody could fight against them. Everyone was afraid of them.


text:
Also, all the officers in the <i>kingdom</i> helped the <i>Jews</i> because they were afraid of Mordecai. 


text:
Everyone knew that Mordecai had great authority in the <i>palace</i>. And he became more and more powerful. 


text:
Those men were the 10 sons of Haman, who wanted to kill the <i>Jews</i>. But the <i>Jews</i> did not take any of the things of the people that they killed.


text:
Then the king said to Queen Esther, ‘In the city (Susa) the <i>Jews</i> have killed 500 men and the 10 sons of Haman. So I think that they have killed very many of their <i>enemies</i> in the whole <i>kingdom</i>! Now, what do you want? I will do anything that you want.’


text:
Esther replied, ‘If it makes the king happy, please let the <i>Jews</i> in Susa do the same tomorrow. Also, please hang the dead bodies of Haman’s sons from the <i>gallows</i>.’


text:
The king said that this should happen. He made another <i>law</i> in Susa so that the <i>Jews</i> could fight for themselves again. And the king’s officers hung the dead bodies of Haman’s 10 sons on the <i>gallows</i>. Everyone could see them.


text:
On the 14th day of the month called <i>Adar</i> the <i>Jews</i> killed 300 men in Susa. But they did not take the things of the people that they killed. 


text:
In the <i>provinces</i>, the <i>Jews</i> killed 75 000 of their <i>enemies</i>. The <i>Jews</i> killed all the people who wanted to kill them. But they did not take the things of the people that they killed.


text:
They did that on the 13th day of <i>Adar</i>. Then, on the 14th day, the <i>Jews</i> in the <i>provinces</i> rested. They had <i>feasts</i> and they were very happy. 


text:
But the <i>Jews</i> in Susa killed their <i>enemies</i> on the 13th day and on the 14th day of <i>Adar</i>. On the 15th day they rested. They had <i>feasts</i> and they were very happy on that day. 


text:
So <i>Jews</i> who live in the <i>provinces</i> have a holiday and a <i>feast</i> on the 14th day of <i>Adar</i>. And they are very happy and they give gifts to each other on that date.


text:
Mordecai recorded what had happened. He sent letters to all the <i>Jews</i> who were living in the <i>kingdom</i> of Xerxes. 


text:
He told them that they should have a <i>feast</i> and a holiday on the 14th and 15th days of <i>Adar</i>. He told the <i>Jews</i> that they must do that every year. That was because on those dates they had killed all their <i>enemies</i>. In the month <i>Adar</i>, those who were sad became happy. Mordecai told the <i>Jews</i> that they must remember those days. He told them that they should give gifts and special food to each other. And he told them that they should give those things to poor people too.


text:
So the <i>Jews</i> did everything that Mordecai had said. And they had a <i>feast</i> every year to remember what had happened. 


text:
They remembered how Haman from Agag’s <i>family</i>, the <i>enemy</i> of all the <i>Jews</i>, had wanted to kill them. They remembered that he threw <i>pur</i>. He threw it to choose the day when he would kill them. 


text:
They remembered how Esther went to the king. And they remembered that the king wrote another <i>law</i>. The <i>Jews</i> remembered that the king did not kill the <i>Jews</i>. And they remembered that the king did kill Haman. And they remembered that the <i>Jews</i> killed Haman’s sons. They remembered how the dead bodies of Haman and his sons hung on the <i>gallows</i>.


text:
So the <i>Jews</i> called the <i>feast</i> Purim. They did all this because of what was in Mordecai’s letter. And it was because of everything that they had seen. And it was because of everything that had happened to them. <n>Purim is the plural word of <i>pur</i> which Haman threw to choose the day to kill the <i>Jews</i>. 


text:
The <i>Jews</i> made a rule. The rule was for themselves and for <i>Jews</i> who were born after them. And it was for anyone who became a <i>Jew</i>. The rule was that everyone must have a <i>feast</i> on the 14th and 15th days of <i>Adar</i> every year. This is what Mordecai had said to them. 


text:
Every <i>Jew</i> and every <i>Jew</i> who was born after that time everywhere must remember the <i>Feast of Purim</i>. <n>Even today, <i>Jews</i> have a <i>feast</i> every year to remember everything that happened. 


text:
Then Queen Esther, daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai wrote a second letter. In this letter they gave their authority to the <i>Feast of Purim</i>. 


text:
And Mordecai sent letters to all the <i>Jews</i> who were living in the 127 <i>provinces</i> of the <i>kingdom</i> of Xerxes. The message told them that all the <i>Jews</i> were safe. 


text:
But it also told the <i>Jews</i> that they should remember the <i>Feast of Purim</i>. And they should remember the times when they <i>fasted</i>. They had asked God for help at those times.


text:
Queen Esther made this <i>law</i> for all the <i>Jews</i>. The men who wrote down the <i>law</i> recorded it. They recorded that the <i>Jews</i> should remember the <i>Feast of Purim</i>.


text:
King Xerxes caused everyone to pay <i>tribute</i>. Those who lived on the land had to pay <i>tribute</i>. And those who lived on the islands in the sea had to pay <i>tribute</i> too.


text:
The Book of Years of the kings of Media and <i>Persia</i> records all the great and powerful things that the king did. And the book records how Mordecai became powerful. 


text:
King Xerxes gave very much authority to Mordecai and so Mordecai became very powerful. Only the king had more authority than Mordecai. Many <i>Jews</i> knew that Mordecai was a great man. And Mordecai always did what was right for the <i>Jews</i>. <n>God is working all through the Book of Esther. The book shows us that: <br/>· God listens to <i>prayers</i>. He saved the <i>Jews</i> from death. <br/>· God is more powerful than any person is. <br/>· He loves his people and he keeps them safe. <br/>· God has a purpose for his people. The verse that shows us this is 4:14. It says, <n>‘If you do not speak on behalf of the <i>Jews</i> at this time, help will come from another place. But you and your <i>family</i> will die. But perhaps you are queen for a time like this.’ <n>Jesus was born a <i>Jew</i>. If God had let Haman kill the <i>Jews</i>, Jesus could not have been born. But men cannot stop what God wants to do for his people.


text:
Many years ago, a man lived in a place called Uz. His name was Job and he was a very good man. He was fair to everybody and he did the right things. He was afraid to make God angry. And he refused to do wrong things. 


text:
He had 7000 sheep and 3000 <i>camels</i>. He had 500 pairs of <i>oxen</i> and 500 <i>donkeys</i>. And he had many servants. There was no one richer than Job for many miles. <n>Some of the events that you read about in this part of the book (to Chapter 2 verse 7) happen in <i>heaven</i>. Job does not know anything about these events. So he does not know why all the bad things have happened. But he still wants us to <i>worship</i> God (verse 21). 


text:
Each year, Job’s sons had birthday parties in their homes. They had lots to eat and lots to drink. And they always asked their three sisters to come. 


text:
After each party, Job would ask his children to visit him. He thought that they might have done wrong things. Or perhaps they had had wrong thoughts about God. So he would get up early the next morning and <i>sacrifice</i> an animal to God for each of them. They might have done wrong things. So he would ask God to <i>forgive</i> them for those things.


text:
One day, the <i>LORD</i>’s <i>angels</i> came to him in <i>heaven</i>. And <i>Satan</i> came with them. 


text:
The <i>LORD</i> asked <i>Satan</i> where he had been. <i>Satan</i> replied, ‘I have been going all over the earth. I have been watching the things that happen there.’


text:
Then the <i>LORD</i> asked <i>Satan</i>, ‘You have seen Job, who is my servant. What do you think about him? There is no one on earth that is like him. He is a very good person. He is afraid to make me angry and he obeys me. He refuses to do things that are wrong.’


text:
‘He may be afraid to make you angry and he may obey you’, <i>Satan</i> replied. ‘There are good reasons why he does that. 


text:
You do not let any bad things happen to him. So he knows that he will be safe. You do this for all his family. You make sure that all his things are safe. You have helped his business so that he has become very rich. He has many sheep and lots of cows. 


text:
But take away the things that he has. Then he will certainly let you know that he is <i>cursing</i> you.’


text:
So the <i>LORD</i> told <i>Satan</i>, ‘Job has many things. Do what you want with any of them. But do not hurt Job’s body.’ Then <i>Satan</i> left God. <n><i>Satan</i> destroys everything that Job owns</n>


text:
A servant rushed up to Job. He told him about things that had just happened. This is what the servant told Job. ‘We were using your <i>oxen</i> to plough the fields. Near where we worked, your <i>donkeys</i> were eating grass in a field. 


text:
Some bad men from the south came and they attacked us. They took the <i>oxen</i> and the <i>donkeys</i>. And they killed all your servants except me. Instead, I ran away. And I have come to tell you what has happened.’ 


text:
That servant was still speaking, when a second servant ran up to Job. He said, ‘God has sent a fire that has killed your sheep and all your servants except me. And I have come to tell you what has happened.’ 


text:
Before that servant had finished speaking, a third servant ran up to Job. He said, ‘Bad men from the north have attacked your <i>camels</i> and they have taken them away. They killed all your servants except me. Instead, I ran away. And I have come to tell you what has happened.’ <n><i>Satan</i> kills Job’s children</n>


text:
That servant was still speaking, when a fourth servant ran up to Job. He said, ‘Your children were at a party. They were drinking <i>wine</i> at the home of your oldest son. 


text:
There was a bad storm and the wind destroyed the house. The house fell on all your children and it killed them. But I am still alive. And I have come to tell you what has happened.’ <n>What Job did</n>


text:
When Job heard all this he was very sad. He tore his clothes and he cut off all his hair. He did this because he was so sad. Then he bent his body to the ground and he <i>worshipped</i> God. 


text:
And he said, ‘When we are born we have nothing. When we die, we take nothing with us. God has given to us all the things that we have. Sometimes he takes away the things that we have. Only the <i>LORD</i> gives us things. It is only the <i>LORD</i> that takes them away again. But I will still <i>praise</i> the name of the <i>LORD</i>!’


text:
Even after all the things that had happened, Job still did not do wrong things. Nor did he say that God had done anything wrong.


text:
The <i>LORD</i> asked <i>Satan</i> where he had been. <i>Satan</i> replied, ‘I have been going all over the earth.’ 


text:
Then the <i>LORD</i> asked <i>Satan</i>, ‘You have seen Job, who is my servant. What do you think about him? There is no one on earth that is like him. He is a very good person. He is afraid to make me angry. He refuses to do things that are wrong. Job had not done anything wrong. But because of what you said I have been against him. And so he has lost everything for no reason. Even then, he did not change. He is still the same good man.’


text:
<i>Satan</i> answered, ‘A man will only feel pain if he, himself, is hurting. A man will do anything to save his own life. 


text:
But if you cause Job to have great pain in his own body, it will be different. And then he will certainly let you know that he is <i>cursing</i> you.’ 


text:
So the <i>LORD</i> agreed that <i>Satan</i> could cause Job pain. He could cause him as much pain as he wanted. But the <i>LORD</i> told <i>Satan</i> not to kill him. 


text:
So <i>Satan</i> left. And he caused Job to have very painful skin all over his body, from his head to his feet.


text:
Then Job sat down among the ashes. He did this to show how sad he was. He sat there and removed bad bits of skin with a piece of a broken pot. 


text:
Job replied, ‘Do not talk like a fool! We take the good things that God gives us. So we should not be surprised if he sends us trouble as well.’ Many bad things had happened to Job but he never said any wrong things about God. <n>Job’s friends come to try to help him</n>


text:
Three of Job’s friends heard about his troubles and so they decided to visit him. The first friend was called Eliphaz. He lived in a place called Teman. The second friend was called Bildad. He lived in a place called Shuah. The third friend was called Zophar. He lived in a place called Naamah. They came because they wanted to help Job. 


text:
When they came near enough to see Job, they did not recognise him. He looked so ill. They were so sad that they tore their clothes. Then they put ash on their heads and cried a lot. 


text:
For a whole week, they sat on the ground near Job. All that time, they knew how bad his pain was. So they did not say anything to him.


text:
Kings and rulers are there, too. <n>Those kings had lived in buildings that had been beautiful. And I would be with them.


text:
If I had been born dead, my friends would have buried me. <n>Then I would not have lived to wake each day. <n>Then I would not have had a life full of trouble.


text:
After death, no one causes any more troubles. <n>This is true for people who have done wrong things during their lives. <n>And people who have been very tired during their lives can rest.


text:
It is a place where no one is in prison. <n>It is a place where slaves do not hear the voice of a master.


text:
Important people and people who are not important are there. <n>Slaves are free there. They do not have a master there.


text:
My life is so difficult that I always feel sad. <n>So I want to know why God lets people like me live.


text:
They want to know why they should go on living. <n>They do not know what will happen to them. <n>They feel like people that God has put in a prison.


text:
‘You might not like the things that I want to say. <n>But I have to say something because this is important.


text:
By your words, you have saved people from great dangers. <n>And you have helped weak people to hope.


text:
But you can still hope that your troubles will stop. <n>Go on being afraid to make God angry. <n>And try to live the right way.


text:
Think about this: <n>Many people live the right way. They do not die while they are young. <n>God does not kill people who only do good things.


text:
I will tell you what I have seen. <n>Bad people have trouble in their lives. <n>In fact they have troubles that they cause for themselves. <n>They are like a farmer. <n>The things that he has planted grow in his field.


text:
God is angry with people who are like that. <n>And he will kill them. <n>When God is angry it is like a strong wind. <n>When he is angry bad people die. They die like they would in a bad storm.


text:
Think about <i>lions</i>. They are strong animals. <n>But if God breaks a <i>lion</i>’s teeth, it cannot eat.


text:
So it is hungry and, in the end, it dies. <n>And the young <i>lions</i> will run away to find their food. <n>Bad people may be strong too. <n>But, if God is angry, they cannot fight him.


text:
The <i>spirit</i> did not have a shape that I recognised. <n>Everything was quiet and then I heard the voice. I heard these words:


text:
God made us all from <i>clay</i>. <n>And we are as weak as insects that fly. <n>So we cannot hope to have lives with no troubles.


text:
All our lives are very short. <n>Insects are born after dawn and they die before the end of the day. <n>No one will ever see them again. <n>Our lives are so short that they seem like that.


text:
Our lives are like <i>tents</i>. <n>There are <i>pegs</i> that keep a <i>tent</i> in the right place. <n>When you remove the <i>pegs</i>, you can take the <i>tent</i> away. <n>So a small thing can cause us to die. <n>And often people learn nothing during their lives.” ’


text:
Eliphaz continued to speak. <n>‘You may shout, Job, and ask someone to help you. But no one will answer you. <n>Even if you ask the <i>angels</i>, they will not help you.


text:
A fool may be so angry with other people that he dies. <n>He may want to have the things that they have. He may die because he wants them too much.


text:
I myself have seen the way that a fool lives. He seems to be happy. <n>And his life seems to be comfortable. But soon God sends trouble to him.


text:
His children are not safe any more. People will say that they have done wrong things. <n>Then no one will say that his children are honest.


text:
Hungry people take plants from his fields. They even take them from among the weeds. <n>And other people use his money to buy their drinks.


text:
You know that from every fire smoke rises into the air. <n>So every man that is born has troubles in his life.


text:
He does great things that nobody can understand. <n>Nobody can count the surprising things that he has done.


text:
He makes <i>humble</i> people important. <n>Some people are sad because someone has died. But God makes those people safe.


text:
God helps poor people. So they can hope that their future lives will be good. <n>But those who do wrong things must be quiet.


text:
If God teaches you the right way to live, you should be happy. <n>He may decide that you should have difficulties in your life. <n>Do not be sad if the <i>Almighty</i> decides that.


text:
He may cause you to have pain. But he will make you well again. <n>He may hurt you, but he will give you health again.


text:
He will keep you alive if there is a <i>famine</i>. <n>And he will also keep you alive if there is a war.


text:
He will not let people say bad things about you. <n>And you will not be afraid when people attack you.


text:
You will laugh if there is a <i>famine</i>. You will smile if there is danger. <n>You will not be afraid of wild animals.


text:
They will not be wild any more when you are near them. <n>And there will be no danger in your fields.


text:
You will know that your home is safe. You will check all the things you have. <n>And you will find that they are all there.


text:
You will know that you will have a large family. You will have many children and grandchildren. <n>It will not be any easier to count them than to count the grass in a field.


text:
You will live for many years. Plants grow until the right time to pick them. <n>So you will live until it is the right time for you to die. And you will have good health until you die.


text:
We have checked all this. And we have found that it is true. <n>So listen to what we say. And do what we suggest.’


text:
If it were possible to weigh them, they would be heavier than all the sand on the shore. <n>That is why I have spoken so quickly. And I did not think before I spoke.


text:
The <i>Almighty</i> has shot his <i>arrows</i> at me. <n>Their poison is in my body. I am very afraid of what God is going to do to me.


text:
A wild <i>donkey</i> is quiet when it has grass to eat. <n>An <i>ox</i> does not make a loud noise when it has food.


text:
You cannot enjoy food that has no salt in it. <n>If you only eat the white part of an egg, it will not be very nice.


text:
I have had much pain. But I know that God is <i>holy</i>. <n>And I have always done what he has told me to do. <n>So, because I know that, I am ready to die.


text:
When a man has many troubles, his friends should be kind to him. <n>Friends who are not like that have stopped being afraid to make God angry.


text:
But, my friends, you are not here to help me when I need you. <n>You are like some rivers. Sometimes there is water and sometimes there is no water.


text:
Travellers get lost when they go to look for water. <n>They leave the proper paths and they die in the <i>desert</i>.


text:
Travellers from Tema look for water. People on business from Sheba look for water. <n>But they are all disappointed.


text:
I have never asked you to send me a gift. <n>Nor have I asked you to pay money so that I could be free.


text:
I have not asked you to save me from my enemy. <n>Nor have I asked you to help me get free from cruel people.


text:
The true words that an honest man speaks will make the listener sad. <n>You may argue with me. But the things that you say mean nothing.


text:
You do not believe me when I speak to you. So you should not try to argue with me. <n>There is nothing more that I can hope for in this life. You know that.


text:
But you would sell to be slaves, children who had no parents. <n>You would even sell your best friend.


text:
Please think again about what you say. <n>Think again. I want people to know that I am an honest man.


text:
A slave waits for the end of the day so that he can stop his work. <n>A servant waits until his master pays him.


text:
When I lie down I want the night to end. <n>But it does not end, and I cannot sleep. At last, dawn comes.


text:
My life is passing very fast. It is passing as fast as the <i>shuttle</i> of a <i>weaver</i>. <n>But I cannot hope that it will get any better.’


text:
‘Remember, God, that my life is as short as a <i>breath</i>. <n>I know that I will never be happy again.


text:
A cloud passes across the sky and then it is gone. You never see it again. <n>That is like a person who dies. He never returns to the earth.


text:
So I will not be quiet. I will speak to tell you how angry I am. <n>I will speak to say how very sad I feel.


text:
Perhaps you have to watch the animals that live in the sea. <n>But I do not understand why you have to watch me every day.


text:
But even then you cause me to dream and that frightens me. <n>I am afraid when I see things in the night.


text:
I hate my life and I do not want to live any more. <n>My life has no meaning. <n>So let me die alone.


text:
You seem to watch them every morning. <n>And you seem to check what they are doing at each moment of the day. <n>I would like to know why you are like that.


text:
You seem to think that I have done wrong things. <n>You watch what men do. I know that. But I do not know what I have done to you. <n>I do not know why you have chosen to watch me. <n>You seem to think that I have caused trouble for you.


text:
I do not know why you do not excuse me. <n>I do not know why you do not <i>forgive</i> me for my <i>sins</i>. <n>Soon I will die and my friends will bury me. <n>Then you will look for me, but you will not find me.’


text:
Surely you know that God is fair. <n>The <i>Almighty</i> does not change something that is right. He will not make it wrong.


text:
Your children did things that were wrong. <n>Because of the things that they did, God <i>punished</i> them.


text:
If you are honest, God will listen to you. <n>You may have lived the right way. <n>Then he will hear you when you speak to him. <n>And he will give back to you the things that you have lost.


text:
But the people who lived before us can teach us. <n>Listen to what they said. Then you will learn from them.


text:
You know that some trees only grow tall in wet ground. <n>And plants can only live if they have water.


text:
They may still be growing and they may not be ready for somebody to cut them. <n>But if they have no water, they will soon die.


text:
People who forget about God are like those plants. <n>They cannot hope to live. They, too, will die before they are old.


text:
A man like that <i>trusts</i> his family and his things, but they are not strong. <n>He holds all his things as well as he can. But in the end, they will leave him.’


text:
But in the end, someone will dig the ground and destroy the weeds. <n>Then no one will remember that they had been there.


text:
‘The things that you have said are true. I know that they are true. <n>But God will not agree that anyone is completely honest.


text:
We might decide to quarrel with him about that. <n>But God can ask 1000 questions which we cannot answer.


text:
God made the sky and everything that is above the earth. <n>He did not need anyone to help him. And he tells the seas what they should do.


text:
He made all the stars and he put them in their places in the sky. <n>He made the <i>Bear</i>, <i>Orion</i>, and the <i>Pleiades</i>. <n>They are all there in the shapes that he decided. <n>The <i>Bear</i>, Orion and the Pleiades. When people look at the stars in the sky, they see different shapes. And they give names to different groups of stars. These are the names of three groups of stars. 


text:
Nobody can understand all the things that he does. <n>And nobody can count the surprising things that he has done.


text:
When God passes in front of me, I cannot see him. <n>He may go somewhere else. And I cannot see where he has gone.


text:
God will always be angry with his enemies. <n>They may fight against him but they will not beat him.


text:
I may not have done anything that was wrong. But I cannot explain that to God. <n>I can only ask him to be <i>merciful</i>.


text:
I may not have done anything that was wrong. <n>But my words do not show that this is true. <n>I may be completely honest. <n>But when I speak, no one believes me.


text:
The same thing happens to everybody in the end. <n>So I say, “God kills both good people and very bad people.”


text:
Sometimes a good man will become ill while he is young. <n>But even if he is very sad, God does not do anything to help him.


text:
Bad men may rule the countries in the world. <n>And the <i>judges</i> do not see what the bad men are doing. <n>It must be God who lets those things happen. <n>I do not know anyone else that would do that.


text:
A fast boat passes very quickly. My life is like that. It will soon end. <n>A bird can catch a small animal in a moment. My life seems to be as short as that.


text:
Even then, I will be afraid of the pain that God causes. <n>God does not agree that I am an honest man. I know that.


text:
He has decided that I have done wrong things. <n>So I do not see why I should continue to argue with him.


text:
Even then, God would throw me into a dirty hole. <n>I would be so dirty that I could not wear my own clothes.


text:
No one can decide which of us is right. <n>What I say may be true. But no one can check if it is true.


text:
No one can stop God when he hurts me. <n>If that were possible, then I would not be afraid any more.


text:
If that were possible, I would not be afraid to speak. <n>But it is not possible, so I cannot speak.


text:
I do not enjoy my life now. I do not want to live. I am very, very sad. <n>So I will speak about the thoughts that are in my mind.


text:
This is what I will say to God. “Do not say that I am a bad person. <n>You may believe that I have done wrong things. Tell me what they are.


text:
You seem to enjoy it when you hurt me. You made me. So I do not know why you refuse to help me. <n>And you seem to help very bad people even when they are doing very bad things.


text:
Sometimes you seem not to have eyes like men have eyes. <n>And you seem not to see things as people see them.


text:
But you seem to be in a hurry to discover the wrong things that I have done. <n>I do not know why you have to do that.


text:
Remember that you made me from <i>dust</i>. <n>Now it seems that you want to make me into <i>dust</i> again.


text:
You gave my life to me and you have always loved me. <n>You have always watched me to save me from danger.


text:
If I do wrong things, then you <i>punish</i> me. <n>But you never see the good things that I do. <n>Whatever I do, I am ashamed. <n>Whatever I do, my life is full of trouble.


text:
If I do something well, I am happy. <n>But then you catch me as a <i>lion</i> catches other animals. <n>And you use your power against me.


text:
You continue to say that I do wrong things. <n>You become more and more angry with me. <n>You attack me again and again.


text:
It would have been better if I had never been born. <n>Or perhaps I should have died straight after my birth.


text:
I want to be happy before I die. I will soon die. <n>Then I will go to a place from which I cannot return.


text:
I will go to a dark place where there are only shadows. <n>In that place, it is as dark as midnight in the middle of the day.” ’


text:
‘Someone must answer all the questions that you ask. <n>Even if you talk a lot, God will still not excuse you.


text:
We will not be quiet while you continue to speak. <n>You are saying wrong things about God. Someone should stop you doing that.


text:
You say to God, “The things that I believe are true. <n>I am an honest man and I live the right way.”


text:
Then he might tell you the secret of <i>wisdom</i>. <n>True <i>wisdom</i> is not easy to understand. But know this: <n>You have done things that were wrong. <n>But God has forgotten some of those wrong things.


text:
His power can reach beyond the sky. <n>You cannot do that. <n>He knows what happens after death. <n>You do not know that.


text:
The earth itself could not contain everything that God knows. <n>Neither is the sea big enough to contain it.


text:
If he puts you in prison you will not be able to stop him. <n>If he <i>accuses</i> you in a <i>court</i>, <n>you will not be able to answer him.


text:
I am sure about this. God knows the people who do wrong things. <n>He sees the wrong things that they do.


text:
Wild <i>donkeys</i> do not change their nature and become friendly. <n>And fools do not change their nature and become <i>wise</i>.


text:
If you do this, you will not be ashamed any more. <n>Instead, you will be strong. And you will not be afraid.


text:
I am sure that you will forget your trouble. <n>It will be like water that has gone under a bridge long ago. No one remembers it.


text:
Your life will be good. And you will be happy again. <n>All day, it will seem brighter than noon. Even the dark night will seem like the morning.


text:
You will be able to hope, so you will <i>trust</i> God. <n>Then you will know that it is safe to rest.


text:
But bad people will not be able to hope for a better life. <n>God will <i>punish</i> them because of the things that they have done. <n>It would be better if they died.’


text:
‘You seem to think that you know everything. <n>And you think that, after your death, no one else will be <i>wise</i>.


text:
But I have a mind too. And you are no better than I am. <n>Everyone knows the things that you have told me.


text:
All my friends think that I am a fool. <n>But I pray to God and he answers me. <n>I have always lived the right way. <n>But still my friends think that I am a fool.


text:
Some people have no troubles. <n>It is easy for them to think that they are better than people with troubles. <n>It is easy to push a man who is nearly falling already. <n>And those people with no troubles are doing something like that.


text:
Men who rob other people are safe in their homes. <n>They make God angry. But they think that they are safe.


text:
But ask the animals, and they will teach you. <n>Or ask the birds in the air. They will tell you things that are true.


text:
We can taste food when we put it into our mouths. <n>And we learn the things that we hear with our ears.


text:
But God is <i>wise</i>. And he helps us to be <i>wise</i> too. <n>He is strong and he makes us strong too.


text:
No one can repair something that he has destroyed. <n>And if God puts someone in prison he must stay there. No one can help that person.


text:
If God stops the rain, the land becomes a <i>desert</i>. <n>If he sends too much rain, there are <i>floods</i>.


text:
God is strong. He will always beat anyone who fights against him. <n>He has power over good people and over bad people.


text:
He takes from kings the special clothes that they wear. <n>He gives them instead cloths to tie round them.


text:
God causes <i>priests</i> to lose their jobs. <n>Because of what he decides, important men lose their jobs too.


text:
He shows to us things that nobody knew. <n>And he makes the shadows of the night shine like the day.


text:
He makes <i>nations</i> great, and then he destroys them. <n>He makes <i>nations</i> bigger. Then he sends the people in those <i>nations</i> away.


text:
He destroys the understanding of kings. <n>And then he sends them to walk about in the <i>desert</i>.


text:
They have no light while they walk in the dark. <n>And he causes them to walk like men who have drunk a lot of alcohol.


text:
I have seen with my own eyes all the things that you have told me. <n>I have heard everything that you have said. And I have understood all of it.


text:
But I want to speak to the <i>Almighty</i>. I want to tell him how I feel. <n>And I want him to explain the things that he has done to me.


text:
But you tell me things that are not true. <n>You are like doctors who cannot make sick people better.


text:
You should not speak on behalf of God! <n>You are saying things on his behalf; but they are not true.


text:
You should be fair when you speak on his behalf. <n>But I cannot believe that you are really trying to explain his thoughts to me.


text:
God may check what you have been doing. <n>Other people may not understand. <n>But he will see the wrong things that you have done.


text:
The things that you say are worth no more than ashes. <n>You are not strong enough to save yourself.


text:
Even if God kills me, I will still believe him. <n>But I will explain to him the reason why he should not kill me.


text:
Now I have prepared the things that I want to say. I have not done anything that was wrong. So I know that he will excuse me.


text:
Nobody can tell me any wrong thing that I have done. <n>If you can do that, I will be quiet. And then I will die.


text:
I would like to know why you hide yourself from me. <n>You seem to think that I am your enemy. I would like to know why you think that.


text:
I am as weak as a leaf that the wind blows along the road. <n>I am only as strong as dry grass. <n>So I do not understand why you want to frighten me.


text:
You write down bad things about me. <n>I may have done wrong things when I was young. And you remember them.


text:
You fasten my feet with metal ties. <n>You watch me to see where I am going. <n>You even put marks on my feet so that you can follow me.


text:
Flowers grow and soon die. Our lives are not long, either. <n>We are like shadows that soon pass by.


text:
So I would like to know why you always watch a weak person like me. <n>You always want me to explain the wrong things that I have done. <n>I would like to know why you want me to do that.


text:
People who are bad do not know the right way to live. <n>No one can change them so that they live like that.


text:
You have decided whether we will live for a long time or for a short time. <n>You know the number of months that we will live. And we cannot change that.


text:
But if there is even a little water, the tree will not die. <n>And its branches will start to grow again.


text:
People are like that. They die and they never live again. <n>They will not wake while the sky is above the earth.


text:
I want you to hide me among all the dead people. <n>Hide me until you are no longer angry with me. <n>Then decide when you will remember me.


text:
If a man dies, he will not live again. <n>So I will wait until my troubles have stopped. <n>Then I might hope to have a better life.


text:
Then you will watch what I do. And you will watch where I go. <n>But you will not still remember the wrong things that I have done.


text:
You will <i>forgive</i> me for those wrong things. <n>And you will hide them so that you never see them again.


text:
In the end, water will break stones. <n>When the rain falls, nothing remains on the earth. <n>And in the end, because of the things that you do, <n>no man can hope to have a better life.


text:
He thinks only about the pain that he feels. <n>He does not think about the pain that other people feel. <n>And when he is sad, he thinks only about himself.’


text:
The wrong things that you say come from bad thoughts in your mind. <n>You try to be clever. And you try to make people believe you.


text:
You are not with God so you cannot know his thoughts. <n>You are not the only <i>wise</i> person in the world.


text:
I would like to know why there are wrong thoughts in your mind. <n>When we look at you, you seem very angry.


text:
I would like to know why you are angry with God like this. <n>You should not say such bad things when you speak to him.


text:
No person can say that he is always honest. <n>Nor can anyone say that he has never done wrong things.


text:
God does not even believe that his <i>angels</i> are honest. <n>When he looks at them, they seem to him to be bad.


text:
So people must seem to God to be very bad. <n>Something inside them causes them to want to do wrong things.


text:
<i>Wise</i> men have taught me many things. They have even told me secret things. <n>They learned such things from people who lived before them.


text:
There were no strangers in the country where those people lived. <n>So they did not learn any foreign ideas.


text:
A man who is cruel will not have a happy life. <n>Instead, he will have pain during all the years that he lives.


text:
He will hear things that frighten him. <n>He may think that he is safe. But bad people will attack him and they will rob him.


text:
So that bad man walks about everywhere to look for food. <n>He is saying, “Where is it?” <n>He knows that he will soon die.


text:
That happens if a man does not obey God. <n>A man like that thinks that he is more important than the <i>Almighty</i>.


text:
But he will live in a town where no one else lives. <n>And he will not have a home because people will have destroyed his house.


text:
He will have lost all his money. <n>He may have had many valuable things. He will have lost those too.


text:
It will be dark and he will not be able to hide. God will find him. <n>God’s <i>breath</i> will be like a fire. And it will destroy everything that he has.


text:
He may think that his money will save him. If he thinks that, he is a fool. <n>He will not get back anything. His money will have no value.


text:
Before he is old, his life will end. <n>He will not be able to do all the things that he wanted to do.


text:
A <i>vine</i> may lose its fruit before it is ready for people to eat. Or an <i>olive-tree</i> may lose its flowers before the <i>olives</i> have grown. He will be like that <i>vine</i> or that <i>olive-tree</i>.


text:
If people do not obey God, they will have no children. <n>Such people may have done wrong things to get homes for themselves. <n>If they have done that, fire will destroy those homes.


text:
Such people have only wrong thoughts in their minds. <n>Other people have trouble because of the things that they do. <n>And through all their lives they do things that are bad.’


text:
‘I have heard all these things before. When you speak to me, you do not help me. <n>Nor do you make me any happier.


text:
If your troubles were like my troubles, I could say the same things to you. <n>I could speak about the wrong things that you have done.


text:
You and I are enemies. <n>And you do not let me move. <n>I am so thin that people can see my bones. <n>People think that you made me like this because of the wrong things in my life.


text:
God attacks me because he is angry. I look at his face. I look at his eyes. <n>And I can see how angry he is.


text:
Crowds of people say things about me that are not kind. <n>They are not afraid of me and they even slap my face.


text:
I was enjoying my life. <n>Then he held me and everything changed. <n>He held my neck and he hurt me. <n>He has made me his <i>target</i>.


text:
Soldiers with bows seem to be all round me. <n>He tears my body and my blood falls on the ground. Still he does not feel sorry for me.


text:
But I have never done anything that was cruel or wrong. <n>And when I pray, I speak honestly to God.


text:
I ask the earth not to hide my blood. I do not want people to forget me. <n>I want them always to hear my cry for help.


text:
Even now there is someone in <i>heaven</i>, who can speak on my behalf. <n>I have a friend in that high place who knows about God’s rules.


text:
Sometimes another person can help friends when they have a quarrel. <n>I want someone to speak to God on my behalf.


text:
Because of what you have done, my friends will not listen to me. <n>But I do not want them to think that they were right.


text:
They have said very bad things about me. <n>They wanted people to think that they were clever. <n>Now I want you to make their children <i>blind</i>. <n>Do this, God, because of what they have said about me.


text:
Honest people always know the right thing to do. <n>And people who only do good things get stronger.


text:
My friends say, “It is day”, when it is still night. <n>They say that it is nearly morning. But I know that it is still dark.


text:
There I might speak to the <i>grave</i> where my body will lie. <n>And I might say to the <i>grave</i>, “You are my father.” <n>Or I might speak to the <i>worms</i> that I find there. <n>I might say to them, “Hello, my mother. Hello, my sister.”


text:
When I die, I will go to my <i>grave</i> with nothing. <n>I will have lost everything that I had hoped for.’


text:
You seem to think that we are as silly as cows. <n>You should not think that we are as silly as that.


text:
You are so angry that you will hurt yourself. <n>You may be very angry, but you will not be able to change anything. <n>You may be angry. But that will not make the earth move. <n>Nor will you be able to make the rocks move from their place.


text:
He will not be able to see anything in his <i>tent</i> because it is dark. <n>And the light that is near him will go out.


text:
Once he was strong but now his legs are weak. <n>The things that he decided to do have confused him.


text:
Someone has hidden the <i>trap</i> on the ground where he walks. <n>It is on the path in front of him.


text:
A bad person is afraid of everything that is round him. <n>He thinks that there is trouble everywhere.


text:
An illness will make his skin painful. <n>When he is nearly dead, he will not be able to use his arms or his legs.


text:
He will die. Then, it will like a man who leaves his <i>tent</i> to go to another place. <n>It will be like a man who goes to meet a bad king. Then the bad person will be really afraid.


text:
People will live in his house. They will not be his family. <n>They will live there after they have lit a fire to clean the house.


text:
He is like a tree whose <i>roots</i> have died. <n>He is like a tree whose branches have fallen off.


text:
Then he will not be famous, either in his own country or in any other country. <n>No one will remember him now.


text:
He will have to leave the world where he has lived. <n>He will go to a place where it is always dark.


text:
He will have no children or grandchildren. <n>He will have no family to live in his house where he lived.


text:
People from the east heard about the things that happened to him. <n>People who lived in the west heard about them too. <n>And they were all afraid because of what they heard.


text:
I am sure that there is a reason for all these things. <n>They happened because he is a bad man. <n>And they happened because he did not know God.’


text:
‘You are still trying to hurt me with the things that you say about me. <n>You should not still be doing that after such a long time.


text:
Many times, you have been angry because of the things that I have done. <n>And you have been quick to say bad things about me.


text:
You seem to think that you are a better person than me. <n>My troubles do not mean that I am a bad person. <n>But you seem to think that they do mean that.


text:
But you should be able to see that God has caused all my troubles. <n>He is trying to catch me in a <i>trap</i>.


text:
God is not fair. He did not have a good reason to cause my troubles. <n>I shouted and I asked for help. But no one came to help me.


text:
He stopped me so that I could not go past. <n>He made my path dark so that I could not see the way to go.


text:
Everywhere I go, God is there to attack me. My life is nearly finished. <n>I am like a tree that he has dug out of the ground. <n>There is nothing more that I can hope for in my life.


text:
He sends his army to attack me. They build roads so that they can reach me. <n>They are all round me.


text:
Visitors to my house think that I am a stranger. <n>And my servants think that I come from a foreign country.


text:
I ask my servant to come to me. But he does not answer me. <n>Even when I ask him again, he still does not come to me.


text:
I want someone to write down the words that I speak. <n>I want him to write my words on a <i>scroll</i>.


text:
I want him to write them on a stone with an iron tool. <n>I want people to be able to read them always.


text:
I know that my <i>Redeemer</i> lives. <n>I know that, in the end, he will stand upon the earth. <n>A ‘redeemer’ is someone who pays another person’s debts. Job uses it here as a name for God. In the <i>New Testament</i>, we read that Jesus ‘paid our debts’. In other words, he paid the price for all the wrong things that we have done. 


text:
You say that I have caused my own troubles. <n>And because of that, you cause me to have even more trouble.


text:
But you should be afraid of what may happen to you. <n>God will decide if you have done good things or bad things. <n>He may decide that you have done bad things. <n>And then he may <i>punish</i> you.’


text:
‘The things that you said have caused me to be very confused. <n>I have troubles in my mind but I must answer you.


text:
He may think that he is very important. <n>He may be very powerful and his head may seem to touch the sky. <n>‘His head may seem to touch the sky.’ This means that important people seem to be taller than other people. 


text:
But he will die and he will never return. <n>His friends will ask where he is. <n>He will be like things that you put into the toilet. <n>They, too, go away and never come back.


text:
You will not find him again. He will be like a dream that you do not see in the morning. <n>He will have gone, like something that you saw in your dream.


text:
People who knew him will not see him again. <n>No one will see him in the house where he lived before.


text:
He was not a fair man and he took money from poor people. <n>So his children must pay that money back to them.


text:
When he was a young man, he was very strong. <n>But he will die and his bones will lie in the ground.


text:
He continues to do wrong things. <n>That is like a man who keeps something in his mouth to taste it again and again.


text:
But this will be like food that has become bad in his stomach. <n>It will be like the poison of a snake inside him.


text:
He cannot keep all the money that he has taken from other people. <n>God will say that he should give it all back to them.


text:
He might get as much oil from <i>olives</i> as there is water in the stream. <n>But he will not enjoy that oil. <n>He may have as much cream as there is water in the river. <n>But he will not enjoy that cream either. <n>Nor will he enjoy rivers of cream and other sweet things.


text:
He will have to give back everything that he owned. <n>He will not enjoy the things that he has worked for.


text:
This will happen because he took money from poor people. <n>And he took houses that someone else had built.


text:
When he has filled his stomach with food, God will be very angry with him. <n>God will show him how angry he is. And God will <i>punish</i> him.


text:
He may run from a soldier who has a <i>sword</i>. <n>But another soldier, with a bow, will catch him and he will shoot an <i>arrow</i> at him.


text:
He will not be able to save the things that he had. <n>God will send a fire to kill him and to destroy everything that he had.


text:
God in <i>heaven</i> knows about all the wrong things that a bad man does. <n>People on earth have also seen him do those wrong things.


text:
God will very angry. And he will destroy the bad man’s home and all his things. <n>It will be like a <i>flood</i> that destroys a house.


text:
Be patient while I speak to you. <n>You may not agree with me. Then you may want to say bad things about me.


text:
I do not understand why bad people live for a long time. <n>As they get older, they become more powerful. I do not know why this happens.


text:
It is easy for their cows to have <i>calves</i>. <n>And many <i>calves</i> are born without difficulty.


text:
Such people enjoy the music of a <i>tambourine</i> or a <i>harp</i>. <n>And they are happy when they hear the sound of a <i>flute</i>.


text:
All through their lives they have plenty of money. <n>They do not have any troubles until the day that they die.


text:
They do not want to obey God. Nor do they want to do what he tells them to do. <n>And they do not see why they should pray to him.


text:
They think that they have made themselves rich. But it is not true. <n>So I do not listen to the things that they say.


text:
Bad people may do wrong things. But bad things do not often happen to them. <n>Even when God is angry, they do not have troubles.


text:
They are not often like dry grass that the wind blows away. <n>Nor are they like something that a storm can sweep away.


text:
You say that God will <i>punish</i> the children of bad people. <n>He will <i>punish</i> them because of the wrong things that the bad people have done. <n>But I say that God should <i>punish</i> the bad people, and not their children. <n>Then they will know that they have done wrong things.


text:
They must understand what will happen to them. <n>They should know that God is angry. And they should know what God will do to them.


text:
Bad things may happen to their children after they die. But they will not feel sad about those things. <n>So God should <i>punish</i> them if they do wrong things.


text:
No one can tell God what he should do. <n>He sees the things that important people do. And he decides if those things are right or wrong.


text:
Another person has been sad all his life, until the day when he dies. <n>He has never had good health and he has never enjoyed lots of money.


text:
But you should ask people who travel, “What have you seen?” <n>You should listen to the things that they say.


text:
They would tell you this. God does not always <i>punish</i> a bad man. <n>The bad man may have done wrong things but often nothing will happen to him.


text:
No one asks him why he has done wrong things. <n>And no one <i>punishes</i> him for the things that he has done.


text:
The ground is soft where his body lies. <n>And many people come to say “goodbye” to the man who has died.


text:
You have tried to help me and you have told me many things. <n>But nothing that you have told me is true!’


text:
‘Nothing that a man can do is worth anything to God. <n>Even a <i>wise</i> man cannot give pleasure to God.


text:
It would not make God happy if you lived a good life. <n>It would not give him pleasure if you always lived the right way.


text:
No! It is because you are a bad person. <n>And you have done so many wrong things that nobody could count them. <n>That is why he is <i>punishing</i> you.


text:
You lent some money to your brother. <n>But you wanted to be sure that you would get your money back. So you took his clothes. <n>Sometimes in the Bible, ‘your brother’ means someone in your <i>nation</i>. 


text:
When you met tired people, you did not give them any water to drink. <n>And when you met hungry people you did not feed them.


text:
You, Job, were a powerful man and you owned land. <n>But you kept for yourself everything that grew on that land.


text:
You were not kind to women whose husbands had died. <n>And you were cruel to children who had no parents.


text:
That is why you seem to be walking in the dark. <n>And that is why you seem to be drowning in deep water.


text:
God lives in <i>heaven</i>, which is beyond the stars. <n>From there, he can see everything that happens on earth.


text:
You think that thick clouds hide him. <n>So he does not see us as he walks on the circle of the sky. <n>Eliphaz says that God ‘walks on the circle of the sky’. This is poetry (a special way to use words). 


text:
They died while they were still young. <n>They thought that they were safe. <n>But they were not safe. <n>They were like people who had drowned in a <i>flood</i>.


text:
But God gave them all the good things that they enjoyed. <n>So I do not understand the thoughts of bad people.


text:
But, in the end, God <i>punishes</i> bad people. <n>Good people see that when it happens. And they are happy because they have seen it.


text:
“God has killed our enemies”, the good people say. <n>“Fire has destroyed all the things that they owned.”


text:
So, Job, do not argue with God but obey him instead. <n>Then your troubles will end and you will be rich again.


text:
You should live the way that God wants you to live. <n>And you should stop doing wrong things. Then your life will be comfortable again.


text:
You may have lots of gold but it will not make you happy. <n>So you should throw it into the dry valley where, years ago, there was a river.


text:
Then you will see that God is more valuable than gold. <n>And he is more valuable than <i>silver</i>. <n>This verse is about the things that are most important in Job’s life. He may have valuable things like <i>silver</i> and gold. These may be important to him. But if he obeys God, then God will more important to him than his <i>silver</i> and gold. To know God is the most important thing in anyone’s life. 


text:
Then you will find that it is a pleasure to know God. <n>You will enjoy your life more if you <i>worship</i> him.


text:
You will pray to him, and he will hear you. <n>And you will do the things that you have promised to him.


text:
You will be able to do all the things that you want to do. <n>And God will say that you are living the right way.


text:
You will pray for people who have difficulties. <n>And when you pray, God will make their lives better.


text:
God will even <i>forgive</i> people who have done wrong things. <n>He will do that because you have lived a good life.’


text:
‘I am still angry because of the things that God has done. <n>He was cruel to me even when I asked him to help me.


text:
I would want to know how he would reply to me. <n>I would try to understand all the things that he would say to me.


text:
People may obey him and may live the right way. <n>He will listen to such people. <n>If I have lived like that, he will listen to me. <n>And he will agree that I have not done wrong things.


text:
But if I go to the east, God is not there. <n>And if I go to the west, I cannot find him there either.


text:
When he is at work in the north, I do not see him. <n>And when he goes to the south, I still cannot find him.


text:
But he watches where I go. And he knows the things that I do. <n>Many bad things have happened in my life. <n>But he will check the way that I have lived. <n>Then he will see that I am a good man. <n>I will be like gold that has been in a fire. <n>People see that it really is gold.


text:
I have always lived in the way that he would have wanted. <n>I have never done things for my own pleasure.


text:
I always do the things that God tells me to do. The things that he says are very important. <n>They are more important than the food that I eat each day.


text:
I may want God to change the things that he has decided to do. <n>But he will not change them. Whatever he wants to do, he does.


text:
He will do to me the things that he has decided to do. <n>And there are many things that he wants to do to me.


text:
So many bad things have happened to me that it seems to be dark all round me. <n>Everything may be dark. But I will still want to speak about all these things.


text:
The <i>Almighty</i> will not decide when to open his <i>court</i>. <n>I do not know why he will not decide. <n>In the end, he will <i>punish</i> bad people for the wrong things they have done. <n>But good people will have to wait a long time to see this happen.


text:
Bad men move the stones that mark the edge of their fields. <n>They do this to take fields that belong to other people. <n>Then they take the sheep that belong to those people. <n>And they bring them to eat the grass in their own fields.


text:
Bad men will take a <i>donkey</i> from a child who has no parent. <n>They will take a cow from a woman who has no husband. <n>She may have to pay them some money. <n>So they keep the cow until she pays that money to them.


text:
They push away people who need help. <n>And poor people have to hide because they are afraid of such bad men.


text:
Poor people are like wild <i>donkeys</i> in the <i>desert</i> where they have to look for food. <n>There is nowhere else that they can go to find food for their children.


text:
These poor people have to work in the fields of bad men. <n>They pick the plants and the fruit that grow there.


text:
They have no clothes to wear during the cold night. <n>They do not have anything with which to cover themselves.


text:
The rain that falls in the mountains makes them very wet. <n>So they hide among the rocks where they try to keep dry.


text:
Bad men take children without parents and they make them slaves. <n>These men also take the children of poor people who cannot pay their debts.


text:
Poor people have to go out with no clothes to cover them. <n>They may be hungry. But they cannot eat the plants that they pick from the fields.


text:
They make oil from the <i>olives</i> and <i>wine</i> from the <i>grapes</i>. <n>But they still do not have anything to drink.


text:
In the city, men who are dying shout for help. <n>But God does not do anything to the people who have hurt them.


text:
A bad person does not like the light. <n>He does not understand it. Nor does he follow where it leads him.


text:
At sunset, he gets up and he goes out to murder poor people. <n>In the night, he goes out to take things that belong to other people.


text:
A man may want to have sex with another man’s wife. <n>He waits until it is dark. <n>Then he thinks that no one will see him. <n>And he covers his face so that no one will recognise him.


text:
In the dark, bad men go out to rob other people. <n>But in the day, they stay in their homes and sleep.


text:
They all like the night rather than the morning. <n>And they are not afraid of things that happen at night.


text:
If people throw things into a river, they quickly go away. <n>Bad people go from the earth as quickly as that. <n>Nothing grows in their fields. <n>And there are no <i>grapes</i> on their <i>vines</i>.


text:
Their mothers soon forget them. <n><i>Worms</i> eat their bodies. <n>No one remembers people who have done wrong things. <n>Like a dead tree, they will never live again.


text:
They are cruel to women who have no children. <n>And they are not kind to women whose husbands have died.


text:
But God is strong. And he can kill people who are rich and powerful. <n>They may be important. But they do not know when they will die.


text:
They think that they are safe. God may let them think that. <n>But he always watches them. And he sees the things that they do.


text:
For a short time, bad people may be important, but then they die. <n>They are not different from anyone else and they soon die, like weeds in the ground.


text:
I believe that my words are true. But perhaps someone can say that they are not true. <n>Then the words that I speak will be as good as nothing.’


text:
‘God is great and he is powerful, too. So we should love him and we should be afraid of him. <n>In <i>heaven</i> everyone obeys him.


text:
God looks at all the people who live on the earth. <n>But he does not see anyone who is really good and completely honest.


text:
So God must think that people are not very important. <n>In his mind they are no more important than insects.’


text:
‘I am a weak man. But nothing that you have done has saved me. <n>And nothing that you have said has helped me.


text:
I am a fool. But you have not been able to make me <i>wise</i>. <n>And still you think that you are very clever.


text:
I think that someone has helped you to speak these words. <n>I think that someone has told you the things that you should say.


text:
He puts the sky in the right place so that it covers everything. <n>And he hangs the earth in the skies and he holds it there.


text:
Look across the sea. <n>You can see the end of the sea. <n>There the sky begins. <n>God decided where that place should be.


text:
He is strong enough to fight against the sea. <n>And he is <i>wise</i> enough to beat everything that lives in the sea.


text:
I will continue to be honest. <n>During all of my life, my <i>conscience</i> will never say anything bad about me.


text:
He should always ask God to show him the right way to live. <n>But because he does not do that, he does not enjoy his life.


text:
I will teach you about the power of God. <n>And I will explain to you the things that God will do to bad people.


text:
I will tell you what God will do to a bad person. <n>I will tell you how God will <i>punish</i> him.


text:
A bad person may have many children, but they will all die. <n>Some will die in the war. Other people will die because they do not have enough food to eat.


text:
Some will live for a longer time but, in the end, an illness will kill them. <n>And their wives will not weep when they are dead.


text:
A bad man may have more money than he can count. <n>And he may have more clothes than he could ever wear.


text:
But, in the end, a good man will wear those clothes. <n>And an honest man will spend all that money.


text:
The house of a bad man will not be any stronger than the home of an insect. <n>Nor will it be any better than a worker’s hut.


text:
He will become afraid as quickly as a <i>flood</i> comes. <n>A storm will come in the night and it will kill him.


text:
It is so strong that he cannot fight against it. <n>He can only do one thing. He can try to run away from it.


text:
Job continued to speak. <n>‘People know how to dig under the ground to find <i>silver</i>. <n>And they know how to heat gold to remove all the dirt from it.


text:
They understand how to get iron from under the ground. <n>And they know how to choose the stones that they can get <i>copper</i> from.


text:
They look for these metals in places that are deep under the ground. <n>They take lights with them that help them to see in the dark.


text:
They dig a very deep hole that is far from towns or cities. <n>They work alone. And they hang on strong lines to help them climb down into the hole.


text:
<i>Sapphires</i> come from the rocks deep under the ground. <n>And among the stones there, people can find pieces of gold.


text:
People go to places where birds have never been. <n>And they find things that birds have never seen.


text:
They look in the places where rivers start. <n>And they bring into the light the things that they find there.


text:
But people do not know where they can find <i>wisdom</i>. <n>Nor do they know where they can learn to be <i>wise</i>.


text:
People do not understand that it is good to be <i>wise</i>. <n>And in none of the places where people live can anyone find <i>wisdom</i>.


text:
You cannot buy <i>wisdom</i>, even if you are very rich. <n>You may have lots of gold and <i>silver</i>, but you cannot buy <i>wisdom</i>.


text:
<i>Wisdom</i> is worth more than all the gold that comes from Ophir. <n>It is worth more than <i>onyx</i> or <i>sapphires</i>.


text:
Neither a gold cup nor a beautiful glass is as valuable as <i>wisdom</i>. <n>If you sold all your gold, you still could not buy <i>wisdom</i>.


text:
<i>Coral</i> and <i>jasper</i> are not as valuable as <i>wisdom</i>. <n>The price of it is more than the price of <i>rubies</i>.


text:
<i>Topaz</i> from Cush is not as valuable as <i>wisdom</i>. <n>Nor can anyone buy it, not even with the best gold. <n>In verse 6, the writer speaks about ‘sapphires’. And in verses 16 to 19, he speaks about ‘onyx’, ‘sapphires’, ‘coral’, ‘jasper’, ‘rubies’ and ‘topaz’. These are all things like stones. But these things are valuable. They are like stones that shine. And they have many different colours. People use them, for example, to make rings. 


text:
Many people live on the earth, but none of them has found <i>wisdom</i>. <n>Even the birds that fly above the earth cannot see it.


text:
People who have died may have heard about <i>wisdom</i>. <n>But they cannot tell us where we can find it.


text:
Only God understands how we can be <i>wise</i>. <n>And only he knows where we can find <i>wisdom</i>.


text:
When he had done these things, he thought about <i>wisdom</i>. <n>He knew that it was valuable. And he said that it was good.


text:
God spoke to all the people. And he said this: <n>“If you want to live the right way, you must not do wrong things. <n>If you want to be <i>wise</i>, you should be afraid not to obey me. <n>You should do these things because I am God.” ’


text:
‘There was a time, many months ago, when I was happy. <n>At that time, God watched the things that I did. <n>And because he was with me, bad things did not happen to me.


text:
He was my guide and he showed me how to live the right way. <n>His light seemed to shine on my head.


text:
At that time, I was strong and I had good health. <n>God was my best friend and he kept my home safe.


text:
At that time, I got plenty of milk from my cows. <n>And I got lots of oil from my <i>olive-trees</i>.


text:
People heard the things that I said. They saw the things that I did. <n>And they were happy because of them.


text:
I helped men who were near to death. And they thanked me for my help. <n>I made <i>widows</i> happy again when they were sad.


text:
If poor people came to me for help, I was like their father. <n>I helped strangers when they had no one else to speak for them.


text:
I thought that I would live to be an old man. <n>And then I would die in my own house with my family round me.


text:
Men waited patiently to hear what I would say. <n>They knew that I was <i>wise</i>. So they waited quietly to learn from me.


text:
They waited for me to speak to them. <n>The things that I said were valuable to them, like rain in the spring.


text:
I told them what they should do. I lived among them like a king who lives with his army. <n>And when they were sad, I helped them to be happy again.


text:
Now young men are cruel to me and they say bad things about me. <n>I would not even let their fathers help me with my sheep.


text:
These fathers were strong when they were young. But now they are old. <n>And they are so weak that they cannot do any work for me.


text:
They are thin because they do not have anything to eat. <n>At night, they run and hide in the <i>desert</i>.


text:
In the <i>desert</i>, they eat leaves or <i>roots</i>. <n>And to keep warm at night, they burn the <i>roots</i> of trees and they light fires with them.


text:
People tell them to go away from the towns and cities. <n>The same people shout at them as they would shout at robbers.


text:
They live among the rocks in dry valleys where there had been rivers. <n>Or they live in holes that they make in the sides of hills.


text:
The sounds that they make are like the sounds of wild animals. <n>And they hide together among the bushes to try to get warm.


text:
From one side, the crowd attacks me. They push me so that I have to run away. <n>They are like an army that waits to beat the enemy. And I am their enemy.


text:
They do not let me get away from them. When they attack, they really want to kill me. <n>And they know that no one will come to help me.


text:
Every day that I live, I am afraid. No one thinks that I am an important man now. <n>And my money has gone as quickly as a cloud passes across the sky.


text:
Because of the things that God has done to me, my clothes do not fit me. <n>And my skin does not seem to be the right shape any more.


text:
People do not usually attack someone who has fallen. <n>They do not refuse to help someone who asks for help.


text:
I wept when I saw people with troubles in their lives. <n>I was sorry to see poor people who needed help.


text:
I hoped that I would be happy. But bad things happened to me. <n>And when I looked for light, everything round me was dark.


text:
I feel sad. And even when the sun shines it seems to me to be dark. <n>I stand up in a public place and there I shout to ask for help.


text:
Before all these things happened to me, I was happy. And I enjoyed music. <n>Now I am not happy. So I only sing songs that are sad.


text:
God is angry with men who have thoughts like that. <n>He will cause bad things to happen to me if I do that.


text:
He is angry with people who do any kind of wrong thing. <n>And bad things will happen to people who do not live the right way.


text:
I ask God to be fair when he thinks about me. <n>He should know that I have never done any wrong things.


text:
God may think that I have not lived the right way. <n>Or he may think that I have not always obeyed him. <n>Perhaps, in some other way, I have done something that was wrong.


text:
If any of these things is true, someone else can dig my fields. <n>And they can eat the plants that have grown there.


text:
I have not decided to have sex with another man’s wife. <n>I have not waited outside her door until she was alone.


text:
If I had done those things, my wife should cook food for someone else. <n>And she should have sex with other men. <n>But I have not done those things.


text:
If I loved the wife of another man, it would be a very bad thing. <n>I want God to kill me if I ever do something as bad as that.


text:
It would be very dangerous if I loved another woman. <n>It could destroy my whole life as a fire can destroy everything round it.


text:
My servants, both men and women, sometimes had problems. <n>But if they spoke to me about their problems, I always answered them fairly.


text:
God might ask me questions about that. <n>But if I had not listened to them, I could not have answered him honestly.


text:
Since I was a young man, I have been kind to <i>orphans</i>. <n>And I have always been kind to <i>widows</i> too.


text:
So I took material from my sheep’s backs and I made warm clothes for them. <n>And they thanked me because I was very kind to them.


text:
I could never do wrong things because I was afraid of God. <n>He hates people who do wrong things. And I was afraid that he would kill me.


text:
I know that money will not make me happy. <n>And if I own lots of gold I will still not be a powerful man.


text:
I have worked all my life and got a lot of money. <n>But that has never been the most important thing to me.


text:
Sometimes I look at the sun when it shines in the sky. <n>And sometimes I watch the moon when it shines at night.


text:
But I have never believed the sun or the moon to be gods. <n>Nor have I ever wanted to <i>worship</i> them.


text:
I do not smile if someone beats my enemy in a war. <n>It does not make me happy when I see my enemy’s troubles.


text:
I have never wanted to see the death of my enemy. <n>That would have been a wrong thing for me to do.


text:
There are many men who work in my house as my servants. <n>They know that I always welcome strangers.


text:
Travellers are always welcome in my home. <n>And no stranger has ever slept in the street outside my house.


text:
I do not stay inside my house. I do not refuse to speak. <n>I am not afraid to hear the things that people say about me. <n>I am an honest man. <n>And I will speak about the wrong things that I have done.


text:
I really need someone to listen to the things that I say. <n>All the things that I say are true. <n>God may believe that I have done wrong things. <n>If he does, then he should write them down.


text:
I would tell God everything that I have done. <n>I would come to speak to him, as a king would come to visit another king.


text:
I have paid for the food that I have eaten. <n>And I have never been so cruel to farmers that they died.


text:
But if I have done any of those things, then I want weeds to grow in my fields. <n>I do not want <i>barley</i> to grow in my fields. <n>I want very bad weeds to grow there instead.’ <n>That is the end of all the words that Job spoke.


text:
Job had said again and again that he was a completely honest man. So his three friends did not argue with him any more. 


text:
But another man called Elihu was also there. He was the son of Barachel. (Barachel lived in a place called Buz.) And Elihu became very angry with Job because of the things that Job had said. Job had said that he had never done any wrong things. And he had said that God had caused all his troubles. 


text:
Elihu was also angry with Job’s three friends. They had not been able to answer Job’s questions. And they had said that Job had caused all his own problems. 


text:
The three friends were older than Elihu. So he had not spoken to Job. Instead, he had let them speak first. 


text:
But, in the end, he saw that the three men did not have anything more to say. And he became very angry. 


text:
So Elihu spoke. And this is what he said. <n>‘I am young and you are old. <n>So I was afraid to tell you the things that I know.


text:
I thought, “Older men should speak. <n>They should be able to teach other people how to be <i>wise</i>.”


text:
But it is the Spirit of <i>Almighty</i> God that comes to men. <n>And the Spirit helps men to be <i>wise</i>.


text:
It is not only older people who are <i>wise</i>. <n>It is not only older people who know the right way to live.


text:
I waited while you spoke. I listened while you explained your reasons to Job. <n>And I listened while you tried to find the right words to say to him.


text:
I listened carefully to you. But Job did not believe the things that you said. <n>And none of you was able to answer his questions.


text:
Do not say, “We are <i>wise</i>.” <n>Do not say, “God, not man, will explain to Job why Job is wrong.


text:
Job was speaking to you and not to me. <n>But I will not answer his questions in the way that you did.


text:
Your friends, Job, are sad and confused. They are quiet now because they cannot help you. <n>There is nothing more that they can say.


text:
They stand there and are not able to answer you. <n>But surely I need not be quiet because they do not say anything.


text:
I will not say good things about someone because he is important. <n>Nor will I say good things about anyone if they are not true.


text:
But now, Job, listen to the things that I will tell you. <n>Listen carefully to everything that I say.


text:
I am an honest man. So you can believe the words that I speak. <n>All the things that I will say are true.


text:
So you should not argue with him. <n>You should not say that he does not answer any of your questions.


text:
God does speak to a man. <n>He speaks to him again and again. <n>But often the man does not listen to him. <n>And he does not hear the things that God has said.


text:
Sometimes God speaks to a man at night, while he is asleep in bed. <n>He speaks by the things that he dreams about.


text:
When God speaks in that way, a man listens to him. <n>And sometimes he is afraid because of the things that God says to him.


text:
God speaks to him to tell him that he must not to do wrong things. <n>A man may think that he is important. <n>But God tells him that he is not very important.


text:
He may have illnesses that are very painful. <n>God can send an illness like that to teach a man the right way to live.


text:
God has thousands of <i>angels</i> who can help a man like that. <n>Perhaps an <i>angel</i> will say, “This is a good man.”


text:
Then God will be kind to that sick person. <n>And God will say, “I have found someone to pay on behalf of this person. So keep him alive.”


text:
He will pray to God and God will answer him. <n>He will again be God’s friend. <n>And he will enjoy that. <n>God will know him to be a good man again.


text:
Then he will say to people, “I did wrong things. <n>I did not live the right way but God <i>forgave</i> me.


text:
There may be something that you want to say. If there is, then say it. <n>Then I will be able to say to everyone that you are a good man.


text:
But you may not want to say anything. If not, then listen to me. <n>Be quiet and I will teach you about <i>wisdom</i>.’


text:
‘Hear the words that I speak, you <i>wise</i> men. <n>Listen to me, you men who have learned many things.


text:
I am right. <n>But nobody believes me. <n>I have not done anything wrong. <n>But I am like a man who has his last illness.”


text:
So listen to me, you men who understand everything. <n><i>Almighty</i> God will not do anything that is wrong.


text:
If a man has been kind to other people, God is kind to him. <n>But God will do to a bad man the things that he has done to other people.


text:
No one thinks that God could ever do anything wrong. <n>All the things that he does, he does fairly.


text:
God could not rule fairly if he were not a good God. <n>He is powerful and he is always fair. So you cannot say that he has been cruel to you.


text:
It is God who removes kings and rulers. <n>He may do this if they have been bad kings or bad rulers.


text:
God made us all. So it does matter to him that someone is a king’s son. <n>And he is no kinder to a rich person than he is to a poor person.


text:
Anyone can die in a moment, in the middle of the night. <n>People die, even if no person has tried to kill them.


text:
He watches the way that people live. <n>They can go anywhere that they want. But he will always be able to see them.


text:
There is no place dark enough for people to hide from God. <n>It does not matter where they are. He can always see them.


text:
In the end, people will have to explain to God how they have lived their lives. <n>But God does not need to tell them when they will have to do that.


text:
God does not need to ask what rulers have done. He may decide to remove them. <n>And he will make other men rulers instead of them.


text:
He <i>punishes</i> them where everyone can see them. <n>He does this because they have done wrong things.


text:
They have not lived in the way that he wanted them to live. <n>And they have not done the things that he told them to do.


text:
Because of the things that they did, poor people had to ask God for help. <n>And God heard those poor people and he helped them.


text:
But God might have decided not to help those poor people. <n>And no one could say that he was wrong to decide that. <n>If he hides himself, no one can see him. <n>But he rules over men and countries.


text:
I may not have understood that some things were wrong. <n>Tell me about such things and I will not do them again either.”


text:
But Job, you refuse to say that you are sorry. <n>So there is no reason why God should <i>forgive</i> you. <n>You must decide what you will do. I cannot decide for you. <n>So give me a true answer - what have you decided?


text:
Job, it is right that bad things should happen to you. <n>You have spoken like a bad man would speak.


text:
You have done wrong things. And now you are refusing to obey God. <n>You are playing games with us. And you have now said many bad things against God.’


text:
‘The things that you say cannot be right. <n>“God knows that I have not done anything wrong.” That is what you say.


text:
But you ask him why you should live the right way. <n>You ask this also. “What do I get if I only do good things?”


text:
If you do wrong things, that will not hurt God. <n>If you do many wrong things, it will not change him.


text:
You do not give anything to God if you are always good. <n>He does not receive from you because you do good things.


text:
Only you feel the result of the wrong things that you do. <n>And only other people get something as a result of the good things that you do.


text:
People shout when they have a lot of trouble. <n>They ask for help when powerful people attack them.


text:
God made men. And when they are sad, he causes them to be happy. <n>But none of them asks where he is.


text:
He teaches more things to us than he teaches to animals. <n>And he makes us <i>wiser</i> than the birds. But people still do not ask him to help them.


text:
They may pray to God. But they do not believe that he will answer them. <n>So God does not even listen to them.


text:
You say that you do not see him. And you say that you wait for him to answer you. <n>So there is no reason why he should listen to you either.


text:
You say that God does not <i>punish</i> bad people. You do things that are wrong. <n>But you think that he does not see them.


text:
Everything that I say to you is true. <n>You can be sure about that because I am a really <i>wise</i> man.


text:
God is powerful and he does not <i>hate</i> anyone. <n>But when he decides to do something, he does it.


text:
He does not let bad people live for a long time. <n>But he is always fair to people who have problems.


text:
Sometimes people have trouble in their lives. <n>And they cannot discover what has caused their trouble.


text:
Then he tells them what they have done. <n>They have done wrong things and they have not listened to him.


text:
God wants them to be his servants and to obey him. <n>If they do that, they will be rich. And they will be happy until they die.


text:
But some people do not listen to God and they do not obey him. <n>Such people do not know the right way to live. <n>And someone will fight against them and kill them.


text:
When people do not obey God, they become angry. <n>Even when God <i>punishes</i> them, they do not ask him to help them.


text:
They die while they are still young. <n>They have wasted their lives. They have lived among men who have sex with other men.


text:
God does not want you to have trouble in your life, Job. <n>He wants to make you safe and to take your problems away. <n>He wants you to have a comfortable life. <n>And he wants you to have plenty of nice food.


text:
But now God is <i>punishing</i> you because of the wrong things that you have done. <n>But, in the end, he will be fair to you.


text:
You may be a rich man, but this will not help you. <n>Even if you try, you will not be able to get out of trouble.


text:
God let you have troubles in your life. He did this to make you think about your life. <n>So be careful that you live the right way.


text:
Nobody can tell God what he should do. <n>And no one can say to him, “You have done things that are wrong.”


text:
Nobody understands how the clouds move through the sky. <n>And nobody understands the noise that storms make.


text:
In a storm, the clouds are dark. But he causes the light to shine brightly. <n>It shines even on things that are deep under the sea.


text:
This is the way that God rules the world. <n>He sends storms. But he gives to people all the food that they need.


text:
Loud noises in the sky show that a storm is coming soon. <n>Then even the cows in the fields know that there will soon be a storm.


text:
After the <i>lightning</i> comes the sound of his voice. <n>When he speaks, it is like the sound of <i>thunder</i>.


text:
He tells the snow to drop on the earth. <n>And when it rains, he causes lots of rain to drop on the ground.


text:
People need to see what God can do. He made them and he rules the weather. <n>And when the weather is bad like that, people are not able to work.


text:
He sends the clouds so that there is water on the earth. <n>Sometimes he does this when he has to <i>punish</i> people. <n>Sometimes he does it to show them that he loves them.


text:
God makes the clouds move. <n>But you do not know how he does that. <n>He makes the <i>lightning</i> shine for a moment in the sky. <n>But you do not know how he does that either.


text:
You cannot explain how the clouds stay up in the sky. <n>Only God can do all these things, because he knows how to do everything.


text:
When the warm wind blows from the south in summer, everything is hot. <n>And you are too warm in the clothes that you wear.


text:
Then the sky becomes like a metal mirror that makes everything even warmer. <n>God has made it like that. And you cannot help him do it.


text:
You think that you are <i>wise</i>. So tell us what we should say to God. <n>Help us, Job, because we do not know what to say to him.


text:
The winds have blown all the clouds away. <n>Now no one can look at the sun, which shines brightly in the sky.


text:
People can see lovely colours in the sky, towards the north. But they cannot see God. <n>He is too bright and too beautiful for us to look at.


text:
People may think that they are <i>wise</i>. <n>But they are afraid of him, because only he is really <i>wise</i>.’


text:
‘You have asked many questions about the things that I do, Job. <n>But you do not really understand the things that you say.


text:
When I did this, the <i>angels</i> sang. They were so happy. <n>And even the stars seemed to sing, too.


text:
At the beginning of time, I made the sea. <n>I decided where it should begin. And I decided how far it should go.


text:
You, Job, have never said when night should end. <n>And you could not tell the morning when it should start.


text:
Bad things happen at night. And when day comes, they stop. <n>But you could not tell the light when to cover the earth.


text:
When the day comes, people can see things clearly. <n>And the shape of the earth becomes clear, like someone who is wearing a coat.


text:
The light of day is too bright for people who do bad things. <n>In the day, they stop doing things that are wrong.


text:
You have not explored where the water in the sea comes from. <n>Nor have you gone to the deepest part of the sea.


text:
You have not visited the place where I keep all the snow. <n>And you have not seen the place where I keep the <i>hail</i>.


text:
You do not understand where <i>lightning</i> comes from. <n>Nor do you know how the wind from the east blows over the earth.


text:
It falls on ground where there has been no rain for a long time. <n>And it makes the grass grow again.


text:
You cannot tie together the beautiful <i>Pleiades</i>. <n>And you cannot change the shape of <i>Orion</i>.


text:
You cannot put the stars in the right place at different times of the year. <n>And you cannot tell the Great <i>Bear</i> and Little <i>Bear</i> where they should go in the sky. <n>Pleiades, Orion, the Great Bear and the Little Bear are groups of stars. 


text:
You do not know how everything in the sky stays in the right place. <n>And you do not understand, either, how I rule the earth.


text:
You cannot send the <i>lightning</i> to the place where it must go. <n>Even if you tried to do that, nothing would happen.


text:
<i>Wisdom</i> does not come from you, Job. <n>And you do not understand everything about the weather, either.


text:
You are not clever enough to count the clouds. <n>Nor can you send water from the sky, like a person who pours it from a pot.


text:
You do not look for food to feed hungry <i>lions</i>. <n>The mother of the young <i>lions</i> does that herself.


text:
She looks for food while the young <i>lions</i> hide in their holes. <n>She brings them food while they wait in the bushes.


text:
You do not feed the <i>ravens</i>. <n>When the young <i>ravens</i> are hungry, they ask me for food.


text:
You do not know when young goats are born on the mountains. <n>You are not there to see the young <i>deer</i> when they are born.


text:
You do not know how many months it will be until the birth of the young <i>deer</i>. <n>Nor do you know when they will be born.


text:
The young animals become fit and strong. <n>When they have grown, they leave their parents. And they will not return to them.


text:
They do not go near cities where there is a lot of noise. <n>They do not listen to people who might want them to work.


text:
The wild <i>ox</i> is a very strong animal. <n>But you cannot be sure that it will help you to do your work.


text:
It will not help you to pick the plants in your fields. <n>Nor will it help you to bring them into your farm.


text:
The <i>ostrich</i> makes its <i>wings</i> move a lot. <n>But the <i>ostrich</i> cannot fly, so its <i>wings</i> are not as good as the wings of a <i>stork</i>.


text:
It does not know that a person’s foot may break them. <n>And it does not know that a wild animal may walk on them.


text:
It is careless with its eggs. It does not know that they are its eggs. <n>They were the result of its work. But it will not be sad if someone breaks them.


text:
This is because I did not make the <i>ostrich wise</i>. <n>And I did not make it able to think properly.


text:
But when the <i>ostrich</i> begins to run, it can run very fast. <n>It can run past the fastest horse.


text:
You, Job, did not make horses strong. <n>Nor did you give them all the long hair that they have on their necks.


text:
You did not make them able to jump like <i>locusts</i>. <n>And horses also frighten people because of the loud noises that they make.


text:
A horse is not afraid of anything. <n>It is not even afraid when it carries a soldier with his <i>weapons</i>.


text:
The soldier’s <i>sword</i> shines in the sun. <n>And the horse feels the <i>sword</i> as it hits against its side.


text:
When it hears the sound of the <i>trumpet</i> it makes a loud noise. <n>People may be far away. But it can hear them when they fight. <n>It can hear the officers in the army when they shout to the soldiers.


text:
The <i>hawk</i> does not learn from you how to fly. <n>You do not teach it to fly toward the south in winter.


text:
You do not tell the <i>eagle</i> that it must fly high into the sky. <n>You do not show it where to build its home up in the mountains


text:
From there it can look for its food, even if it is far away. <n>It can see small animals that it wants to catch.


text:
Its food is the small animals that it kills. <n>And then the young <i>eagles</i> come and they drink the blood of the dead animals.’


text:
‘I am God. Do you still want to argue with me? <n>You say that I have done wrong things. Now you must explain what you mean.’


text:
‘I am a silly man and I cannot reply to you properly. <n>I put my hand over my mouth and I will not say anything.


text:
If you were like me, you could put on lovely clothes. <n>And you could show everyone how beautiful you are.


text:
You could show everyone how angry you can be. <n>People think that they are very clever. You could show them that they are not so clever.


text:
You could do that, Job, if you were like me. <n>And, when you find them, you could kill bad people, too.


text:
If you can do these things, then even I would <i>praise</i> you. <n>Then I would agree that you could save yourself.


text:
Its bones are as strong as <i>bronze</i>. <n>Its back legs and its front legs are as strong as iron.


text:
I have not made anything bigger or better than the Great Animal. <n>And only I am stronger than the Great Animal.


text:
The wild animals may play in the grass on the side of the hill. <n>But the Great Animal comes and eats the grass next to them.


text:
It rests under the trees that grow near the river. <n>Then it can stay cool because the sun does not shine on it.


text:
Even when the river is deep and strong, it is not afraid. <n>The River Jordan may be all round it, but it still feels safe.


text:
You cannot catch a <i>crocodile</i> in the same way that you catch a fish. <n>Nor can you tie its mouth to stop it biting you.


text:
It is not a friendly animal, like a bird that you can keep in your home. <n>And it is not the kind of animal that your children can play with.


text:
You cannot put long knives into its skin to catch it. <n>Nor can you put a sharp stick into its head to kill it.


text:
If you touch it, you will never forget it. <n>It will fight with you and you will never touch it again!


text:
You cannot hope to catch it, because it will always be too strong. <n>As soon as you see it, you will be afraid of it.


text:
No one is silly enough to wake it. Everyone knows that it is too strong. <n>And I made it! So no one will be able to fight against me.


text:
Its back has very thick skin to keep it safe. <n>There are no spaces into which you could put a knife.


text:
The air that comes from its mouth can light a fire. <n>And <i>flames</i> come quickly out of its mouth.


text:
Even strong and brave people are afraid when it moves towards them. <n>They run away because it might hit them with its tail.


text:
It can break iron as easily as a thin stick. <n>It can break <i>bronze</i> as easily as an old piece of wood.


text:
A heavy stick seems to it like a piece of dry grass. <n>It laughs when it hears the sound of a <i>lance</i>.


text:
Its stomach is sharp, like bits of a pot that someone has broken. <n>When it moves along, it leaves marks on the ground, like a plough.


text:
The water seems to boil when it swims in it. <n>When it swims down deep, the water is like a pot of oil.


text:
When it moves through the water, the water behind it shines. <n>The water seems to have become white.


text:
Nowhere in the world is there anything that is as strong as this animal. <n>And it is not afraid of anything.


text:
‘I know that you can do all things. Nobody can beat you. <n>You are powerful. And you can do anything that you want to do.


text:
I do not know much. And you asked me why I talk so much. <n>I have talked about the surprising things that you do. <n>But I did not understand them.


text:
So I do not like the things that I said. <n>I sit here in the ashes. <n>I am doing that to show you that I am sorry.’ <n>The end of the story</n>


text:
The <i>LORD</i> said to Eliphaz, <n>‘The things that my servant Job has said about me are true. But the things that you said were not true. So I am angry with you and your two friends. 


text:
I want you to go to Job and to <i>sacrifice</i> 7 <i>bulls</i> and 7 goats. If you do that, I will be happy. After you have <i>sacrificed</i> the animals, Job will pray for you. Then I will <i>forgive</i> you for your silly words. Job, who is my servant, said the right things about me. But you did not.’


text:
So Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar obeyed the <i>LORD</i> and they <i>sacrificed</i> the animals. And Job prayed for his three friends. Then the <i>LORD</i> did as he had promised. He <i>forgave</i> them for all the wrong things that they had said.


text:
So Job prayed for his three friends. After that, the <i>LORD</i> made him twice as rich as he had been before. 


text:
Then Job had a party for his brothers and sisters and for his friends. They each told Job how sad they had been. They had been very sad because the <i>LORD</i> had caused much pain to Job. They each gave a coin and a gold ring to Job.


text:
The <i>LORD</i> made Job richer than he had been before. The <i>LORD</i> gave to him 14 000 sheep, 6000 <i>camels</i>, 1000 pairs of <i>oxen</i>, and 1000 <i>donkeys</i>. 


text:
They were the most beautiful women in the whole country. Job said what should happen after his death. His sons and his daughters should have all the things that had belonged to him. 


text:
Job lived for another 140 years. He lived until he had seen his grandchildren and their grandchildren. 


text:
The man is very happy that does not:<br/>· walk as godless people suggest<br/>· stand in the way near sinners<br/>· sit with them that scorn (God)


text:
"He will become like a tree planted by rivers of water". (Jeremiah 17:8)<br/>"It will give its fruit in its season. Its leaves will not fall" (Ezekiel 47:12)<br/>"Everything that he does will be very good". (Joshua 1:8)


text:
Why are their kings saying,<br/>"We will not obey the LORD"?<br/>Why are their leaders saying,<br/>"We will not do what his Messiah says"?


text:
I will tell you what God has decided to do.<br/>The LORD said to me, "You are my son.<br/>Today I have given you the *honour that goes with that name.


text:
Kiss his son or God will be angry.<br/>He may be so angry that you will die.<br/>Only the people that come to the LORD are really happy.<br/>He will make them safe.


text:
LORD, stand up! My God, save me!<br/>In the past you hit all my enemies in the face.<br/>You broke their teeth.


text:
Answer me when I shout for help, O God.<br/>You are the God that makes me righteous.<br/>Give me help in my troubles.<br/>Show me that you are kind.<br/>Listen to me when I pray.


text:
Sons of man:<br/>· how long will you say that I am bad?<br/>· how long will you love stupid ideas?<br/>· how long will you want to hear lies? SELAH


text:
Sons of man:<br/>· the LORD has chosen me<br/>· the LORD has made me separate for himself<br/>· the LORD will listen when I pray to him


text:
Get angry - but do nothing wrong. Go to bed.<br/>Argue with yourself - but say nothing (aloud). SELAH


text:
Some people think that they are important.<br/>They cannot stay near to God.<br/>God, you hate everyone that does wrong.


text:
You destroy all that do not speak the truth.<br/>The LORD hates all people that do murder.<br/>He hates people that do not keep their promises.


text:
But I will come into your house because you are so loving and kind.<br/>I will bend low in your holy temple.


text:
Nothing that my enemies say is true.<br/>They want to destroy me.<br/>Their mouth is like an open grave.<br/>They only speak what is not true.


text:
God, tell them that they are not right.<br/>Show them that their ideas are wrong.<br/>Send them away because they are bad.<br/>They argued with you.


text:
Make all the people happy that hide with you.<br/>Make them always sing for joy.<br/>Cover them that love your name. Keep them safe.<br/>Then they will rejoice in you.


text:
I am weak with crying.<br/>My bed swims on my tears every night.<br/>The place where I sleep is soaked.


text:
All those that hate me will be very much ashamed.<br/>They will also be disappointed.<br/>They will be disappointed and soon they will turn away.


text:
LORD, my God, I am hiding in you.<br/>Keep me safe from all those (people) that are trying to catch me.<br/>Make me safe,


text:
or he will tear me to pieces as a wild animal would.<br/>He will tear me to pieces and nobody will find me.


text:
LORD, my God, if I did this:<br/>· if my hand did something wrong<br/>· if I did something bad to a friend<br/>· if I robbed my enemy without a reason


text:
then I want him to catch me.<br/>I want him to knock me to the ground.<br/>I want him to kill and bury me. SELAH


text:
LORD, get up and how that you are angry.<br/>Fight my angry enemies.<br/>Wake up, my God, and tell us who is right.


text:
LORD, tell us who is right when people argue.<br/>LORD Most High, say that I am righteous and honest.


text:
Stop the godless from fighting. Make the righteous safe.<br/>God of the righteous, look at how we think and feel.


text:
If he does not change his mind he will make his sword sharp.<br/>He will bend his bow and make it ready.


text:
The trouble that he makes for others falls on his own head.<br/>His own violence comes down on the top of himself!


text:
I will thank the LORD because he is righteous.<br/>I will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.


text:
LORD, you are our most powerful king.<br/>Your name is famous in all the wide world.<br/>Your glory is over the skies.


text:
From the mouths of children and babies at the breast you show (what it is to be) strong.<br/>This is because you have enemies.<br/>You will beat your enemies and the avenger.


text:
When I look at your skies that your fingers made:<br/>· I see the moon<br/>· I see the stars<br/>· You gave them all a place


text:
You made them to rule everything that your hands made.<br/>You put everything under their feet:<br/>· sheep and cows<br/>· wild animals in the fields<br/>· birds in the air<br/>· fish in the waters<br/>· monsters in the deep seas


text:
I will be very happy with you, (LORD). I will rejoice in you.<br/>I will sing praises to your name, Most High God.


text:
because you judged that what I did was right .<br/>You sat on your throne. You made a righteous judgment.


text:
Clearly you judged the nations and destroyed the wicked.<br/>People will never remember their names.


text:
You caught the enemy. You killed them.<br/>You knocked down their cities. People will just forget them.


text:
For the LORD is a place where the oppressed can hide.<br/>He will be a fortress in times of trouble.


text:
Everyone that knows your name (LORD) will put their trust in you.<br/>LORD, you will never turn away from anyone that looks for you.


text:
(God) will remember the people that somebody murdered.<br/>He will not forget the oppressed people that cry to him.


text:
Have mercy on me, LORD.<br/>See how my enemies make my life very difficult.<br/>Make me safe from the gates of death.


text:
Then I will tell your praises in the gates of Jerusalem.<br/>I will rejoice that I am safe with you.


text:
Into the hole that they dug the nations fell.<br/>They caught their own feet in the net that they hid.


text:
You will recognise the LORD by his justice.<br/>The enemies of God will catch themselves in their own nets.<br/>HIGGAION SELAH


text:
Know this: God will not always forget the poor.<br/>The oppressed will not have to hope for evermore.


text:
In his pride the wicked man tries to catch helpless people.<br/>I hope that wicked people catch themselves with their bad plans!


text:
The wicked boasts about what he wants.<br/>He says good things about those that want more than is fair.<br/>He says very bad things about the LORD.


text:
Everything that the wicked does always works well.<br/>He puts the rules of God far from him.<br/>He laughs at the people that do not like him.


text:
He says to himself, "There will be no trouble for me.<br/>Nothing bad will ever happen to me or to my children".


text:
His mouth makes bad promises.<br/>It is full of words that are not true.<br/>He says that he will do very bad things to people.<br/>There is evil on his tongue.


text:
He hides behind the bushes near the villages.<br/>He watches in secret for people to hurt.<br/>He jumps out and murders people that have done nothing wrong.


text:
He lies like a lion under the cover of a bush.<br/>He waits to catch someone that is helpless.<br/>He does catch him and takes him away in his net.


text:
Why does the wicked man say such bad things about God?<br/>Why does he think, 'God will not do anything about it'?


text:
See it all, God, all the trouble, all the oppressed people.<br/>Decide what to do about it.<br/>The helpless puts his trust in you.<br/>You give help to the fatherless.


text:
The arm of the wicked and evil man ... break it (LORD)!<br/>Tell him to explain what he has done.<br/>He thought that you would not discover it!


text:
You hear, LORD, what oppressed people want.<br/>You listen when they pray. You give them something to hope for.


text:
You care for the fatherless and the oppressed.<br/>People from the earth will not frighten the poor again.


text:
(These are words of David.) I am hiding in the LORD.<br/>How can you say to me, (These are the words of David's friends.) Fly away like a bird to the hills?


text:
Look at the godless!<br/>They are preparing their bows and arrows.<br/>They are getting ready to shoot at good people.<br/>They are hiding in the shadows.


text:
(These are words of David.) The LORD is in his holy temple.<br/>The LORD is sitting on his throne in heaven.<br/>He is looking down.<br/>His eyes see what the sons of men are doing.


text:
The LORD is (also) checking what the righteous are doing.<br/>But the LORD really hates the godless.<br/>He also hates the people that love to hurt other people.


text:
Burning coal and sulphur will rain on the godless.<br/>A very hot wind will be their inheritance and cup.


text:
Do this to everyone that says:<br/>· what we say will make us powerful<br/>· we will say what we like<br/>· who will stop us?


text:
The LORD says, "Now I will do something.<br/>This is because bad people attack the poor.<br/>They make the poor cry.<br/>So, I will make the poor safe.<br/>They will be safe from all that scorn them"


text:
The words of the LORD are beautiful words.<br/>They are like silver.<br/>People refine silver 7 times in a very hot fire.


text:
But I will believe in your love that never fails.<br/>My heart will be very happy because you make me safe.


text:
A man without shame says in his heart, "There is no God".<br/>Everybody is bad. They are all evil.<br/>Nobody is doing anything good.


text:
The LORD is looking down from heaven on the sons of man.<br/>He is looking to see if there is anyone that understands.<br/>He is looking to see if anyone is looking for God.


text:
But everybody has turned away (from God).<br/>They have all become evil.<br/>Nobody does anything that is good.


text:
Will they never learn? They do evil.<br/>They eat my people (as easily) as they eat bread.<br/>They never talk to God.


text:
There they were afraid. They were very much afraid.<br/>This was because God was with the righteous.


text:
Oh, who will come from Zion and make Israel safe?<br/>When the LORD makes his people rich and happy again, then this is what will happen: Jacob will sing and Israel will dance.


text:
He that is always:<br/>· making no mistakes<br/>· doing what is fair<br/>· speaking in his heart what is true


text:
He says nothing bad.<br/>He does nothing wrong to his neighbours.<br/>He does not call his brother a fool.


text:
He does not like bad people, but he does like the servants of the LORD.<br/>He keeps his promises even when it costs a lot.


text:
He does not lend money to get more money.<br/>He does not take money to do what is not fair.<br/>Nothing can ever move the man that does all this.


text:
But people that run after other (gods) will be sorry.<br/>They will be more than sorry.<br/>I will not offer gifts of blood (to other gods) with them.<br/>I will not even say the names of these (other gods).


text:
The lines fell to me in a pleasing place.<br/>(Or, You chose a part for me that is very pleasing.) Yes. My part is really very beautiful.


text:
I will say how great the LORD is. He is my teacher.<br/>In the dark nights my feelings also teach me.


text:
You will show me the path of life.<br/>With you I will enjoy myself a lot.<br/>At your right hand there is pleasure for ever.


text:
LORD, hear what I am saying to you.<br/>What I am asking is righteous.<br/>Listen to me when I cry.<br/>Answer me when I pray to you.<br/>My lips do not tell lies.


text:
You can look at the secrets of my heart.<br/>You can test me at night.<br/>Though you test me, you will find nothing (wrong).<br/>I promise myself that my mouth will not sin.


text:
People do bad things.<br/>The words of your mouth (have given me help).<br/>(They) gave me help not to do bad things.


text:
Show that your great love is wonderful.<br/>Your right hand saves the people that ask for your help.<br/>It makes them safe from their enemies.


text:
They found me. They are all round me.<br/>Their eyes are open wide.<br/>They want to put me on the ground.


text:
LORD, by your hand (take them) from the earth.<br/>Remove them from the world. Their reward is in this life.<br/>You give plenty of food to the people that you love.<br/>Their sons also have plenty.<br/>They will give much to their children.


text:
And I, because I am righteous, I will see your face, (LORD).<br/>It will be enough for me when I awake.<br/>Then I will really see you.


text:
The LORD is my rock and my fortress.<br/>He gives me help.<br/>God is my rock.<br/>I run and hide in his shadow.<br/>He is my shield.<br/>He is the one that saves me.<br/>He is my high tower.


text:
In my trouble I prayed to the LORD.<br/>I shouted to my God for help.<br/>He heard my voice from his temple.<br/>My words went into his ears.


text:
So, the earth moved and shook.<br/>The foundations of the mountains shook.<br/>They moved because God was angry.


text:
Smoke rose from his nose.<br/>Burning fire came from his mouth.<br/>Burning coals shot out from him.


text:
The LORD sent thunder from the heavens.<br/>People heard the voice of the Most High.<br/>There was hail and there was lightning.


text:
(The LORD) shot his arrows (of lightning).<br/>He made his enemies very frightened.<br/>He sent a lot of lightning and he beat his enemies.


text:
People saw how deep the sea was.<br/>They saw the foundations of the earth.<br/>This was because God blew on them through his nose.


text:
He saved me from my powerful enemy.<br/>He saved me from people that hated me.<br/>They were too strong for me.


text:
The LORD did this because: - I am righteous - my hands are clean - I obeyed the rules of the LORD - I did no evil - I did not turn away from God


text:
To people that are kind, you (God) are kind.<br/>To people that do nothing wrong, you do nothing wrong.


text:
To people that are clean, you are clean.<br/>To people that turn away from you, you turn away from them.


text:
The way of God is perfect.<br/>The word of the LORD is true.<br/>He is a shield for everyone that hides in him.


text:
You saved me from the people that attacked me.<br/>You made me the leader of the nations.<br/>I even rule people that I do not know.


text:
He saves me from my enemies.<br/>You lifted me above those enemies.<br/>You saved me from angry men.


text:
(The LORD) will give his king great power.<br/>He will always show kindness to his Messiah, to David.<br/>He will show kindness to his children.


text:
The heavens are telling us about the glory of God.<br/>The sky is showing the things that his hands have made.


text:
(Yet) what they say goes into all the earth.<br/>Their words go to the ends of the world.<br/>God has made a home for the sun (in the sky).


text:
The sun comes out from his home like a bridegroom.<br/>He is very happy to run fast, like a very strong man.


text:
His sunrise is at one end of the heavens.<br/>He travels in a big circle to the other end.<br/>Nothing can hide from the heat of the sun.


text:
The book of the LORD is wonderful.<br/>It makes people feel alive again.<br/>We can trust what the LORD tells us.<br/>He points out the way when we are not sure of it.


text:
What the LORD tells us to do is always right.<br/>It makes us feel happy deep down inside us.<br/>What the LORD commands us is pure.<br/>It makes our eyes shine with new light.


text:
The fear of the LORD is a clean fear.<br/>It will always remain with us.<br/>Every word that the LORD says is true.<br/>Every one of them is righteous.


text:
They are of more value than gold, even a lot of pure gold.<br/>They are sweeter than honey, even the best honey that bees make.


text:
Also, stop your servant from wanting to sin.<br/>Do not let sin rule over me.<br/>Then nobody will say that I did wrong.<br/>I will be clean (because you help me).<br/>I will not do anything very bad.


text:
Lord, I want everything that I say to make you happy.<br/>I want all my thoughts to please you.<br/>You are my Rock and you are my Redeemer.


text:
We are praying that:<br/>· the LORD will answer you when trouble comes<br/>· the name of the God of Jacob will make you safe<br/>· God will send you help from his holy place<br/>· he will make you strong from Zion<br/>· God will remember all your gifts<br/>· he will like all your burnt offerings SELAH


text:
We will shout for joy when you win the war.<br/>We will lift up our banners in the name of our God.<br/>We want the LORD to answer all that you pray.


text:
Now I know that the LORD will save his king.<br/>God will answer him from his holy heaven.<br/>The right hand of God will save the king.


text:
Some people rely on chariots. Others rely on horses.<br/>But we will trust in the name of the LORD our God.


text:
You gave to him what he really wanted.<br/>You gave to him everything that he asked for. SELAH You met him and gave to him such good things:<br/>· you put a crown of the best gold on his head<br/>· he wanted to stay alive and you let him<br/>· his life will go on, it will never finish · he has great glory because you gave him help to win<br/>· you gave to him honour and he now remains as king


text:
The king is relying on the LORD.<br/>Because the Most High is loving and kind nobody will move the king.


text:
When they see you, you will burn them all.<br/>When you are really angry your fire will destroy them.


text:
You will make them turn their backs to you.<br/>This is because you will shoot your arrows at their faces.


text:
My God!<br/>My God, why have you left me by myself?<br/>Why is my help far away?<br/>I am crying out in agony!


text:
My God!<br/>I cry out for help all day long.<br/>You do not answer.<br/>I cry out all through the night.<br/>You send me no peace.


text:
(They say) If the LORD likes him so much perhaps he (the LORD) will save him.<br/>Perhaps he will rescue him.


text:
But you, LORD, you:<br/>· brought me from the womb<br/>· made me trust you at the my mother's breast


text:
Many bulls are all round me.<br/>They are strong bulls of Bashan.<br/>They make a circle with me in the middle.


text:
They open wide their mouths towards me.<br/>They are like lions that tear their food.<br/>They roar while they do it.


text:
They are pouring me out like water.<br/>All my bones have become separate.<br/>My heart is becoming soft like butter.<br/>It is changing to milk inside me.


text:
My mouth is dry, like a bit of broken pot.<br/>My tongue is sticking to the roof of my mouth.<br/>You laid me down in the dirt of death.


text:
A lot of bad men have made a circle round me.<br/>They are everywhere like dogs.<br/>Sharp points are in my hands and feet.


text:
All the seed of Israel, worship him because: God did not hate or forget the man that suffered God did not hide his face from him God heard him when he prayed


text:
I will praise you in the great congregation.<br/>I will keep my promises.<br/>The people that are in awe of you will see it.


text:
The poor will eat. They will have plenty.<br/>The people that look for the LORD will praise him.<br/>Your heart will always be alive.


text:
People everywhere will remember.<br/>They will turn to the LORD.<br/>Families from every country will worship you.


text:
All the rich people on earth will eat well.<br/>They will worship God.<br/>All that die will bend in front of him.<br/>Nobody can keep himself alive.


text:
They will say that the Lord is righteous.<br/>They will say this to people that are not yet born: GOD HAS DONE IT!


text:
He gives me new life.<br/>He is my guide to the right road.<br/>He does this to (do what) his name (promises).


text:
I will not be afraid when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.<br/>This is because you (LORD) are with me.<br/>Your rod and staff make me feel brave.


text:
You prepare a table in front of me when my enemies are present.<br/>You put oil on my head.<br/>My cup is so full that it overflows.


text:
I am sure that good and loving and kind things will follow me.<br/>They will follow me all the days of my life.<br/>I will always live in the house of the LORD.


text:
The earth belongs to the LORD.<br/>Everything in it is his own.<br/>The world belongs to the LORD.<br/>Everybody in it is his own.


text:
The person that has clean hands and a pure heart.<br/>The person that does not worship idols.<br/>The person that does not believe in lies.


text:
The LORD will do good things to those people.<br/>God will save them. He will say that they are right.


text:
They are the people that are looking for God.<br/>They want to see the face of (the God) of Jacob. SELAH


text:
Lift up your heads you gates (of the city).<br/>Lift up your very old doors.<br/>Then the king of glory will come in.


text:
Who is the king of glory?<br/>The LORD that is strong and mighty.<br/>The LORD that is powerful in war.


text:
Lift up your heads you gates of the city.<br/>Lift up its very old doors.<br/>Then the king of glory will come in.


text:
My God, I will trust in you.<br/>Do not let me be ashamed.<br/>Do not let my enemies triumph over me.


text:
No! Do not let anyone that hopes in you be ashamed.<br/>Let the people that say false things without a reason be ashamed.


text:
Lead me in your truth.<br/>Teach me, because you are the God that saves me.<br/>I hope in you all the day long.


text:
Do not remember my sins when I was young, or the wrong things I did (when I was older).<br/>LORD, remember your kindness to me, because you are good.


text:
Who is the man that is afraid of the LORD?<br/>The LORD will show him the way that the LORD will choose for him.


text:
(People like this) will be the friends of the LORD, as long as they worship him.<br/>The LORD will show them his covenant.


text:
The troubles in my life just get more and more.<br/>Oh, take away from me the things that make me unhappy.


text:
I do not sit with worthless men.<br/>I will not go with people that say that they are good, but they are not.


text:
I will wash my hands to show that I have done nothing wrong.<br/>I will stand near your altar, LORD.


text:
I will say with a loud voice that you are great.<br/>I will tell people about all the wonderful things that you have done.


text:
The LORD is my light and he makes me safe.<br/>Who will make me afraid?<br/>The LORD is my hiding place.<br/>So, who will make me afraid?


text:
Bad men came near me.<br/>They wanted to eat my body.<br/>But it was my enemies, the people that fought me, that tripped and fell.


text:
If an army uses arms against me, my heart will not be afraid.<br/>Even if they fight against me, I will be sure (of God's help).


text:
I have asked the LORD for only one thing.<br/>This is what I want: I want to live in the LORD's house all the days of my life.<br/>Then I will see that the LORD is beautiful.<br/>I will look for him in his palace.


text:
He will keep me safe in his house in the day of trouble.<br/>He will hide me in the hiding place that is his tent.<br/>He will lift me up on a rock.


text:
He will raise up my head above my enemies all round me.<br/>I will give him gifts in his tent.<br/>I will sing and I will make music to the LORD.


text:
Do not hide your face from me.<br/>Do not be angry and turn away from your servant.<br/>You gave me help (in the past).<br/>Do not put me out and forget me (now).<br/>You are my God and you make me safe.


text:
Do not give me to my enemies.<br/>They will do what they like with me.<br/>People are saying things that are not true about me.<br/>Others are saying that they want to hurt me.


text:
(What would happen) if I had not believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living?


text:
LORD, you are my rock. I am praying to you for help.<br/>Do not turn your ears away from me.<br/>If you hide your answer from me, I will be as those people that go down into the pit.


text:
Hear my voice when I pray for mercy.<br/>I am asking you for help.<br/>I am lifting up my hands towards your most holy place.


text:
Do not drag me away with godless people, or with people that have done very bad things.<br/>They say kind words to their friends but plan to do wrong things.


text:
Give them what is fair for what they did and for the bad things that they have done.<br/>Pay them for the work of their hands and bring back justice upon them.


text:
(Do it) because they do not understand the things that the LORD has done, or the work of his hands.<br/>He will tear them down, he will not build them up again.


text:
The LORD makes me strong. He is my shield.<br/>My heart trusts in him and he gives me help.<br/>Now my heart jumps for joy and I will thank him with my songs.


text:
Save your people and do good things for your inheritance.<br/>Be the shepherd of (your people) and always lift them up.


text:
The voice of the LORD is on the waters.<br/>The glorious God is thundering.<br/>The LORD is on the great waters.


text:
The voice of the LORD blows strongly on the trees and he blows everything from the forest.<br/>But in his temple everyone says that he is glorious.


text:
LORD, I will praise you because you have lifted me up (from Sheol).<br/>You have not let my enemies laugh at me.


text:
LORD, you brought my soul up from Sheol.<br/>You gave me life, so that I am not with those that go down into the Pit.


text:
His anger is for a moment, but his grace will be for as long as you live.<br/>You may cry all night, but in the morning you will sing for joy.


text:
But LORD, it was your grace that made me safe and protected my mountain.<br/>When you hid your face (from me) I became very sad.


text:
What value is there in destroying me in the Pit?<br/>Will my dead body praise you?<br/>Will it say that you keep your promises?


text:
You have changed my crying into dancing.<br/>You have taken away my sad clothes and given me wonderful clothes.


text:
<n>(It is) a psalm of David</n><br/>LORD, I am trusting in you.<br/>Do not let me ever become ashamed.<br/>Make me free, because you always do what is right.


text:
Listen to me and send me help very soon.<br/>LORD, be a rock for me to hide behind.<br/>Make my house a fortress and keep me safe.


text:
I am very happy because of your kind love.<br/>It makes me want to dance.<br/>You saw my trouble.<br/>You knew that I was under stress.


text:
LORD, give me mercy because I am in trouble.<br/>My eyes and my stomach and my whole body are sick because I am sad.


text:
My life must come to an end because I am so sad.<br/>My years will finish while I am crying.<br/>I am so unhappy that I have become weak.<br/>My bones are weak.


text:
All my enemies hate me.<br/>People that live near me do not like me.<br/>Even my friends are afraid of me.<br/>People that see me in the street run away.


text:
I heard people say unkind things about me.<br/>There is danger everywhere.<br/>They are making bad plans for me.<br/>They want to kill me.


text:
My times are in your hand.<br/>Save me from the hand of my enemies and from the people that are trying to catch me.


text:
LORD, do not let me become ashamed.<br/>I am shouting out to you for help.<br/>Let the godless become ashamed.<br/>Let them be silent in Sheol.


text:
Let the lips that tell lies become silent.<br/>They say unkind things about good people.<br/>They think that they are better than them and they hate them.


text:
You have prepared many good things for those that are afraid of you.<br/>You did this in front of everybody.<br/>You did it for those that trust in you.


text:
You will hide them from the bad plans that men make.<br/>They will not hear the bad things that people say.<br/>They will be in a secret place with you.


text:
I said too soon that you were not watching over me.<br/>But you did hear my voice when I prayed to you for help.


text:
Love the LORD, everyone that has enjoyed his kind love.<br/>He will keep safe those that are always his servants, but he will pay back those that are proud.


text:
A man is very happy when (God): - forgives his disobedience - covers his sin - does not put it against him when he does bad things There is nothing false in his spirit


text:
When I said nothing my bones became weak and I cried all day long.<br/>In the day and in the night your hand was heavy on me.<br/>I felt dried up as in the heat of summer. SELAH


text:
(Then) I told you about my sin and I did not hide the bad things that I had done.<br/>I said, "I will show my disobedience to the LORD".<br/>You forgave the bad things that I had done in my disobedience. SELAH


text:
So let everyone that enjoys your kind love pray to you.<br/>(Let them do it) while they can still find you.<br/>Then the great floods of water will not come near to them.


text:
You are my hiding place.<br/>You will keep me safe from trouble.<br/>Your songs will be all around me now that I am free. SELAH


text:
Do not be like the horse, or the mule.<br/>They do not understand.<br/>They need special bits in their mouths to make them obey you.


text:
Bad people will be very sad.<br/>People that trust in the LORD will find his kind love all round them.


text:
So, all you good people that have clean hearts: - show everyone that the LORD has made you happy - praise him in words and in music


text:
Let everyone that lives in the earth be afraid of the LORD.<br/>Let all the people of the world fall down in front of him.


text:
Governments make plans, but the LORD checks them.<br/>He does not let people do everything that they want to do.


text:
The people that have the LORD as their God will be very happy.<br/>They are the people that he chose to be his own.


text:
Look, the eye of the LORD is on the people that are afraid of him.<br/>It is on the people that trust in his kind love.


text:
<n>Abimelech sent David away and he went.</n><br/>I will always say good things about the LORD.<br/>Every day my lips will sing psalms to him.


text:
This humble man prayed and the LORD heard (him).<br/>The (LORD) took him away from all his troubles.


text:
The angel of the LORD made a camp.<br/>He stayed in it, round the people that feared the LORD.<br/>He took them away (from danger).


text:
Young lions may need (food) and become hungry.<br/>People that pray to the LORD will not need any good (thing).


text:
Evil (things) will kill very bad people.<br/>(The LORD) will punish the people that hate righteous (people).


text:
Lord, argue with those people that are arguing with me.<br/>Fight against those people that are fighting against me.


text:
Pull out a small spear and a long one.<br/>(Use them) against the people that are running after me.<br/>Say to me. "I will make you safe".


text:
Some people want to kill me.<br/>I hope that they will become ashamed.<br/>I hope that everyone else will think that they are very bad.<br/>Some people are planning to destroy me.<br/>Turn them back and confuse them.


text:
(Do this) because they hid a trap for me.<br/>There was no reason for it.<br/>For no reason they dug a pit for me.


text:
Then I will be pleased because of what the LORD has done.<br/>I will be happy when the LORD has made me safe.


text:
All my bones will shout, "LORD, who is like you?<br/>You take the poor man away from the man that is too strong for him.<br/>You take the people that need help away from those that hurt them".


text:
When they were ill I wore clothes made from sacks.<br/>I hurt myself by not eating food.<br/>My prayer came back to my own breast.


text:
I cried when I walked about. I became bent because I was so sad.<br/>I lived as though my friend or my brother or (even) my mother (was ill).


text:
But when I fell down they laughed.<br/>They all met together. They came together against me.<br/>I did not know the people that were attacking me.<br/>They would not stop hurting me.


text:
They were like godless people and they mocked me more and more.<br/>They showed their teeth (like a wild animal).


text:
LORD, how long will you watch (this)?<br/>Take me away from the people that are destroying me.<br/>Save the thing that I love most from the lions.


text:
Do not let my enemies laugh at me.<br/>They hate me, but have no reason for it.<br/>Do not let them wink at me with their eye.


text:
They do not talk about peace.<br/>They say false things to the people in the land that do not want trouble.


text:
Do not let them think in their heart, "Aha! (this is) what we wanted".<br/>Do not let them say, "We have eaten him up!"


text:
(Do this) to them that laughed at me when I became hurt:<br/>· make them ashamed and confused at the same time<br/>· make them sorry that they said that they were greater than me<br/>· make them feel that they are wearing disgrace like clothes


text:
(Other) people will be very happy (when you say) that I am righteous.<br/>They will shout out in their pleasure.<br/>They will always say, "The LORD is great!<br/>He loves it when his servant has peace!"


text:
The godless man does not obey (God). <n>This tells me that: he is not afraid of God<br/>· he does not see (that this matters) (v2) · he tells himself that (God) will not see the bad things (that he does)<br/>· (he thinks that God) will not hate these bad things (v3) · he says things that are bad and not true<br/>· he has stopped being honest<br/>· he does not do anything good (v4) · he makes bad plans on his bed (at night)<br/>· he decides not to do things in a good way<br/>· he does not turn away from doing wrong things


text:
Your goodness is like strong mountains.<br/>Your justice is like a deep sea.<br/>LORD, you make men and animals safe.


text:
God, your kind love has great value.<br/>The children of men are safe under the shadow of your wings.


text:
There is enough in your house to give them all that they need.<br/>You give them all a drink of pleasure from your river,


text:
Go on giving your kind love to the people that know you.<br/>Give your goodness to the people that have clean hearts.


text:
The people that did bad things lay there, where they fell.<br/>(Somebody) knocked them down and they cannot get up again.


text:
Do not make yourself angry because of what evil people do.<br/>Do not feel that you want to be like them.<br/>They are always doing wrong things.


text:
Trust in the LORD and do good things.<br/>Live in the land and you will be safe.<br/>You will enjoy what it gives to you.


text:
You are righteous. That will shine out like the dawn.<br/>You are a fair person. That will be like the sun at midday.


text:
Remain still in front of the LORD.<br/>Wait for him (to do something).<br/>Do not make yourself angry because other people are doing well, or because they are making bad plans.


text:
Stop being angry (with God) and do not get heated inside.<br/>Do not make yourself angry, it only brings trouble.


text:
A godless person makes bad plans against a righteous one.<br/>(The godless person) shows his teeth to him.


text:
Godless people get out their swords and point their bows: - to make poor and helpless people fall - to kill people that walk on the right road


text:
Righteous people may have little (power), but that is better than the noise all the godless people make.


text:
But godless people will die.<br/>They are enemies of the LORD.<br/>You will not see them.<br/>Like something beautiful, or like smoke, they will disappear.


text:
When people lend something to a godless man he does not give it back.<br/>Righteous people are kind and give things away.


text:
The people that (God) says good things about will inherit the land.<br/>The people that he curses he will destroy.


text:
I was young and now I am old.<br/>Yet I have not seen the righteous man forgotten (by God).<br/>(I have not seen) his children asking people for food.


text:
Because the LORD loves justice he will not forget his saints.<br/>He will care for them for ever, but he will destroy the children of the godless.


text:
The LORD will not let him remain in his hand.<br/>He will not say that he is wrong when people are saying that he is wrong.


text:
Stay with the LORD. Do things his way.<br/>He will give you help. The land will be yours.<br/>You will see when godless people become cut off.


text:
But (God) will destroy people that do not obey him.<br/>In the end (God) will cut off godless people.


text:
The LORD gives them help and makes them safe.<br/>He makes them safe from the godless.<br/>He makes them safe because they trust in him.


text:
<n>(He wrote it so that you, LORD) will remember him.</n><br/>LORD, do not tell me about my mistakes when you are not pleased (with me).<br/>Do not punish me because you are so angry (with me).


text:
My sins have bent me down, I am very near to the ground.<br/>Every day I walk about in black (clothes).


text:
I am very weak. Everything is pushing down on me.<br/>I am making a noise (like a wild animal) because my heart is so sad.


text:
My family and my friends stay away from my wounds.<br/>The people that live near me stay far from me.


text:
Also, the people that are trying to kill me set traps for me.<br/>Those people that want bad things (to happen to me) are planning to destroy me.<br/>They only think about (their) lies all day long.


text:
I say this so that my enemies will not laugh at me.<br/>When my foot slips they stand up against me.


text:
<n>It is for Jeduthun, the leader of the music.</n><br/>I said, I will be careful what I do so that I do not sin.<br/>I will be careful what...


text:
I will be like a dumb man and not speak.<br/>I will not even talk about good things.<br/>But it hurt me to do this and the pain in my heart grew worse.<br/>It was like a fire inside me when I thought about it.<br/>I just had to say something!


text:
O LORD, tell me about my life, how long it will be and when it will finish.<br/>Then I will know how weak I am.


text:
Look, you have made my life just as wide as my hand!<br/>The length of my life is as nothing to you.<br/>It is true that the life of everybody is like the wind. SELAH


text:
People walk about just like shadows.<br/>They are like the wind.<br/>They get a lot of money, but they do not know who will have it when they die.


text:
Now, what do I hope for, O Lord?<br/>I am hoping for you to save me from all the bad things that I do!<br/>Do not put me where fools will laugh at me.


text:
You speak angrily to people about sin and you punish them.<br/>You make all that is pleasant in them fly away like a moth!<br/>It is true that everyone is like the wind. SELAH


text:
O LORD, hear my prayer.<br/>Listen to me when I cry. Do not be dumb to my tears.<br/>I am an alien to you. I am a stranger, like all my fathers were.


text:
<n>(This is) for the music leader. (It is) a psalm of David.</n><br/>I was patient while I waited for the LORD.<br/>He turned to me and he heard me when I prayed for help.


text:
He lifted me out of the pit where (bad people) were destroying me and from very wet ground.<br/>He put my feet on a rock and made me walk without falling.


text:
He gave me a new song to sing.<br/>It was a hymn of praise to God.<br/>Many people will see what happened and be afraid.<br/>Then they will trust in the LORD.


text:
The man that trusts in the LORD will be very happy.<br/>He does not listen to proud people that turn to false gods.


text:
LORD, my God, you have done many wonderful things.<br/>Nobody can tell you about your plans for us.<br/>If I say that I will talk about them, there would be too many to speak about!


text:
You did not want a sacrifice and an offering.<br/>You have made a hole in my ears.<br/>You did not ask for a burnt offering and a sin offering.


text:
I talk about the good news of (how to become) righteous to everybody.<br/>Look, LORD, I never keep my mouth shut, as you know!


text:
I do not keep the righteous things that you do to myself.<br/>I do not hide (from people) that they can trust in you.<br/>I tell everyone that your kind love will save them.<br/>Also, I (show them) the truth.


text:
You, LORD, will not keep your mercy from me.<br/>Your kind love and your truth will always protect me.


text:
But trouble is all round me.<br/>I cannot see how much there is.<br/>My sins have followed me and caught me.<br/>I cannot see anything.


text:
There are people that want to kill me.<br/>I hope that they will become ashamed and confused.<br/>There are people that want to destroy me.<br/>I hope that everyone will say that they are bad people.


text:
I want all those people that say to me "Aha! Aha!"<br/>to become very sorry for what they have done.


text:
I want everyone that is looking for you to be happy, very happy.<br/>I want everyone that loves it when you save them to say,<br/>"Praise the LORD".


text:
But I am poor and I need help. Lord, you think about me.<br/>You are my help and you save me.<br/>O God, do not be a long time!


text:
Anyone that is kind to the poor will be very happy.<br/>The LORD will help him when life is difficult.


text:
The LORD will make him safe and keep him alive.<br/>He will be happy where he lives.<br/>(The LORD) will not give him to his enemies (for them) to do what they want to do (with him).


text:
The LORD will be like a nurse to him when he is ill in bed.<br/>Every time that he is ill you will make him well again.


text:
My enemies say bad things about me.<br/>(They say) "When will he die?<br/>When will people forget his name?"


text:
And if one (of them) comes to see me, he tells lies.<br/>He fills his mind with bad things to say about me.<br/>Then he goes out and tells (everyone).


text:
All the people that hate me whisper to each other about me.<br/>They hope that worse things will happen to me.


text:
Even my best friend has lifted up his heel against me.<br/>He was someone that I trusted, someone that I often ate food with (in my home).


text:
Say good things about the LORD.<br/>He always was the God of Israel and he always will be!<br/>Amen and amen!


text:
(All) day and (all) night I cry and do not eat.<br/>All day (my enemies) say to me, "Where is your God?"


text:
My *soul cries inside me when I remember that:<br/>· I went with a crowd (to *worship you)<br/>· I went to the house of God<br/>· there was the sound of singing<br/>· there was a loud noise of people thanking (you) and dancing.


text:
My *soul, why are you so sad?<br/>Why are you so *restless inside me?<br/>Hope in God because I will *praise him again!<br/>When God is with me, he will do great things (for me).


text:
My *soul is sad inside me.<br/>So I will remember you (my God) from:<br/>· the land of (the) Jordan (river)<br/>· (the mountains) of Hermon<br/>· the hill of Mizar.


text:
The deep (waters) make a noise when your *waterfalls thunder.<br/>All your big *waves and all your little waves roll over me.


text:
In the day time the *LORD sends to me his kind love.<br/>At night his song is with me.<br/>My *prayer is to the God of my life.


text:
I will say to the God (that is) my Rock,<br/>"Why did you forget me? Why must I be so sad?<br/>You let my enemy do what he likes to me!"


text:
My *soul, why are you so sad?<br/>Why are you so *restless inside me?<br/>Hope in God, because I will *praise him again!<br/>When God is with me, he will do great things (for me).


text:
(My) God, say that I am right.<br/>Tell it to the people that do not love (me).<br/>*Rescue me from the man that tells *lies and does bad things.


text:
(This is) because you are my *refuge, God.<br/>Why are you always so *unkind to me?<br/>Why must I continue to be so sad?<br/>You let my enemy do what he likes to me!


text:
Send out your light and your *truth.<br/>Let them be my guide.<br/>They will bring me to your *holy mountain and to the house where you live.


text:
Then I will come to the *altar of God, the God that makes me happy.<br/>I will *praise you with a *harp, God, my God.


text:
My *soul, why are you so sad?<br/>Why are you so *restless inside me?<br/>Hope in God, because I will *praise him again!<br/>When God is with me, he will do great things for me.


text:
<n>(It is) for the music leader of the *sons of Korah.</n><br/>God, we have heard it for ourselves. Our fathers told it to us.<br/>(They told us) what you did for them a long time ago.


text:
Your hand pushed out the people (that lived in the land) and put (our fathers) in.<br/>You broke (our enemies) but gave help to (our fathers).


text:
(Our fathers) did not get the land by their own *swords.<br/>Their own power did not win the fight. It was you and<br/>· your right hand<br/>· your arm<br/>· the light on your face (that did it) because you were their friend.


text:
This is because you give us help to beat our enemies.<br/>You make the people that *hate us ashamed.


text:
But now you have turned away from us.<br/>You have made us ashamed.<br/>You do not go out with our armies.


text:
You are selling your people (and the price is) cheap.<br/>You have sold them and not got anything for it!


text:
You have made us into something that our *neighbours laugh at.<br/>Everyone round us laughs at us and *scorns us.


text:
(This is) because of:<br/>· the bad things that people say about me<br/>· the people that do bad things to me<br/>· (the people that are) my enemies<br/>· (the people that are) happy because they hurt me.


text:
Yet because of you, people kill us *all day long.<br/>They think that we are *like sheep ready for (people to) kill.


text:
Why do you hide your face (from us)?<br/>Why do you forget our trouble and the way that people hurt us?


text:
<n>(Words that the *psalmist says:)</n><br/>These good words make my *heart very happy.<br/>I will say these verses to the king.<br/>My *tongue is *like the pen of someone that writes easily.</n><br/><n>(Words that the *psalmist says to the king:)


text:
You are the most beautiful man (that there is).<br/>You speak words of *grace.<br/>God has made you special *for ever.


text:
Wear your *sword by your side.<br/>(You are) the *Mighty One.<br/>(You are) great and (you are) the king!


text:
(Because you are) the king, ride out and beat (all your enemies).<br/>Then (people that are) honest and *meek and *righteous will always win.<br/>Your right hand will show you that you can do things that (make people) afraid.


text:
Your sharp *arrows will cut into the *heart of the king’s enemies.<br/>*Nations will fall down under your (feet).


text:
Your *throne, God, will go on *for ever and ever.<br/>The *sceptre of your *kingdom will be a *righteous *sceptre.


text:
You have loved things that are *righteous and you have *hated things that are *wicked.<br/>So God, your God, has put you above the people that are with you.<br/>He did this by putting some *oil on you, which made you happy.


text:
All your clothes (smell) of *myrrh, aloes and cassia.<br/>The (beautiful) *ivory in big houses (and the music that you hear from them) makes you happy.


text:
Among your great women are the daughters of kings.<br/>Your *queen stands at your right hand.<br/>(She is wearing) gold from *Ophir. <br/><n>(Words that the *psalmist says to the *queen:)


text:
Daughter, listen (to me).<br/>Hear (what I am saying) and think about it.<br/>Forget your people and your father’s house.


text:
You are beautiful and so the king loves you.<br/>He is your *lord, so *worship him, (v12) daughter from Tyre.


text:
The daughter of the king is beautiful inside.<br/>They made what she wore out of cotton made from gold.


text:
They led her to the king in her beautiful clothes.<br/>The girls that were her friends followed her.


text:
They came in with *joy and were very happy as they entered the king’s *palace. <br/><n>(Words that the king says to the *queen; or the *psalmist says to the king:)


text:
I will make sure that people always remember your name.<br/>So, people will *praise you *for ever and ever.


text:
God is *like a place where we can go, where he will *protect us.<br/>He will always give us help when troubles come.


text:
So we will not be afraid when the earth moves (under our feet), or when the mountains fall into the middle of the seas.


text:
(We will not be afraid) even when the seas make a loud noise and move a lot.<br/>(We will not be afraid) when the mountains move a lot as well. *SELAH


text:
(There is) a river (and) the waters from it make the city of God very happy.<br/>(The city) is the *holy place where the *Most High lives.


text:
Go and look at the things that the *LORD has done.<br/>(He has done) surprising things in the earth!


text:
He is the one that makes *wars finish all over the world.<br/>He breaks bows; he destroys *spears; and he burns *shields in a fire.


text:
Be quiet! Know that I am God.<br/>I will (make them) lift me high among the *nations.<br/>I will (make them) lift me high in (all the) world.


text:
<n>(It is) for the *sons of Korah.</n><br/><n>(It is) a psalm.</n><br/>Peoples from every (country), *clap your hands (together).<br/>Shout aloud to God with the sound of happy singing.


text:
People that want to be his servants have joined the people that belong to Abraham's God.<br/>The people that rule the earth belong to God.<br/>(They lifted God up) very high.


text:
The *LORD is great. He really is worth our *praise.<br/>His *holy mountain is in the city of our God.


text:
Mount Zion is in a beautiful place, and it makes the whole world very happy.<br/>It is the city of the Great King.<br/>(It is also called) the High Place of Zaphon.


text:
(Then) they saw (something) that really surprised them.<br/>It made them very frightened (so that) they hurried away!


text:
We have seen in the city of the *LORD of Everything that it was just as people told us.<br/>(They told us that) God would keep the city of our God safe *for ever!<br/>*SELAH


text:
Your name reaches to the ends of the world so that (people) give you *praise.<br/>Your right hand is full of the good things that you do.


text:
Because of the things that you decide to do: · Mount Zion will be very happy · the daughters of Judah will *praise you.


text:
think about its strong buildings and make a note of its *defences.<br/>Then you may describe it to your children.


text:
<n>(It is) a psalm for the *sons of Korah.</n><br/>Hear this, people from every country.<br/>Everybody that is passing through this world, listen!


text:
There is a question that I have heard.<br/>I will (make music on) the *harp while I start to answer the problem.


text:
(These bad people) think that their money will help them.<br/>They are always saying how rich they are.


text:
The life (of someone) costs very much.<br/>He can never pay enough:<br/>· so that he can stay alive *for ever<br/>· so that he will not see the *Pit.


text:
Does he not see that *wise people will die?<br/>Fools and people that are not *wise will also die.<br/>Their graves will be their homes *for ever.<br/>That is where they will always be.<br/>They called their land by their own name, but other people will get their money.


text:
This is the way that people that *trust in themselves will go.<br/>(This is also the way) of the people that copy them, that say that they are right. *SELAH


text:
They will go to *Sheol, *like sheep. They will feed death!<br/>Their bodies will waste away in *Sheol.<br/>But good people will rule over them in the morning.<br/>They will not (stay in) their big houses!


text:
He cannot take it with him when he dies.<br/>Nothing will go down (to *Sheol) with him, (not even his) fame!


text:
Though good things happened to him in his life (and people will say good things to you when you have a lot of money)


text:
So, even if a man has riches, he will not (always) understand.<br/>He will die, just *like the animals.


text:
God, the powerful God, the *LORD, is speaking.<br/>He is calling (everything on) the earth, from where the sun rises (in the east) to where it goes down (in the west).


text:
Our God is coming and he will not be quiet.<br/>A fire burns up everything that is in front of him.<br/>And there is a great storm round him.


text:
(He says) "Bring my people to me.<br/>(Bring to me) the people that have made a *covenant with me and have made a *sacrifice to me".


text:
Then the skies (above) showed everyone about (God’s) *righteousness and that God himself is the *judge. *SELAH


text:
Listen to me, my people, and I will speak (to you).<br/>I have something to say against you, Israel.<br/>I am God, your (own) God.


text:
(This is) because all the animals of the forest are mine, and (all) the cows and bulls on a thousand hills.


text:
If I am hungry, I will not tell you.<br/>(This is) because the world is mine and everything that is in it.


text:
Then pray to me when you are in trouble.<br/>I will make you safe and you will say good things to me.


text:
But to the bad people God says:<br/>· why do you repeat my rules?<br/>· why do you talk about my *covenant?


text:
If you see someone robbing (someone else) then you do it with him!<br/>If people have sex with other people’s wives or husbands, you do it too!


text:
You sit and say things against your own brother.<br/>You repeat bad things about your own mother’s son!


text:
You did all this and I said nothing.<br/>(So) you thought that I was just *like you.<br/>But I will be angry with you and tell you to your face what you have done wrong.


text:
Now, everyone that forgets God, think about this, or I will tear you into pieces.<br/>No one will save you.


text:
Anyone that offers me thanks is giving me *praise.<br/>They that live the right way will see that God will make them safe.


text:
Give *mercy to me, God, because of your kind love.<br/>Because you have so much love, forget that I did not obey you.


text:
Wash me (from the bad feeling that I have) because of the bad thing that I did.<br/>Make me clean from all my *sin.


text:
I have *sinned against you and only you.<br/>You saw the *evil that I did.<br/>And so you are right when you talk to me.<br/>You are not wrong when you say that I am bad.


text:
I am sure that I have done bad things since my birth.<br/>I have always wanted to *sin since the day that I was born.


text:
Give me back the *joy that I get when I am safe with you.<br/>And (give me) a spirit that makes me strong to give help (to people).


text:
I will teach your ways to those people that fight against you.<br/>Then *sinners will return to you.


text:
Take away from me the bad feeling that I have because I killed someone, God, the God that makes me safe.<br/>(Then) my *tongue will sing of your *righteousness.


text:
For animal *sacrifice does not bring you pleasure, or I would make it.<br/>You would not want a whole burnt offering.


text:
The *sacrifices that God wants are a broken spirit and a broken *heart that knows that it has *sinned.


text:
Then:<br/>· there will be the right kind of animal *sacrifice<br/>· whole burnt offerings will bring you pleasure<br/>· they will offer bulls on your *altar.


text:
Why do you say how great you are, you strong but *evil man?<br/>The kind love of God is always (with us).


text:
Your *tongue talks about ideas to destroy (people).<br/>(It is) *like a sharp knife.<br/>You are always doing (something) to hurt (people).


text:
You love:<br/>· to do *evil things<br/>· not to do good things<br/>· to say *lies<br/>· not to say what is true *SELAH<br/>· every *cruel word<br/>· a false *tongue.


text:
So, God will destroy you completely. He will catch you.<br/>He will tear you away from your home.<br/>He will pull you out from the earth where people live. *SELAH


text:
"Look at the man that did not make God his *fortress.<br/>Instead, he *trusted that all his money would make him safe.<br/>He became strong by destroying (people)".


text:
But I am *like an olive tree that is growing well in the house of God.<br/>I will always *trust in the kind love of God.


text:
I will always *praise you for what you have done.<br/>I will tell your people what a good name that you have.


text:
A fool thinks that there is no God.<br/>People (*like that) are bad. They are *evil.<br/>None of them does anything that is good.


text:
God is looking down from *heaven on the people on earth.<br/>He wants to see if there is:<br/>· anyone that understands<br/>· anyone that is looking for God


text:
Will the *evil doers not learn?<br/>They eat my people (as easily) as they eat bread.<br/>They do not speak to God.


text:
They were very much afraid when there was nothing to fear!<br/>God threw away the bones of the people that attacked you, (his people).<br/>He made (the *evil doers) ashamed because God did not like them.


text:
Oh, who will come from Zion and make Israel safe?<br/>When God makes his people rich and happy again, Jacob will sing and Israel will dance.


text:
<n>(He must use) *musical instruments.</n><br/><n>(It is) a *maskil for David.</n><br/><n>(It was) when the men that lived in Ziph went to Saul.</n><br/>God, give me help because of your name.<br/>Use your power to make me safe.


text:
Because my enemies are fighting against me and *cruel people are trying to kill me.<br/>They do not think about God. *SELAH


text:
I want to *sacrifice to you because I am free to do it.<br/>I want to *praise your name, *LORD, because it is good.


text:
(Your name) saved me from all my trouble.<br/>When I looked at my enemies I saw (that I had won the battle).


text:
<n>(He must use) *musical instruments.</n><br/><n>(It is) a *maskil for David.</n><br/>God, listen to my *prayer.<br/>Do not turn away when I cry for *mercy.


text:
because of what my enemies say. They give me a lot of pain.<br/>And they are so angry that they *hate and make trouble for me.


text:
*Lord, destroy (the *evil people)! Confuse their words!<br/>Because I see fighting and angry people in the city.


text:
For it was not an enemy that laughed at me.<br/>That would not have hurt me.<br/>It was not someone that fought against me and said bad things (to me).<br/>I could have hidden from him!


text:
I want death to take (my enemies) by surprise!<br/>I want them to go down to *Sheol alive!<br/>Because *evil has made its home in them.


text:
I will tell (God) that something is wrong, and cry (to him) in the evening, in the morning and at noon.<br/>He will listen to my voice.


text:
He will make me safe and well after the many times that I have fought against people (that are my enemies).


text:
God will listen to me and he will *punish them.<br/>(God) will always be King! *SELAH He will never change towards the people that are not afraid of God.


text:
What he says is as soft as butter, but there is war in his *heart.<br/>His words are as *soothing as *oil but really they are *like sharp knives.


text:
Take your problems to the *LORD. He will give you help.<br/>(The *LORD) will never let his people fall.


text:
And you, God, you will make bad people go to the *pit.<br/>(The *pit) will destroy them.<br/>(It will destroy) the people that tell *lies and kill (people).<br/>They will only live half their lives!<br/>But I will *trust in you, God.


text:
<n>(It is) a *miktam for David, when the Philistines caught him at Gath.</n><br/>God, be *gracious to me, because people are fighting me.<br/>*All day long they are attacking me.


text:
By God’s help I will *praise his word.<br/>By God’s help I will *trust in him. I will not be afraid.<br/>What can men (on earth) do to me?


text:
*All day long they make my words mean something else (that I did not mean).<br/>All their thoughts about me are bad thoughts against me.


text:
Do not let them *get away with this!<br/>God, destroy these people, because you are angry with them.


text:
You count the times when I (cry because I) am not happy.<br/>Put all my *tears in your bottle.<br/>(Make sure that) they are all in your book.


text:
Then my enemies will turn back, on the day when I cry (to you).<br/>Then I will know that God is *on my side.


text:
This is because you have saved my life from death.<br/>Keep my feet from falling so that I may walk before God and stay alive.


text:
<n>(He must use the music called) "Do not destroy".</n><br/><n>(This is) a *miktam of David, when he ran away from Saul into the *cave.</n><br/>Be *gracious to me, O God, be *gracious to me.<br/>I have looked for a place to hide in that is near to you.<br/>I will hide under the shadow of your *wings until the danger is past.


text:
He will send (a word) from *heaven and he will save me.<br/>He will stop the people that are trying to catch me. *SELAH God will send me his kind love and his *truth.


text:
There are *lions all round me!<br/>I must lie down near man-eating animals!<br/>They are men and their teeth are *like *spears and *arrows.<br/>Their *tongues are *like sharp *swords.


text:
(My enemies) put a *net for my feet.<br/>I was very sad because of my trouble.<br/>They dug a hole in front of me, but they fell into it! *SELAH


text:
<n>(It is) a *miktam of David.</n><br/>Do you rulers really say what is fair?<br/>Do you say what is right when you *judge people?


text:
*Wicked people are bad from their birth.<br/>From the *womb, they start doing wrong and saying *lies.


text:
May they:<br/>· become weak and *flow away *like water<br/>· be *like grass that dies after people walk on it<br/>· be *like an *abortion that people forget<br/>· be *like a child born dead that does not see the sun.


text:
Before their pots can feel (the heat of burning) wood I want God to blow them away, *like the wind would in a bad storm.


text:
*Righteous people will be very happy when (God) *punishes (the *wicked).<br/>They will wash their feet in the blood of the *wicked!


text:
People will say, "There is a reward for the *righteous.<br/>There is a God that *judges what happens on earth".


text:
<n>(Use the music that we call) Do Not Destroy.</n><br/><n>(It is) a *miktam of David, when Saul sent (men) to watch his house and to kill him.</n><br/>My God, save me from my enemies.<br/>Make me strong against the people that are fighting me.


text:
Look! They are waiting to kill me!<br/>*Cruel men are planning together against me.<br/>*LORD, (I have done) nothing against them and nothing wrong.


text:
(I have done) nothing wrong but they are getting ready to attack me.<br/>Get up and see (what they are doing)! Bring me help!


text:
For you are the *LORD, a God with *huge armies.<br/>Get up and *punish the foreign *nations.<br/>Do not be *gracious to all these *evil and false people. *SELAH


text:
Look at their mouths ... *dribbling!<br/>*Swords come from their lips because (they think that) nobody will hear.


text:
My God, your kind love will come to meet me.<br/>God will show me (when he wins the battle against) my enemies.


text:
Do not kill them (yet), or my people will forget (them).<br/>Use your power to make them go from place to place.<br/>Our *Shield and our *Lord, you are stronger than they are so make them do it!


text:
For the *sin of their mouth and the words of their lips, catch them in their *pride.<br/>And (catch them) for the bad things that they say and the *lies that they tell.


text:
Destroy them (now) because you are so angry (with them).<br/>Destroy them and finish their lives.<br/>Then people will know to the ends of the earth that God rules Jacob.<br/>*SELAH


text:
But I will sing that you are My Strength.<br/>In the morning, I will shout about your kind love.<br/>Because you were My *Fortress where I found *shelter when I was in trouble.


text:
I will raise psalms to you, My Strength.<br/>Because you, God, are My *Fortress, the God that will always show me your kind love.


text:
(You have said) that you will not be our God any more and you have broken down our walls.<br/>Though you are angry, come back to us!


text:
You made the earth move and you tore it open.<br/>Mend its broken parts because it is falling to pieces.


text:
God did answer us from his *holy place! (He said):<br/>· I will be the master<br/>· I will make a parcel of Shechem<br/>· I will measure the Valley of Succoth<br/>· Gilead is mine<br/>· Manasseh is mine<br/>· Ephraim will cover my head<br/>· Judah will *judge for me<br/>· Moab is my bathroom<br/>· Edom is where I will throw my shoes<br/>· Philistia will be something for me to laugh at.


text:
(You have said) that you would not be our God any more.<br/>But God, will you really not go with our armies?


text:
I will shout to you from the ends of the earth when my *heart is weak.<br/>Lead me to a rock that is *higher than I am.


text:
For you, God, have heard my promises.<br/>You have given (me) the *inheritance (land) of the people that are afraid of your name.


text:
<n>(It is) a psalm of David.</n><br/>Only on God is my *soul *resting.<br/>From him comes my *safety.


text:
How long will you shout at a man?<br/>You all attack (as if he was):<br/>· a wall that is breaking<br/>· a *fence that is falling down.


text:
They only want to push him off his high place.<br/>They love to tell a *lie.<br/>They say good things with their mouths but (think) bad things in their *hearts. *SELAH


text:
(It is) God that made me safe and (put me somewhere) important.<br/>God is a strong rock and a *shelter.


text:
Everybody (should) always *trust in him!<br/>Tell him everything that is in your *heart.<br/>God is our *shelter! *SELAH


text:
All men are only as a *breath! Everyone is as nothing!<br/>They all weigh less than nothing!<br/>Everybody together is *like a *breath (of air).


text:
Do not *trust in things that you:<br/>· make people give to you (or that you)<br/>· *steal (from people).<br/>If you become rich do not think in your *heart that (money) will give you help.


text:
God, you are my God. I will look for you early (in the morning).<br/>My *soul is *thirsty for you. All of me wants you.<br/>(It is *like living in) a dry and *thirsty land where there is no water.


text:
My *soul is full, as if I had eaten a lot at a party.<br/>My mouth is full of happy *praises to you.


text:
I ask that (someone) will destroy the people that want to kill me.<br/>Then they will go down deep into the earth.


text:
The king will sing psalms (of *praises) to God.<br/>Everybody that promises to serve God will be very happy.<br/>(This is) because the mouths of people who tell *lies will be shut.


text:
<n>(It is) a psalm of David.</n><br/>God, hear my voice as I tell you my troubles. (Then):<br/>· you will make me safe from the enemy that I am afraid of<br/>· you will hide me from the secret ideas of bad people<br/>· you will keep me from *noisy crowds of *evil people.


text:
(These *evil people):<br/>· make their *tongues sharp *like *swords<br/>· shoot words that hurt *like *arrows


text:
· are not afraid (when they have done it)<br/>· will not change their *evil ideas<br/>· talk about hiding *traps and say, "Who will see them?"


text:
· say "Who will find out the *crimes that we have done?"<br/>· say "We have made a plan that nobody will discover!"<br/>What men think in their *hearts is very deep.


text:
But God will shoot an *arrow at them when they do not think it will happen.<br/>It will hurt them a lot.


text:
Really, they will destroy themselves with their *tongues!<br/>All the people that see it will *shake their heads.


text:
Everyone will be afraid and talk about what God has done.<br/>They will understand what has happened.


text:
Good people will be very happy with the *LORD.<br/>They will *trust in him.<br/>Everybody with an honest *heart will *praise (God)!


text:
<n>(It is) a psalm of David, a song.</n><br/>*Silence is *praise to you, God, in Zion.<br/>And we will keep our promises to you.


text:
The man that you choose will be very happy.<br/>You will bring him near and he will go into your *courts.<br/>We will have plenty of good things in your house, in your *holy *temple.


text:
You answer us by doing things that are *righteous, (but) they make us afraid.<br/>You are the God that saves us.<br/>You are the hope of people from the ends of the earth and far away seas.


text:
You are so strong that you made the mountains.<br/>Everything that you do shows how powerful you are.


text:
You stop the seas from being angry, so that the waters make no noise.<br/>You do the same with people.


text:
Those that live far away see the great things that you have done.<br/>It makes them afraid.<br/>Where morning starts and evening finishes (they) shout for *joy (to you).


text:
You care for the land.<br/>You send rain on it and you make the ground grow good plants.<br/>The rivers of God are full of water.<br/>They give people *grain because that is how you prepared (the land).


text:
Pour water on the land where the plough was. This will make it flat.<br/>Let the rain make the ground soft. (Then) it will grow good (plants).


text:
The fields are full of sheep. The valleys are full of *grain.<br/>(They seem) to shout and sing for *joy!


text:
<n>(It is) a song (and) a psalm.</n><br/>Shout aloud to God because you are happy, everyone on earth!


text:
Say to God, "The things that you do (sometimes) frighten people.<br/>You are so powerful and strong that your enemies are afraid of you.


text:
The whole world will get on its knees in front of you.<br/>It will sing your *praise; it will *praise your name in song". *SELAH


text:
Come and see the things that God has done.<br/>The things that he did for people frightened many of them.


text:
He made the sea into dry land.<br/>The people walked across the river (Jordan) on their feet!<br/>So, we must *praise him!


text:
He is so powerful that he will rule *for ever.<br/>His eyes are always watching the *nations.<br/>Nobody should fight against him. *SELAH


text:
But you sent a man to lead us.<br/>We went through fire and water, but you brought us into a place where there was plenty.


text:
The gifts that I will offer to you will be fat animals.<br/>You will smell the *rams when they burn.<br/>I will also offer to you *bulls and goats. *SELAH


text:
Come and listen, all you people that are afraid of God.<br/>I will tell you some of the things that he has done for me.


text:
I will say good things about God.<br/>He has not been *deaf to my voice.<br/>He has shown me his kind love.


text:
<n>(He is) to use *stringed instruments.</n><br/><n>(It is) a psalm (and) a song.</n><br/>God, be *gracious to us and *bless us.<br/>Make your face to shine on us. *SELAH


text:
Then people will know the things that you do on the earth.<br/>People from every *nation will know that you can save them.


text:
So people everywhere will say how great you are, God.<br/>People everywhere will say how great you are.


text:
The *nations will be so very happy that they will sing aloud for *joy!<br/>Because you make fair decisions about everybody, then you will be a guide to everyone on the earth. *SELAH


text:
People everywhere will say how great your are, God.<br/>People everywhere will say how great you are.


text:
<n>(It is) a psalm of David, a song.</n><br/>God will rise up and his enemies will move away in all directions.<br/>The people that *hate him will quickly ride away from him.


text:
(God), blow them away as you would blow smoke away.<br/>As butter becomes *oil in a fire, when the *godless see the face of God it will destroy them.


text:
But the *righteous will be happy.<br/>They will *rejoice when they see the face of God.<br/>They will shout because they are so happy!


text:
Sing to God, sing psalms to his name.<br/>*Praise the One that Rides on the Clouds.<br/>His name is the *LORD! Shout for *joy in front of him.


text:
God is the father of those that have no father.<br/>He gives help to women whose husbands have died.<br/>(He does this) from the *holy place where he lives.


text:
God gives a home to lonely people.<br/>He leads people out of prison (and they hear) music.<br/>But people that do not obey (God) will continue to live in a land where the hot sun burns the ground.


text:
Your people came to live in it.<br/>God, you gave good things to the poor people that needed them.<br/>You made them strong.


text:
Kings of *huge armies ran away. They *fled!<br/>The women at home decided who should have what their soldiers brought from the war.


text:
Even if you sleep where the sheep sleep, the *dove will have *wings of *silver and *feathers of gold!


text:
When *Shaddai made (foreign) kings run away in different directions it was *like snow on Mount Zalmon.


text:
The mountain called Bashan is a Mountain of God.<br/>The mountain called Bashan has many high hills.


text:
High mountains, why do you look at the mountain that God wants to live in?<br/>Why do you want him to live in you instead?<br/>This (mountain) is where the *LORD (himself) will always stay.


text:
You went to the high (mountain).<br/>You took with you the *prisoners that you had caught.<br/>You received gifts from men, the men that had fought against you.<br/>The *LORD God will always live here.


text:
Say good things about the *Lord!<br/>Every day he gives us help with what we have to carry.<br/>He is the God that saves us! *SELAH


text:
But God will break the heads of his enemies.<br/>(He will break) the hairy heads of those people that will not stop doing wrong things.


text:
The *Lord says, "I will bring (my enemies) back from Bashan.<br/>I will bring them back (even from) deep down in the sea.


text:
God, they will see your people walking together.<br/>They will see my God and my King leading his *procession into the *temple.


text:
The singers will go in front. The musicians will go behind them.<br/>All round them will be girls beating tambourines.


text:
"Say good things about God among all the people there!<br/>All you people of Israel, (*praise) the *LORD!"


text:
Benjamin, the youngest, will go first.<br/>The leaders of Judah will make a noise (*praising God).<br/>(Then will come) the leaders of Zebulun and Naphtali.


text:
Your God sent the power (that gave you help).<br/>God, be powerful (again) as you did (in past times) for us,


text:
Be angry with:<br/>· the animals that live in the reeds<br/>· the group of bulls among the calves of the *nations.<br/>When they fall on their knees, they will bring to you pieces of *silver.<br/>Make the people that find pleasure in war run away from you in all directions.


text:
The government of Egypt will send people and the people from Cush will lift up their hands to (*praise) God.


text:
(Sing) to the One that Rides on the Clouds and on the *heavens that have always been there!<br/>He is shouting with a powerful voice.


text:
God, how great you are in your *temple.<br/>He is the God of Israel.<br/>He gives power to his people and makes them strong.<br/>Say good things about God!


text:
I am going down into deep *mud and there is nowhere to put my feet.<br/>I have come into deep waters and *floods rush over me.


text:
I have shouted so much for help that I am weak.<br/>My mouth is hot and dry. My eyes hurt from looking for God.


text:
More people *hate me than (I have) hairs on my head.<br/>They have no reason to be my enemies.<br/>Many people try to destroy me with their *lies.<br/>They made me give back something that I did not rob them of.


text:
Master, do not let the people that put their hope in you be ashamed because of me.<br/>You are the *LORD of the armies (of *heaven).<br/>Do not let the people that follow you be ashamed because of me.<br/>You are the God of Israel.


text:
I am angry for your house and it burns me up inside.<br/>People *insult you, but they do it by *insulting me!


text:
But me ... I am praying to you, *LORD, (at a) time when you will hear me.<br/>God, because you have so much kind love, answer me and make me really safe.


text:
Take me out of the *mud and do not let me fall into it any more.<br/>Save me from the people that *hate me and from the very deep waters.


text:
Do not let:<br/>· *floods of waters pour over me<br/>· the deep seas drown me<br/>· the *pit close its mouth round me.


text:
Answer me, *LORD, because your kind love is (so) good.<br/>Turn to me because you have so much *mercy.


text:
*Insults have broken my *heart. I feel *helpless.<br/>I looked for *sympathy, but there was none.<br/>I wanted someone to *comfort me, but did not find anyone.


text:
I want their eyes to be in the dark so that they cannot see.<br/>I want their bodies to bend over always,


text:
For they *persecute the people that you (God) hurt and talk about (more) pain for the people that you *punish.


text:
Poor people will see it and be happy.<br/>People that are looking for God will have brave *hearts again.


text:
For the *LORD hears what people need and he does not think bad things about his people in *captivity.


text:
Let the skies and the earth *praise him!<br/>And let the seas and everything that moves through them *praise him!


text:
For God will make Zion safe.<br/>He will build again the cities of Judah.<br/>Then (his servants) will live there and it will be theirs.


text:
As for the children of his servants, it will stay their *inheritance also.<br/>The people that love God’s name will always remain there.


text:
<n>(It is) a psalm of David, to give him help to remember.</n><br/>God, save me!<br/>*LORD, hurry to give me help.


text:
I want all those people that say to me "*Aha! Aha!"<br/>to become very sorry for what they have done.


text:
I want everyone looking for you to be happy, very happy.<br/>I want everyone that loves it when you save them to say, "*Praise God".


text:
But I am poor and I need help.<br/>God, hurry to give me help.<br/>You are my help, and you save me.<br/>God, do not be long!


text:
Take me away from danger and make me free, because you do what is right.<br/>Listen to me and make me safe.


text:
You really are a rock, where I can always go to hide from danger.<br/>Tell people to make me safe, for you are my rock and my *fortress.


text:
My God, take me from the hands of *godless people.<br/>Take me from the *cruel and *evil people that are holding me.


text:
Since I was born, I have *trusted in you.<br/>You have given me help since I came out of my mother’s *womb.<br/>I will always tell you how great you are!


text:
I make many people think of danger and become afraid.<br/>But you are a strong and safe place for me.


text:
Make my enemies become completely ashamed.<br/>Cover in *scorn and *disgrace the people that want to hurt me.


text:
My mouth will say that you are *righteous, that you make people safe *all day long.<br/>(I will do this) even if I do not know how much (you have done).


text:
I will come and speak about the great things that you have done, Master and *LORD.<br/>I will talk about how *righteous that you are.<br/>You, only you, (are *righteous).


text:
God, you have taught me since I was young.<br/>And until now I have told about the wonderful things that you have done.


text:
And even when I am old and grey, do not forget me, God.<br/>Do not forget me until I tell the people still to be born:<br/>· about your great power and<br/>· how strong you are.


text:
You are *righteous, God, with *righteousness as high as the sky!<br/>You have done such great things, God, who is *like you?


text:
Even when you made me see troubles, many bad troubles, you made me live again.<br/>From deep under the earth you brought me up again.


text:
I will sing about how great you are, with *harp music.<br/>You do what you promise, God.<br/>I will sing about how great you are, with *guitar music.<br/>You are the *Holy One of Israel.


text:
My lips will shout because I am so happy!<br/>I really want to sing about how great you are.<br/>You have bought me back.


text:
My *tongue will talk about your *righteousness *all day long.<br/>The people that want to hurt me will become ashamed and covered with *disgrace.


text:
He will *defend the poor people and save the children of those that are in need.<br/>He will destroy *cruel people


text:
He will be *like rain that falls on grass that people have just cut.<br/>He will be *like showers that bring water to the earth.


text:
Kings from Spain and other far places will give him money and kings from Arabia and Africa will bring him gifts.


text:
For he will save the person in need that is crying for help.<br/>And he will save the poor that nobody is giving help to.


text:
He will be kind to people that are weak and in need.<br/>He will save the lives of the people in need.


text:
He will buy back their lives from *cruel people that hurt them.<br/>Their blood is of great value in his eyes.


text:
I pray that he will always be alive and that:<br/>· people will give him gold from Arabia (Sheba)<br/>· people will always pray for him<br/>· people will *bless him all the day.


text:
There will be plenty of *grain in the land.<br/>It will blow (in the wind) even on the top of the mountains.<br/>Its fruit will grow as well as (in) Lebanon.<br/>Even people in the towns will be as grass in a field.


text:
His name will remain *for ever.<br/>It will continue as long as the sun (shines).<br/>All people will *bless themselves by him and people in every country will say that he is happy.


text:
Some people had made themselves important.<br/>Because I was angry, I wanted the things they had.<br/>I saw that *godless people had plenty!


text:
So they, (the *godless), wear their *pride *like a *necklace.<br/>The bad things that they do, they wear them *like clothes.


text:
They laugh (at people) and say bad things (about them).<br/>In their *pride they talk about *oppressing people.


text:
The mouths (of the *godless) say that the skies belong to them.<br/>And their *tongues demand the earth.


text:
And they (God’s people) ask, "How can God know?"<br/>And (they ask) "Does the *Most High see everything?"


text:
I was sure that I had made my heart clean for no good purpose!<br/>Also, I had washed my hands to show that I had done nothing wrong (for no reason)!


text:
If I had said, "I will agree (with what the *godless say)"; then I would have let down all your children.


text:
Then I went into the house of God.<br/>That was when I understood what would happen to them (the *godless).


text:
(Then) I was sure that you would put them in a place where they would *slip!<br/>You would throw them down and destroy them.


text:
It will be *like when you wake up from a dream.<br/>*Lord, when you get up, you will forget that they were there!


text:
I know nobody in *heaven except you.<br/>And, with you, there is nothing (else) on earth that I want.


text:
My heart and my body may fail, but God will always make me strong.<br/>He is all that I will ever need.


text:
But it is good for me to be near to God.<br/>I have made the master and *LORD my safe place.<br/>I will tell (people) about the good things that you do.


text:
God, will you never think about us again?<br/>Why are you burning with *anger against the people that belong to you?


text:
Think (again) about:<br/>· your people that you bought a long time ago<br/>· the people that you chose and saved<br/>· the Mountain called Zion where you lived


text:
Your enemies have made an angry noise inside your meeting place.<br/>They have put their own *flags there as signs.


text:
They burned your *temple to the ground!<br/>They said that the place where your name lived was *rubbish!


text:
They said in their hearts, "We will completely destroy them".<br/>So they burned every meeting place of God in the land.


text:
Nobody gives us signs (that are *miracles).<br/>There are no *prophets with us.<br/>Nobody knows how long this will continue.


text:
Why do you hide your hand (from us), even your right hand?<br/>Take it out from your pocket! Destroy them!


text:
It was you that *divided the sea, because you are so strong.<br/>You broke the heads of the *monsters in the waters.


text:
It was you that broke the heads of *Leviathan.<br/>You gave him as food for the animals in the *desert.


text:
*LORD, think about this:<br/>· an enemy has laughed at you<br/>· and *stupid people have *scorned your name


text:
Do not give the life of your *dove to wild animals.<br/>Do not always forget the lives of your poor people.


text:
Do not let *oppressed people become ashamed.<br/>Let the poor people that need help say how great you are!


text:
Stand up, God! Tell everyone that you are right.<br/>Remember that fools are laughing at you all the time.


text:
Listen to the noise that your enemies make.<br/>The sound of people fighting against you goes on all the time!


text:
<n>(He must use music called) "Do Not Destroy".</n><br/><n>(This is) a Psalm of *Asaph (and) a Song.</n><br/>God, we thank you.<br/>We really thank you because you are still near to us.<br/>This is what the *wonderful things that you have done tell us!


text:
When the earth *shakes and everything in it (is afraid), I will stop its *foundations moving. *SELAH


text:
I say to the people that are *boasting, "Do not *boast".<br/>(I say) to the *godless, "Do not lift up your *horn.


text:
For nobody<br/>· from the east<br/>· or from the west<br/>· or from the *desert (in the south)<br/>· or from the mountains (in the north)


text:
will be *judge. Only God (will be *judge).<br/>He puts one person down and he lifts up another person.


text:
Because there is a cup in the *LORD’s hand.<br/>It is full of *wine, mixing with *spice.<br/>(The *LORD) will pour it out from this (cup).<br/>All the *godless people in the world will drink it.<br/>They will drink the last bit of it.


text:
(Because he says) "I will cut off all the *horns of the *godless.<br/>But I will lift up the *horns of the *righteous".


text:
<n>(He must use) *stringed instruments.</n><br/><n>(It is) a Psalm of *Asaph (and) a Song.</n><br/>God is famous in Judah.<br/>His name is great in Israel.


text:
There he broke (the enemy’s):<br/>· bow (shooting) fire<br/>· *shield<br/>· and *sword<br/>· and war (*weapons) *SELAH


text:
You (God) are the Shining One!<br/>(You are) the King from the mountains, where you robbed your enemy!


text:
(You) took from the brave (enemy) soldiers all (the *weapons) that they had.<br/>Now they are sleeping and will never wake up.<br/>None of the soldiers can use their hands.


text:
From the *heavens you said that you would *judge (the people).<br/>All the earth was afraid of you and became quiet.


text:
Make a promise to the *LORD your God and do (what you promise).<br/>Let everyone that lives near bring a gift to the God that people are afraid of.


text:
<n>(His name is) Jeduthun.</n><br/><n>(It is a) psalm of *Asaph.</n><br/>I cried aloud to God.<br/>I cried to God so that he could hear me.


text:
When trouble came, I looked for the *Lord.<br/>All through the night, I lifted my hands (to him while I prayed).<br/>But I did not get help.


text:
At night I remember the songs (that I sang).<br/>I ask myself questions and my *spirit looks for answers.


text:
· "Will he for ever stop giving us his kind love?"<br/>· "Will he not do what he promised for us and our children?"


text:
· "Has God forgotten to be *gracious to us?"<br/>· "Is he so angry with us that he will not love us?" *SELAH


text:
I will remember the things that the *LORD has done.<br/>Yes, I will remember the *miracles that you did in past times.


text:
I will think about all that you have done.<br/>I will think about all the great things that you have done".


text:
The waters saw you, God, the waters saw you and rolled over and over.<br/>The deepest seas moved round a lot.


text:
The clouds poured down water.<br/>The noise of *thunder was in the skies.<br/>Your *arrows were everywhere.


text:
The voice of your *thunder was in the storm.<br/>Your *lightning lit all the world.<br/>The earth moved about and *shook.


text:
Your road went through the sea.<br/>Your path was through the great waters, but nobody saw where your feet went.


text:
We will not hide them from their children.<br/>We will tell future children that they should *praise the *LORD.<br/>(He is) very strong and he has done great things.


text:
He decided what things *Jacob must do and made the *laws in Israel.<br/>He told our grandfathers that they must teach them to their children.


text:
Then those children would know them, even the children still to be born.<br/>When the time came, they too would tell their children.


text:
Then they (the children) would:<br/>· believe that God would give them help<br/>· not forget what God had done<br/>· obey his *laws


text:
So they would not be like their grandfathers who:<br/>· would not listen to God<br/>· would not obey him<br/>· did not make God their leader<br/>· did not continue to follow him


text:
He did *miracles in front of their fathers.<br/>(He did them) in the country of Egypt, in the part (they called) Zoan.


text:
He made a road in the sea and led them through it.<br/>He built the waters into a wall (on both sides).


text:
And they spoke against God.<br/>They said, "Can God do it?<br/>Can he prepare a table in the *desert?


text:
It is true that when he hit a rock, water came out, streams of water were everywhere.<br/>But can he also give bread?<br/>Can he supply meat for his people?’


text:
When the *LORD heard (this) he was very angry.<br/>So he sent fire against *Jacob and also his *fury against Israel.


text:
(He did this) because they did not believe that God (could do it), or that he had the power to save them.


text:
Then (God) sent an east wind blowing through the skies.<br/>And he was so strong that he also sent a south wind.


text:
And he rained meat down on them like powder.<br/>(He rained) flying birds on them *like sand by the sea.


text:
God became very angry with them.<br/>He killed the strongest of them and sent the young men of Israel to their deaths.


text:
Even when this happened, they still *sinned.<br/>They did not believe that God had done these *miracles.


text:
So he made their days seem to blow away like the wind.<br/>He made their years go away fast (so that they were) afraid!


text:
When he killed (some of) them, (the other people) looked to God.<br/>They were sorry and really prayed to him.


text:
And they remembered that God was their Rock.<br/>Also, (they remembered) that God *Most High was their *Redeemer.


text:
But what they said was not true and they did not mean what they said with their mouths to *praise him.


text:
But he was *merciful (to them).<br/>He *forgave their *sin and did not destroy them.<br/>Many times he was not angry (with them) and did not become *furious (with them).


text:
The people (of Israel) often fought against God in the *desert.<br/>They made him very sad in the *wilderness.


text:
They chose not to remember what he did when:<br/>· he saved them from the enemy<br/>· he showed his *miracles in Egypt<br/>· he did *wonders in that part (of Egypt called) Zoan


text:
(Here is some of what God did to the Egyptians): He turned their rivers into blood, so they could not drink from their streams.


text:
He sent very large numbers of flies that made a lot of trouble for them.<br/>And (he sent) *frogs that made even more trouble!


text:
He was so angry that he burned *like a fire against them.<br/>He sent a group of *angels to destroy them (called) *anger, *fury and *distress.


text:
He made a path for his *anger.<br/>He did not save them from death.<br/>He gave their lives to the *plague.


text:
(This is what God did for his people): But he took his people (from Egypt) like a *flock.<br/>And he led them like sheep through the *desert.


text:
So he brought them to the edge of his *holy (land), to this hill-country, which his right hand took.


text:
He sent away the people that were living there.<br/>He said which parts (of the land) each group (of his people) could have.<br/>He put the families of Israel in their homes.


text:
But (the *Israelites *tested God *Most High and fought against him.<br/>Also, they did not obey his *laws.


text:
They turned away and did not keep the *covenant, like their fathers.<br/>They were like a bow that would not shoot straight!


text:
Also, he decided not to let the people of Joseph (continue as leaders).<br/>And he no longer chose the *tribe of Ephraim.


text:
(There) he built a *temple to live in *like his home in *heaven.<br/>He made it so that it would always be there, *like the earth.


text:
(He took him) from feeding sheep and brought him to be *shepherd of his people *Jacob, those in Israel that were his.


text:
<n>(This is) a psalm of *Asaph.</n><br/>God, countries that do not love you have attacked us.<br/>They have taken away your land.<br/>They have done bad things to your *holy *temple so that we cannot *worship you in it.<br/>They have destroyed Jerusalem.


text:
They have given the dead bodies of your people to the birds (that fly) in the air for food.<br/>They have given the bodies of your servants for wild animals to eat.


text:
They have poured out the blood (of your servants) *like water all round Jerusalem.<br/>There was nobody to bury your people.


text:
How long will this continue?<br/>(God), will you always be angry?<br/>Will your *jealousy burn *like a fire for ever?


text:
Do not be angry with us because of the wrong things that our fathers did.<br/>Have *mercy on us soon.<br/>We have lost all our hope.


text:
God, give us help! (You are the God) that can save us.<br/>For the *glory of your name, save us.<br/>So that your name will always be famous, *forgive our *sins.


text:
Why should the countries that do not love God say,<br/>"Where is their God?"<br/>We want to see you become angry with these countries, because they poured out the blood of your servants.


text:
Listen to the *prisoners that are crying!<br/>By the power of your arm, save those that are going to die.


text:
*Lord, make the countries that do not love you have seven times as much trouble as we have had!<br/>Because they said bad things to you.


text:
Then we, your people (who are as) sheep in your field, will always thank you.<br/>So will our children and grandchildren.


text:
<n>(Sing it) to (music that they call) "*Lilies of the *Covenant".</n><br/><n>(It is) a psalm of *Asaph.</n><br/>*Shepherd of Israel, listen to us!<br/>You are the one that leads *Joseph *like a *flock.<br/>You sit *like a king between the *Cherubim.


text:
Shine on Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.<br/>Get up and show how strong you are.<br/>Come and make us safe.


text:
You have made the people that live near us fight (us) and our enemies laugh among themselves (at us).


text:
You brought a *vine from Egypt.<br/>You moved away the people that lived (in the land) and planted it.


text:
Its shade covered the mountains (in the south) and its branches covered the big cedar (trees in the north).


text:
Come back to us, God (of) *Sabaoth!<br/>Look down from *heaven and see (us)!<br/>Be careful with this *vine...


text:
You let (the enemy) cut down your *vine and burn it with fire.<br/>Destroy them (the enemy) because you are angry!


text:
Let your hand be on the man at your right hand.<br/>(He is) the son of man that you made strong for yourself.


text:
*LORD God (of) *Sabaoth, make us return (to you).<br/>Make your face shine (on us) and make us safe.


text:
<n>(Use) *Gittith.</n><br/><n>(It is a psalm) of *Asaph.</n><br/>Sing to God because you are so happy!<br/>(Do this because) God makes us strong!<br/>Shout aloud to the God of *Jacob.


text:
Start the New Moon *Festival with the sound of the *shofar.<br/>Do it at the Full Moon (*Festival) also.


text:
He told it to *Joseph when he attacked the land of Egypt.<br/>I heard a language that I did not understand.


text:
(It said) "I took the weight off his shoulders.<br/>His hands did not have to carry a heavy basket (any more).


text:
When you had trouble, you called (to me) and I made you safe.<br/>I gave you help from the centre of the storm.<br/>I *tested you at the Waters of Meribah. *SELAH


text:
There should not be another god among you and you certainly should not go down on your knees to another god.


text:
I am the *LORD your God.<br/>I brought you out of the land of Egypt.<br/>Open your mouth wide and I will fill it".


text:
But he would feed him (Israel) with the best *wheat and I would give you (Israel) plenty of *honey from the rock.


text:
God is the leader of a meeting of the powerful ones.<br/>He is telling the gods what he has decided.


text:
(He says) "How long will you not be fair to people?<br/>(How long) will you say that the *godless are right?" *SELAH


text:
Be fair and give help to:<br/>· people that are weak<br/>· children with dead parents<br/>· people that are poor<br/>· anyone that has nothing


text:
Make the poor people safe and give them the help that they need.<br/>Take them away from the power of the *godless.


text:
They (the *godless) know nothing and they understand nothing.<br/>They walk about in *darkness.<br/>The ground beneath them moves about.


text:
For look, your enemies are (all) doing something.<br/>The people that hate you are getting ready (to fight you).


text:
They are making clever *plans against your people.<br/>They are deciding together what to do with those people that you love.


text:
They are saying, "Come on, we will destroy their country.<br/>Then nobody will ever remember the name of Israel".


text:
The people (doing this are) from:<br/>· Edom and the Ishmaelites<br/>· Moab and the Hagrites<br/>· Gebal, Ammon and Amalek<br/>· Philistia and Tyre


text:
Then they will know that your name is *LORD.<br/>And (they will know that) you are the *Most High over all the earth.


text:
<n>(It is) a psalm for *Korah.</n><br/>*LORD of (*huge) armies - people love your *temple very much!


text:
I want very much (to go to) the place where the *LORD lives.<br/>(I want it so much) that it is making me feel weak!<br/>All that I am and all that I feel is crying out to the Living God!


text:
Even the *sparrow has found a home and the *swallow (has found) a *nest.<br/>There she may keep her babies.<br/>(They are in places) near your *altars, *LORD of (*huge) armies.<br/>You are my king and my God.


text:
The people that live in your house are very happy.<br/>They can always tell you how great you are. *SELAH


text:
As they pass through a dry valley, it (seems) to become a place with wells of water in it.<br/>The autumn rains cover (the valley) with pools.


text:
*LORD God of (*huge) armies, hear the words that I am praying!<br/>God of *Jacob, listen to me! *SELAH


text:
One day in your (*temple) *courts is better than a thousand (days somewhere else).<br/>I would rather stand at the door of God’s house than sit in the houses of *wicked people.


text:
For the *LORD is a sun and a *shield.<br/>He gives *grace and *glory (to people).<br/>He gives good things to people that do what is right.


text:
<n>(It is) a psalm of the sons of *Korah.</n><br/>*LORD, you were good to your land.<br/>You *turned the fortunes of *Jacob.


text:
(But now) turn us (again), God.<br/>(You are the God) that makes us safe.<br/>Stop being so angry with us.


text:
Will you not turn to us (again) and give us new life?<br/>Then your people will be happy and *praise you.


text:
I will listen to what God the *LORD is saying.<br/>He will give *peace to his people, to his *saints.<br/>But they must not turn back to become fools.


text:
Save me from death because I am one of your people.<br/>Keep (me) your servant safe. You are my God.<br/>(I am) someone that is *trusting in you.


text:
My *Lord, you are good. Also, you *forgive (people).<br/>You give your kind love to everyone that prays to you.


text:
All the countries that you have made will come and *worship before you, my *Lord.<br/>They will say how great your name is.


text:
*LORD, teach me your way. I will walk in your *truth.<br/>Make my heart united when I think of your name.


text:
I will *praise you, my *Lord and my God, with my united heart.<br/>I will always tell people that you are really great!


text:
(I will do this) because there is so much of your kind love to me.<br/>You will save me from going to the lowest part of *Sheol.


text:
God, *proud people are attacking me.<br/>A group of cruel men is trying to kill me.<br/>They do not think about you.


text:
But you, my *Lord, are a God that loves (people) and gives (them) *mercy.<br/>You are slow to become angry and (you are) full of kind love.<br/>You do not leave (your people when they have trouble).


text:
Turn to me and give me *mercy. Make (me) your servant strong and make the son of your woman servant safe.


text:
Show me something that tells me that you are good.<br/>Let my enemies see it and be ashamed.<br/>Because you, *LORD, have given me help and been kind to me.


text:
I will remember the people that I know, from Rahab and Babylon; also from Philistia, Tyre and Ethiopia.<br/>I will remember that this man was born there.


text:
They will say in Zion, "A man ... this man ... was born there".<br/>So he ... the *Most High ... will build her up.


text:
The *LORD will write in his book (the name of) everyone that says,<br/>"This man was born there". *SELAH 


text:
<n>(It is) a *maskil by Heman the Ezrahite.</n><br/>*LORD, (you are) the God that makes me safe.<br/>I always cry to you in the day and at night for help.


text:
(People) say that I am among those that are going to the *Pit.<br/>I am *like a strong man that has become weak (and ill).


text:
I am almost with those that are already dead.<br/>(I am) *like dead people lying in their *graves.<br/>You do not remember them any more and you cannot give them help where they are.


text:
You have taken my best friends away from me.<br/>You have made me seem very bad to them.<br/>The place that I am in is *like a prison that I cannot leave.


text:
My eyes are weak because I am so sad.<br/>*LORD, every day I pray to you.<br/>I lift my hands up to you (while I pray).


text:
Do you do *miracles for people that are dead?<br/>Do dead people get up and say that you are great?<br/>*SELAH


text:
Do people talk about your kind love in the *grave?<br/>(Do they say) in *Abaddon that you continue to be good to people?


text:
Do they know about your *miracles in dark places.<br/>(Do they know about) the good things that you do in the land where people forget (everything).


text:
I have been ill and near to death since I was young.<br/>You have let bad things happen to me and I do not know what to do.


text:
You have taken away from me my friends and the people that love me.<br/>My only friend is *darkness.


text:
<n>(This is) a *maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite.</n><br/>I will always sing about the kind love of the *LORD.<br/>I will tell (my) children and (my) grandchildren that you will do what you have promised.


text:
Yes! I will say that nothing will ever stop your kind love (for us).<br/>You will do the things that you promised in *heaven.


text:
(God had said in *heaven)<br/>"I have made a *covenant with the man that I chose.<br/>I have made special promises to my servant David.


text:
Someone from your family will always be king.<br/>And there will always be a place where they (will rule) as king". *SELAH


text:
In *heaven, they *praise the *wonderful things that you have done, *LORD.<br/>Also, the *holy *angels that meet together (know that) you will do what you have promised.


text:
For who is there in *heaven that is *like the *LORD?<br/>Which of the *sons of God is *like the *LORD?


text:
God frightens very much the *holy ones that meet together.<br/>He makes them more afraid than anyone else does.


text:
Most Powerful *LORD God, who is as strong as you are, *LORD?<br/>And you do everything that you have promised!


text:
You made (places in) the north and in the south.<br/>Tabor and Hermon *praise you when they hear your name.


text:
You have a strong arm; your hand is powerful; you have lifted up your right hand (to use your power).


text:
You have built your *kingdom doing what is right and fair.<br/>Your kind love and the fact that you keep your promises go in front of you.


text:
The people are very happy when they know how to *praise you.<br/>*LORD, they will walk in the light from your face.


text:
A long time ago, you spoke to your servants.<br/>It was like a dream. You said (to them),<br/>"I have given help to a brave soldier.<br/>I have chosen a young man from the people.


text:
I will do everything that I have promised him.<br/>Also, (I will give him) my kind love.<br/>And by my name I will raise his *horn.


text:
Also, I will make him (as) my first born (son).<br/>(He will be) the most high of the kings of the earth.


text:
If his *descendants:<br/>· do not listen to what I am teaching them<br/>· and do not obey my *laws<br/>· say that my *laws are bad<br/>· and do not do what I tell them (to do)


text:
Like the moon, it will always be there.<br/>From the sky, it will see everything that happens". *SELAH


text:
But you have said "no" to your *anointed (king).<br/>You have turned away (from him) because you have become angry with him.


text:
You have *broken the *covenant with your servant.<br/>You threw his *crown to the ground and made it dirty.


text:
*LORD, how long (will this continue)?<br/>Will you always hide yourself?<br/>Will your great *anger (always) burn like a fire?


text:
*Lord, where is the kind love (that you gave us) in past times?<br/>Where are the special promises that you made to David?


text:
Remember, *Lord, that people have *scorned your servant.<br/>Many countries have said bad things to me.


text:
<n>(These are) words that Moses prayed.<br/>(He was) a servant of God.</n><br/>*Lord, you have always been (as) a home for us.


text:
You were God before the mountains were born.<br/>(You were God) before you were as a mother to the earth and the world.<br/>You always were and you always will (be God).


text:
You make people go back to (being) powder in the ground (when they die).<br/>You say, "Go back (to the ground), sons of Adam".


text:
For you see a thousand years as just a day (that) passes.<br/>(The years are as) a few hours in the night when they are over.


text:
You pour the sleep (of death) on them (the sons of Adam).<br/>They become as new grass in the morning.


text:
You see in front of you the wrong (things) that we do.<br/>Your light (even) shows the secret bad (things) that we do!


text:
All our days hurry past because you are angry with us.<br/>We finish our years in (just the time it takes for) a cry.


text:
The number of our days is 70 years.<br/>Or maybe 80 years if we are strong.<br/>Yet, even in the best years of our lives, we have trouble and we are not really happy.<br/>And they soon go and we hurry away (towards death).


text:
(*LORD), who knows how strong you are when you are very angry?<br/>(The people that) you frighten when you become so angry (will know).


text:
Make us happy for as long as you have hurt us.<br/>(Make us happy) for as many years as we have had trouble.


text:
Let the *Lord our God show how happy he is with us.<br/>Let him make the work that our hands do continue.<br/>Let the work that our hands do continue.


text:
I will say to the *LORD,<br/>"(You are) my safe place and my strong *castle.<br/>(You are) my God and I am *trusting in you".


text:
He (God) really will save you from the *trap that the *bird-catcher (hid).<br/>And (God will save you) from illnesses that cause death.


text:
He will cover you with his *feathers.<br/>You will be safe under his *wings.<br/>(God) will do what he promised.<br/>And he will be like big and small *shields over you.


text:
Do not be afraid of:<br/>· *bad spirits at night,<br/>· or the *arrow that flies in the day,<br/>· or illnesses that come when it is dark,<br/>· or something bad that may destroy you at midday.


text:
A thousand (people) may die by your side.<br/>Ten thousand (people may die) by your right hand.<br/>But (the danger) will not come near to you.


text:
For you, *LORD, make me safe.<br/>(Because) the Most High is your home, bad things will not happen to you.<br/>And there will be no fighting near where you live.


text:
For (God) will tell his *angels what to do for you.<br/>They will make you safe everywhere that you go.


text:
You will walk on the *lion and the *cobra.<br/>The young lion and the *serpent will be under your feet.


text:
(God says) I will make the person safe that loves me.<br/>Danger will not hurt him that knows (and trusts in) my name.


text:
He will pray to me and I will answer him.<br/>When he has trouble, I will be with him.<br/>I will save him and make him famous.


text:
(It is good) to talk about your kind love in the morning.<br/>And (to talk) every night (about) how you do what you have promised.


text:
Because, *LORD, the things that you have done make me so happy.<br/>I want to tell you that you are great because of the things that your hands have made!


text:
*LORD, how great are the things that you have done!<br/>Your thoughts are (often) hard to understand!


text:
That:<br/>· if bad people grow as grass<br/>· and all the very bad people grow as weeds (you) will destroy them and they will never (grow) again.


text:
Because your enemies, *LORD, your enemies will certainly die.<br/>You will chase all the people that do bad things to different places.


text:
You have made me very strong, as strong as a big wild animal.<br/>(You did this when) you poured fresh oil over me.


text:
Mine eyes have seen (you) beat mine enemies.<br/>Mine ears have heard you beat the bad people that attack me.


text:
They are as (trees that someone) planted in the house of the *LORD.<br/>They grow really well (near) the *temple of our God.


text:
The *LORD is King! He is ruling with authority.<br/>The *LORD is ruling with great power.<br/>Also, the world will not change.<br/>Nobody will move it any more.


text:
The rivers rose up, *LORD, the rivers rose up and made a loud noise.<br/>The rivers rose up as a great storm.


text:
But the *LORD rules over everyone!<br/>He is greater than all the noise of the waters, stronger than the sea itself.


text:
*LORD, the rules that you make will remain.<br/>Your house will always be beautiful because you are so good.


text:
And God said, "I want a space in the middle of the waters.<br/>I want it to make the waters separate".


text:
And God made (created) the space.<br/>He made the waters that were under the space separate from those that were over the space.<br/>And so it happened.


text:
And God said, "I want the waters under the sky to be together in one place.<br/>I want the dry land to appear. And so it happened.


text:
And God called the dry land "earth".<br/>And where the waters were together, he called "seas".<br/>And God saw that it was good.


text:
Come into (God’s) house and thank him!<br/>Tell him that he is great!<br/>(Do it) with music and with songs!


text:
(This is) because the *LORD is the great God.<br/>He is the great king that is more important than every other god.


text:
Come, we will fall down on our knees in front of him.<br/>We will stay on our knees in front of the *LORD that made us.


text:
(We will do this) because he is our God.<br/>Also, we are the people that he feeds and keeps safe.<br/>We are as animals and he is as the farmer (that feeds us)!<br/>Today, if you hear his voice,


text:
do not refuse to listen (to him).<br/>You did this at *Meribah and you did it one day at *Massah, in the *desert.


text:
For 40 years I was angry with those people.<br/>And I said, "They are people that refuse to obey me.<br/>They (say that they) do not know what I want them to do".


text:
Tell every *nation that he is very great!<br/>Tell everybody the *wonderful things that he has done!


text:
Because the *LORD is great, and everybody should say that he is great!<br/>People should be more afraid of him than of all (other) gods.


text:
(People that) are near him can see that he is a very great king.<br/>(People that) are in his house can see that he is strong and beautiful.


text:
Fall down in front of the *LORD who is beautiful and *holy.<br/>Be afraid of him, everyone (that lives) on the earth.


text:
Tell all the *nations that the *LORD is King!<br/>(He has) fixed the world so that nothing can move it.<br/>He will be a fair *judge of the people.


text:
Fields, you be happy as well, and everything in you!<br/>Then, all the trees in the forests will sing because they are so happy!


text:
(They will sing) to the *LORD when he comes.<br/>He will come to be a *judge of the earth.<br/>He will be a good *judge and he will be fair to the people.


text:
The *LORD is king! (Everyone) on earth will be very happy!<br/>(Even) all the (people) on far-away islands will be very happy!


text:
All the servants of *images (of gods) will be ashamed.<br/>Also, all those that say that *idols are great (will be ashamed)!<br/>Because (even) the gods will fall down in front of (the *LORD).


text:
*Zion will hear about it and be happy.<br/>The people of Judah will be very happy!<br/>(This will be) because of what you decide to do, *LORD.


text:
Because you, *LORD, are the *Most High (God) over all the earth.<br/>You are much more important than any other god!


text:
If you love the *LORD, then *hate what bad people do!<br/>(The *LORD) makes safe the lives of his people.<br/>He will make them free from the hands of bad people.


text:
Sing a new song to the *LORD.<br/>Because he has done *wonderful things.<br/>His right hand and his *holy arm have made (his people) safe.


text:
The *LORD has made everybody to know that he has made (his people) safe.<br/>He has shown everybody (in the world) that he is a *righteous (God).


text:
He remembered his kind love to the people of Israel.<br/>And he did what he had promised.<br/>Everyone (that lives) far away has seen that (God) has made (his people) safe.


text:
Everybody (that lives) on earth, shout to the *LORD because you are so happy!<br/>Start singing and making music!


text:
The sea and everything that is in it must make a loud noise.<br/>The earth and everything that lives in it must also (make a loud noise).


text:
to the *LORD.<br/>Because he is coming to rule the earth.<br/>He will be a *righteous king.<br/>He will be a very fair *judge.


text:
The *LORD is king!<br/>People on earth will be afraid!<br/>(The *LORD) is sitting between the *cherubim!<br/>The earth (itself) will *shake!


text:
They must (all) *praise your great name.<br/>(It is a name) that makes people afraid.<br/>Because he is *holy.


text:
(He is) a strong king and he loves what is right.<br/>You have made everything fair.<br/>You have done what is right and fair in *Jacob.


text:
Moses and Aaron were among his *priests and Samuel was among those that prayed to him.<br/>They prayed to the *LORD and he answered them.


text:
He spoke to them from the *column of cloud.<br/>They obeyed his rules and they did what he told them to do.


text:
*LORD our God, you answered them.<br/>You were a God that *forgave Israel.<br/>Even if you *punished them when they did not obey you.


text:
Know that the *LORD really is God.<br/>He made us and we are his people.<br/>(We are as his) sheep in his fields.


text:
Say "*thank-you" when you are walking through his gates.<br/>Stand in front of his *temple and say good things about him.


text:
(Do all this) because the *LORD is good.<br/>He is always loving and kind.<br/>He will always do what he has promised to us.


text:
<n>(This is) a psalm of David.</n><br/>I will sing to you, *LORD.<br/>I will sing about your kind love and *justice.


text:
I will be careful.<br/>Then nobody can say that I have done wrong.<br/>When will you (*LORD) come to me?<br/>Where I rule, I will do nothing that is wrong.


text:
I will not let any *wicked people be with me.<br/>I really do not like what *wicked people do.<br/>They will not come near to me.


text:
I will destroy anyone that says bad things about people *in secret.<br/>I will send away people that have *proud eyes and hearts.


text:
My eyes will look at people who obey (the *LORD).<br/>They will be with me (in my work).<br/>My servants will be people that do nothing wrong.


text:
People that are not honest will not stay with me.<br/>People that do not say what is true will not remain with me.


text:
Every morning I will destroy people that are *wicked in (my) country.<br/>Nobody that is *wicked will remain in the city of the *LORD.


text:
Do not hide your face from me when I am in trouble.<br/>Turn your ear to me.<br/>Answer me soon, now that I am praying to you.


text:
Because my life is *disappearing *like smoke (*disappears).<br/>Also, my bones are burning as a fire burns.


text:
All day my enemies say bad things about me.<br/>People that are angry with me use my name as a *curse.


text:
Because you are so angry with me:<br/>· I eat ashes as my food;<br/>· I mix my drink with my *tears.<br/>Because you picked me up and then you threw me away.


text:
But you, *LORD, will always be king.<br/>You will always be famous, everybody that will live (will know about you.)


text:
You will stand up and be kind to *Zion, because it is time to show her that you love her.<br/>The time has come when this should happen.


text:
The *nations will be afraid of the name of the *LORD.<br/>And all the kings of the earth will *kneel before your *glory.


text:
Write this down for people that will be alive in future (times).<br/>Then people (that God has) not yet *created will *praise the *LORD.


text:
At the beginning (of time) you built the earth so that it was strong.<br/>Also, your hands *created the *heavens.


text:
They will not always remain, but you (*LORD) will.<br/>They will *wear out as clothes do.<br/>*Like clothes, you will change them and throw them away.


text:
(We are) your servants and our children will live always live here.<br/>And their children will be safe where you are.


text:
I say to myself, ‘*Praise the *LORD!<br/>And never forget any of the good things that he has given you!’


text:
He *redeems you from the *Pit.<br/>His kind love and *mercy are special things that he gives to you.


text:
The life of a man is as short as (the life of) grass!<br/>He lives as short a time as the (wild) flowers in a field!


text:
But the kind love of the *LORD will always be with those that are afraid of him.<br/>And his *righteousness will be with their children’s children.


text:
(They will be) with those (people) that do what they have agreed (to do).<br/>(They will be with those people) that remember to obey his rules.


text:
*Praise the *LORD, you (who are) his *angels.<br/>You are strong and powerful.<br/>You do what he tells you (to do) and you obey his word.


text:
*Praise the *LORD, all (you) his armies (in *heaven).<br/>(You are) his servants that do what he wants you (to do).


text:
Everything that he has made and (everything) that he rules over, *praise the *LORD!<br/>I say to myself, *praise the *LORD!


text:
I say to myself, "*Praise the *LORD!"<br/>*LORD, my God, you are very great!<br/>(As a person wears clothes), you wear *honour and *majesty and light.<br/>You have put the skies as a roof (over the earth).


text:
You have built your home above the waters that are over the skies.<br/>The clouds carry you and you ride on the wind.


text:
You covered it with the deep (sea) as clothes (cover a person).<br/>The waters were higher than the mountains.


text:
(The waters) moved over the mountains.<br/>They went down into the valleys.<br/>They went to the place that you had made for them.


text:
You make water come out of the ground into the valleys.<br/>(You make the rivers) go between the hills.


text:
The birds of the air make their homes (by the streams) and they sing from the trees near (the streams).


text:
You pour water on to the mountains from your home above the sky.<br/>The earth is happy with the results of what you do.


text:
You make grass to grow for the cows and sheep.<br/>And (you make) plants (grow) that people can use.<br/>This is how people get food from the earth:<br/>· wine (alcohol) that makes people happy,<br/>· oil that makes people’s faces shine, and<br/>· bread that makes people strong.


text:
The trees of the *LORD get plenty of rain.<br/>(They are) the cedar trees in Lebanon, which he planted.


text:
*LORD, you have made so many things!<br/>The earth is full of the *creatures that you have made.<br/>You were very *wise when you made them all.


text:
There is the sea. It is so big and so wide.<br/>It is full of *creatures, more than anyone can count.<br/>(In it) there are small and large animals and plants.


text:
(When) you give it to them they pick it up.<br/>(When) you open your hand they have plenty of good things.


text:
(When) you hide your face they become very frightened.<br/>When you take away their *breath, they die and return to the *dust.


text:
I want the *glory of the *LORD to continue for ever!<br/>I want the *LORD to be very happy with everything that he has made!


text:
(When the *LORD) looks at the earth it becomes frightened.<br/>When he touches the mountains, they give out smoke.


text:
I want (the *LORD) to destroy bad people from the earth.<br/>I do not want very bad people to live any more.<br/>I say to myself, "*Praise the *LORD! *Hallelujah!"


text:
Say "thank-you!" to the *LORD.<br/>Tell (everybody) his name.<br/>Tell people in every country what he has done.


text:
Remember the great things that he has done.<br/>(Remember) his *miracles and what he said (to Pharaoh).


text:
Abraham your *father was (the *LORD’s) servant.<br/>(The *LORD) chose Jacob and you are (Jacob’s) *sons.


text:
(He will remember) the *covenant that he made with Abraham and the special promises that he made to Isaac.


text:
He made it sure to Jacob with a *law and to (the people of) Israel with a *covenant that will never have an end.


text:
He said, "I will give to you (Jacob) the land of Canaan.<br/>It will belong to you, (people of Israel).


text:
Once, there was only a small number of them (the people of Israel).<br/>(There were) only a few of them and they were *nomads (in Canaan).


text:
(The *LORD) did not let anyone hurt them.<br/>He was angry with kings and gave help to (his people).


text:
(The *LORD) sent a *famine to the land (of Canaan).<br/>He destroyed all the food that they were storing.


text:
But he sent a man (into Egypt) before them.<br/>(He was) Joseph, (that his brothers) sold as a slave.


text:
(They did this) until what he *prophesied really happened.<br/>Until the word of the *LORD showed that he (Joseph) was right.


text:
He made the Egyptians *hate his people (Israel).<br/>They thought of bad things to do against (the *LORD’s) servants.


text:
(Moses and Aaron) told everybody the things that (the *LORD) would do.<br/>(He would do) *miracles in the land of Ham.


text:
He sent *darkness so that it was dark (everywhere in the day-time).<br/>But (the Egyptians) did not obey him.


text:
(The *LORD) spoke and there came millions of flies.<br/>Insects called lice were everywhere in their country.


text:
Then (the *LORD) killed all the oldest (sons) in the land (of Egypt).<br/>(He killed) all the *firstborn sons.


text:
So (the *LORD) led Israel out (from Egypt).<br/>They took (valuable things made of) *silver and gold.<br/>And nobody among the Israelites had any trouble.


text:
(This happened) because (the *LORD) remembered his *holy promise.<br/>He gave it to his servant Abraham.


text:
So, he led the people that he had chosen out (from Egypt).<br/>They were so happy that they sang and they shouted!


text:
(The *LORD) gave them the land of the people (that lived in Canaan.) They enjoyed the results of their work.


text:
*Hallelujah! Say "*thank-you" to the *LORD, because he is good.<br/>His kind love will always (remain).


text:
(Nobody) can tell about all the great things that the *LORD has done.<br/>(Nobody) can *praise him enough.


text:
*LORD, do not forget me when you do something good for your people.<br/>Give me help (also) when you make them safe.


text:
Then I will:<br/>· enjoy the good things that you do for your people,<br/>· be happy together with them,<br/>· *praise you with the people that belong to you.


text:
We have *sinned as our fathers (before us) did.<br/>We have done wrong things; we have been very, very bad.


text:
When our fathers were in Egypt, they did not understand your *miracles.<br/>They forgot the kind love that you often (gave to them).<br/>They did not obey (the *LORD) by the sea, the *Sea of Reeds.


text:
He shouted at the Sea of *Reeds and it became dry.<br/>He led (his people) through the deep parts of it.<br/>It was as if they went through a *desert!


text:
But they soon forgot what (the *LORD) had done.<br/>They did not wait for (him to tell them) his plan.


text:
Then they became *jealous of Moses when they were staying in the *desert.<br/>(They were also *jealous of) Aaron, who was a special servant of God.


text:
(God made) a hole in the ground and Dathan fell into it.<br/>(God) buried Abiram and all his family.


text:
They stopped *worshipping God, who is great.<br/>Instead, they *worshipped the *image of an animal that eats grass!


text:
(They forgot) the *miracles that he had done in the land of Ham.<br/>(They forgot) the things that surprised them so much by the Sea of *Reeds.


text:
So (God) said that he would destroy them.<br/>But Moses stood up and argued with (God).<br/>He prayed that an angry (God) would not destroy them.


text:
(Later they said that) they were afraid to go into the good land (of Canaan).<br/>They did not believe the promise (of God).


text:
(He said that) their children would die in other countries.<br/>(This was after) he had moved them all over the world.


text:
Then they agreed to be the servants of the (false god called) Baal of Peor.<br/>They ate the food given to gods that were never alive.


text:
They made (the *LORD) angry at the waters of Meribah.<br/>So, trouble came to Moses because of what they did.


text:
Their sons and their daughters had done nothing wrong, but they killed them (for these *idols).<br/>(The *idols) were the false gods of Canaan and these murders made the land dirty.


text:
Often (the *LORD) would save them (from these enemies).<br/>But again and again, they decided not to obey him and they did more and more things that were wrong.


text:
Save us, our *LORD and God.<br/>Bring us back from other countries.<br/>Then we will be very happy to thank you and to *praise your *holy name.


text:
*Praise the *LORD, the God of Israel!<br/>*Praise him now and always! Let everybody say, "*Amen!"<br/>*Hallelujah!


text:
People must say that the *LORD has *redeemed them, when he has redeemed them from the power of an enemy.


text:
They moved from place to place in the wild country.<br/>They did not find the way to a city to live in.


text:
Then they prayed to the *LORD in their trouble.<br/>And he saved them from the danger that they were in.


text:
They must thank the *LORD for his kind love.<br/>And they must thank him for the *wonderful things that he does for people.


text:
Some people sat in *darkness and in the shadow of death.<br/>They were *prisoners behind iron *bars. And they felt *despair.


text:
This happened because they did not obey the words of God.<br/>They laughed at the plans of the Most High.


text:
They were happy when it became quiet.<br/>He showed them the way to the port that they wanted to reach.


text:
The people must say that he is great when they meet together.<br/>Their leaders must *praise him when they sit together.


text:
The people who live in some places are very bad.<br/>In those places, God will make:<br/>· rivers become *desert places<br/>· wells of water become dry ground<br/>· good ground become salt *marsh


text:
But he lifts people that are in need out of their trouble.<br/>And he makes their families grow like wild animals.


text:
People that are not *stupid will think about these things.<br/>Then they will understand the kind love of the *LORD.


text:
God did answer us from his *holy place!<br/>(He said):<br/>· I will be the master.<br/>· I will make a parcel of Shechem.<br/>· I will measure the Valley of Succoth.<br/>· Gilead is mine.<br/>· Manasseh is mine.<br/>· Ephraim will cover my head.<br/>· Judah will *judge for me.<br/>· Moab is my bathroom.<br/>· Edom is where I will throw my shoes.<br/>· Philistia will be something for me to laugh at.


text:
(Do something) because bad men and *liars say bad things about me.<br/>They say things about me that are not true.


text:
Put an *evil man against (my enemy).<br/>Also, make somebody stand by his right hand (side) to *accuse him.


text:
Make his children go from place to place, asking for money.<br/>Destroy their home and send them away (from it).


text:
Make the lender of money take everything that he had.<br/>And let strangers get everything that he worked for.


text:
Do not let anybody be kind to him.<br/>Do not let anybody be kind to the children that he has left without a father.


text:
I pray that you will destroy everyone in his family after him.<br/>I want people that live later never to know the names (of his family)!


text:
I want the *LORD to remember the bad things that his *fathers did.<br/>I do not want the *LORD to clean away his mother’s *sins.


text:
I want the *LORD always to remember these (bad things) and people on earth never to remember his family.


text:
(Do this, Lord) because he (my enemy) did not remember to be kind (to people).<br/>Instead, he was not kind to them.<br/>He killed people that were poor.<br/>(He killed) people that needed (many things).<br/>(He killed) people that had nobody to give them help.


text:
He loved to say bad things about people; (so I want) bad things to happen to him!<br/>He did not like to say good things about people; (so I want) nobody to say good things about him!


text:
He said bad things (about people) as often as he put on clothes.<br/>(I want these bad things) to go into his body as the water (that he drinks).<br/>(I want them) to go into his bones like oil.


text:
Then (the bad things that he says) will cover him like his clothes.<br/>They will cover him like the belt that he wears every day.


text:
This is how (I want) the *LORD to pay the people that *accuse me.<br/>(They are) the people that say bad things about me.


text:
But you are my *LORD and master.<br/>Give me help, because of your name!<br/>Save me, because you are good and you love me.


text:
When they say bad things (about me), you will say good things (about me).<br/>When they attack me, they will be ashamed.<br/>Then your servant will be very happy!


text:
The people that *accuse me will have *shame all round them.<br/>It will be all round them as their clothes are all round them.<br/>It will be all round them like a coat.


text:
My mouth will say that the *LORD is very great!<br/>I will *praise him in front of a big crowd of people.


text:
He stands at the right hand (side) of the people that need (help).<br/>He saves the life of (the man) that people are attacking.<br/>(That is why I will *praise him.)


text:
<n>(This is) a Psalm of David.</n><br/>The *LORD spoke to my *Lord.<br/>"Sit on the right of me until I put your enemies under your feet", he said.


text:
The *LORD will send your great power out from Zion.<br/>You will rule over all the enemies that are round about you.


text:
When you fight your enemies, your people will give you help.<br/>In the early morning (on the day of *battle), your young people will be there, on the hills (round Zion).


text:
The *LORD has made a special promise. He will not change it.<br/>"You will always be a *priest, as Melchizedek was", (he said).


text:
He will be the *judge of all the *nations.<br/>There will be many dead people.<br/>He will destroy kings over all the earth.


text:
*Hallelujah! (or, Say that the *LORD is really great!) I will say "thanks" to the *LORD with *all my *heart.<br/>(I will do it) where his people meet together.


text:
(Everything that) he does makes people understand that he is a king!<br/>He will always be *righteous.


text:
He has shown his people that he is powerful.<br/>He gave them the lands that belonged to other countries.


text:
The things that he does are honest and fair.<br/>People can *trust him when he tells them his rules.


text:
He made (his rules) to continue for all time.<br/>(The *LORD) was true and *righteous when he made (these rules.)


text:
He made his people free.<br/>He made a *covenant with them for them (to obey) always.<br/>His name is *holy.<br/>And it makes people (see him) as powerful and important.


text:
People who are afraid of the *LORD are starting to be *wise.<br/>Everyone that (is *wise) will have really understood (the *LORD).<br/>People should always say that the *LORD is great!


text:
*Hallelujah!<br/>(Aleph) The man that is afraid of the *LORD will be very happy.<br/>(Beth) It will give him pleasure when he obeys the *LORD’s rules.


text:
(Gimel) His children will become powerful in the land.<br/>(Daleth) (The *LORD) will do good things for the good people in his family.


text:
(He) He will be a rich man with valuable things in his house.<br/>(Vav) He will always have (God’s gift) of *righteousness.


text:
(Zayin) A good man is like a light that shines in dark (places).<br/>(Heth) He is kind and loving and *righteous.


text:
(Pe) He gives a lot to poor people.<br/>(Tsade) He will always be *righteous.<br/>(Qoph) He will be powerful. And people will say that he is good.


text:
(Resh) The bad man will see it and be angry.<br/>(Shin) He will *gnash his teeth together, then *disappear.<br/>(Tav) The things that the bad man wants will not happen.


text:
*Hallelujah!<br/>Servants of the *LORD, tell (him) that he is very great!<br/>Sing aloud that the name of the *LORD is very great!


text:
*Praise the name of the *LORD!<br/>(Do it) from where the sun rises (in the east) to where it goes down (in the west).


text:
(This happened) when *Israel left Egypt.<br/>(It happened) when the people of Jacob left the people that spoke a strange language.


text:
(The *LORD led them) to a safe place (called) Judah.<br/>(He took them) to the country of Israel where he (became their) king.


text:
Earth, be like a man who is afraid, in front of the *Lord.<br/>(Be afraid) when the God of Jacob is near.


text:
Do not give to us, *LORD, do not give to us the *glory.<br/>(Keep) it for yourself! (Do this) because of your kind love (to us).<br/>And (do it) because you always do what you have promised.


text:
It has hands ... but it feels nothing!<br/>It has feet ... but it cannot walk!<br/>Its mouth cannot make a sound!


text:
The people that make them will become like them.<br/>Also, everyone who believes what they say (will become like them).


text:
Everyone that is in awe of the *LORD ... *trust in the *LORD.<br/>He is their help and their *shield.


text:
The *LORD will remember us. He will *bless us.<br/>He will *bless the people of Israel.<br/>He will *bless the people of Aaron.


text:
He will *bless everybody that is in awe of the *LORD.<br/>(He will *bless them) whether they are important or not.


text:
(I pray that) the *LORD will give you more (good things).<br/>(I pray that he will) do this to your children also.


text:
The danger of death was all round me.<br/>I began to be afraid of *Sheol.<br/>I was sad because (I had) so much trouble.


text:
Yes, (*LORD), you saved me from death!<br/>(You saved) my eyes from crying and my feet from falling.


text:
I believed (that God would give me help).<br/>(I believed this) even when I said, "I have much pain".


text:
I will do everything that I have promised to the *LORD.<br/>(I will do it) in front of all his people.


text:
*LORD, I really am your servant.<br/>I am your servant just as my mother was.<br/>You have saved me from death!


text:
(I will do this) in the *courts of the house of the *LORD.<br/>(I will do this) in the centre of Jerusalem.<br/>Hallelujah! (or, Tell the *LORD that he is very great!)


text:
His kind love for us is very strong.<br/>And he will always do what he has promised.<br/>*Praise the *LORD


text:
(My enemy) shut me (in a prison).<br/>There I cried to the *LORD.<br/>The *LORD answered me and made me free.


text:
They were round me like (a cloud of) *bees.<br/>They burnt (quickly) like a (dry) bush (burns quickly).<br/>I destroyed them in the name of the *LORD.


text:
Listen to the happy shouts of God’s people in their *tents.<br/>(They do this) because they have destroyed (their enemies).<br/>The *right hand of the *LORD is very strong.


text:
The men who were building threw away a stone.<br/>It is now in an important place at the corner (of the building).


text:
The man that comes in the name of the *LORD will be *blessed.<br/>We *bless you from the house of the *LORD.


text:
The *LORD is God and he has made his light to shine on us.<br/>With branches in (our) hands we will go with the people who are going to the *feast.<br/>Go to the *horns of the *altar.


text:
<e>ALEPH</e> The people that make no mistakes in the way are very happy.<br/>They obey the *teaching of the *LORD.


text:
The people that keep to his *instructions are very happy.<br/>They look for him with all their *heart.


text:
You are angry with the people who think that they are important.<br/>Bad things will happen to them when they walk away from your *commands.


text:
Some people say bad and *unkind things about me because I keep to your *instructions.<br/>Take me away from those people.


text:
Make me to understand what your *guidelines mean.<br/>Then I will always think about the *wonderful things that you do.


text:
Make me to walk in the path where your *orders send me.<br/>Do that because it will give me much pleasure.


text:
Turn my eyes away from looking at things that have no value.<br/>Give me the life that is in your word.


text:
Then I will have something to say to the people that laugh at me.<br/>They laugh at me because I *trust in your word.


text:
People who do not know God are all round me.<br/>They tie me up but still I do not forget your *teaching.


text:
I am a friend of everyone that is afraid of you.<br/>And I am a friend of those who follow your *guidelines.


text:
Teach me. Then I will choose and know what is right.<br/>I will do that because I *trust your *commands.


text:
*Teaching from your mouth is better for me than a lot of *silver and gold. <n>#This is the *heart of the *proud men in verse 69. It means that they cannot think clearly.</n>


text:
<e>JODH</e> Your hands*created me. And they made me what I am.<br/>Help me to understand and learn your *commands.


text:
The people that are afraid of you will be happy.<br/>They will be happy when they see me.<br/>This is because I am *trusting in your word.


text:
The life of your servant is not very long.<br/>When will you make the people that *persecute me obey your rules?


text:
Your kind love gives me life.<br/>I will obey your *instructions.<br/><n># We are not sure what this means.</n>


text:
Your *truth will continue from one century to the next.<br/>You have fixed the earth and it will remain.


text:
I see that all that is good on earth will finish.<br/>But your *commands have no end.<br/><n>#"they" probably means the earth and the stars in the *heavens (skies).</n>


text:
*LORD, I pray that you will be happy with what I say.<br/>And I pray that you will teach me your rules.


text:
Give me help and life, as your word promises.<br/>And do not make me ashamed, because I hope in you.


text:
You turn away from people that do not follow your *laws.<br/>This is because they speak lies.<br/>And they are not honest.


text:
You destroy all the bad people in the world as *rubbish.<br/>For this reason I love your *instructions.


text:
Make sure that good things happen to your servant.<br/>Do not let *proud people become my *oppressors.


text:
I hate every wrong path because:<br/>· I love your *commands more than gold, *pure gold<br/>· I think that all your *guidelines are right


text:
When I read your words they bring light.<br/>They help people that do not know enough to understand things.


text:
Turn to me and have *mercy on me.<br/>Your rules say that you will do this.<br/>You will do this to people that love your name.


text:
Listen to my voice, because you are loving and kind.<br/>*LORD, keep me alive as your rules promise me.


text:
The people that *persecute me are coming near.<br/>They want to do something very bad to me.<br/>They are far away from your *teaching.


text:
I have known about your *instructions for a long time.<br/>And I have known that you made them to continue always.


text:
<e>SHIN</e> *Princes *persecute me for no good reason.<br/>But it is your word that really makes my *heart afraid.


text:
I have become like a lost sheep.<br/>Look for your servant, because I have not forgotten your *commands.


text:
The *LORD *guards you when you go out.<br/>And he when *guards you when you come in.<br/>(He will do this) now and always.


text:
The *tribes go up there, the *tribes of the *LORD.<br/>They go there to thank the *LORD. All Israel will see it.


text:
"I pray that there will be *peace inside your walls.<br/>And I pray that it will be safe inside your big houses".


text:
Our eyes look to the *LORD our God:<br/>· like men who are servants look to the hands of their masters;<br/>· like a woman who is a servant looks to the hand of her *mistress.<br/>(*LORD), have *mercy on us.


text:
if the *LORD was not fighting for us when men attacked:<br/>· they would have eaten us alive because they were so angry,<br/>· waters would have rushed over us and a deep river would be over our heads,<br/>· the angry waters would have gone over our heads and drowned us.


text:
We are free and still alive, like a bird that got out of a *trap.<br/>The *trap became broken and we are free.


text:
People that *trust in the *LORD are like the mountain called Zion.<br/>Nothing will move it; it will always be there.


text:
*Wicked (people) will not always rule over the land.<br/>(That is, the land) that (the *LORD) gave to *righteous people.<br/>If they did, the *righteous people might start doing bad things themselves.


text:
But *LORD, take away those people that start doing bad things themselves.<br/>Take them away with the *wicked (people).<br/>Let Israel be *at peace!


text:
An army was attacking Zion.<br/>When the *LORD turned them away, we were like people that were dreaming!


text:
Then we laughed a lot.<br/>And we shouted because we were so happy!<br/>And (people in) other countries said (to each other),<br/>"The *LORD has done something *wonderful for them!"


text:
The *LORD will give back again what we have lost.<br/>It will be like water coming into a dry place where there is a lot of sand.


text:
People that are crying will go out and plant seeds.<br/>(Later) they will sing as they pick the fruits.


text:
Someone will go out crying, but with a basket of seeds.<br/>He will come home laughing, with a lot of food.


text:
If the *LORD does not build the house, the workers cannot do anything.<br/>There are men who watch (for danger).<br/>But if the *LORD does not *guard the city, they will be *useless.


text:
If you work all day for food, from early morning to late at night, you will get nothing.<br/>It is God who gives sleep. He gives it to the people that he loves.


text:
The man with many of them will be very happy.<br/>He will not be ashamed when he meets his enemies in the city gates.


text:
You will eat the things that your hands have worked for.<br/>You are very sure that you will. You will be happy!<br/>Good things will happen to you!


text:
Your wife in your house will be like a *vine that grows much fruit.<br/>Your sons round your table will be like branches of an *olive tree.


text:
The *LORD does good things to the man that is *in awe of him.<br/>This is how he does it. Make a note of that.


text:
The *LORD of Zion will do good things to you.<br/>Then you will see that Jerusalem is a good place for as long as you are alive.


text:
People that go past will not say,<br/>"We want the *LORD to be kind to you!"<br/>(They will not say) “We want good things to happen to you in the name of the *LORD!”


text:
*LORD, my *heart is not *proud, neither are my eyes (*proud).<br/>I do not try to do things that are too important for me.<br/>I do not try to do things that are too hard for me.


text:
Really, I have made myself *calm and I have become quiet.<br/>I am like a young child with its mother.<br/>Yes, I am like a young child with its mother.


text:
Get up, *LORD. And go into the place where you can rest.<br/>Go in yourself, with the *ark.<br/>The *ark shows that you are strong.


text:
(I pray that) all your *priests will be *righteous and all your *saints will shout.<br/>They will shout because they are so happy.


text:
The *LORD promised David what would happen.<br/>He will not turn from it.<br/>"I will put the fruit of your body on your *throne.


text:
Your children should obey my rules.<br/>And they should do what I will teach them.<br/>Then their children will always sit on your *throne".


text:
All her *priests will be safe and her *saints will shout aloud.<br/>They will shout because they are so happy.


text:
It is as a sweet *oil poured on the head.<br/>It goes down on to the beard, as it did on to Aaron’s beard.<br/>It then poured down over his clothes.


text:
It is like the *dew on the mountain called Hermon.<br/>It (also) pours down on to the mountains of Zion.<br/>The *LORD has said that it is a *good place to be.<br/>There is always life there.


text:
Come, all you servants of the *LORD that stand in his house at night.<br/>And say good things to the *LORD.


text:
You are standing in the house of the *LORD.<br/>You are standing in the *courts of the house of our God.


text:
*Praise the *LORD, because the *LORD is good.<br/>*Praise his name with songs, because it is *pleasant to do this.


text:
(*Praise his name) because I know that the *LORD is great.<br/>Our *Lord is greater than all other gods.


text:
The *LORD does whatever he wants to do.<br/>(He does this) in the sky and on the earth.<br/>(And he does it) in the deepest parts of the sea.


text:
(The *LORD) makes clouds rise up all over the earth.<br/>He sends rain with *lightning.<br/>He brings winds from where he stores them.


text:
He sent signs to *warn Egypt. He did *miracles in Egypt.<br/>(He did them) to *warn *Pharaoh and his servants.


text:
(He killed) Sihon the king of the *Amorites.<br/>(He also killed) Og the king of *Bashan and all the kings of *Canaan.


text:
The people that made them will become as they are.<br/>Also, everyone that *trusts in them (will become as they are).


text:
Thank God, (who is) the greatest of the gods.<br/>Thank him because his kind love will always continue.


text:
Thank the *Lord, (who is) the greatest *lord.<br/>Thank him because his kind love will always continue.


text:
(Thank the *LORD because):<br/>· only he does great *miracles (and) because his kind love will always continue;<br/>· he made the skies with understanding (and) because his kind love will always continue;<br/>· he put the earth on the waters (and) because his kind love will always continue;<br/>· he made the great lights (and) because his kind love will always continue;<br/>· (he made) the sun to rule the day (and) because his kind love will always continue;<br/>· (he made) the moon and stars to rule the night (and) his kind love will always continue.


text:
(Thank the *LORD because):<br/>· he destroyed the *firstborn in Egypt (and) because his kind love will always continue;<br/>· he brought Israel out from (Egypt) (and) because his kind love will always continue;<br/>· (he did this) with a strong hand and a powerful arm (and) because his kind love will always continue;<br/>· he cut the Red Sea into two parts (and) because his kind love will always continue<br/>· he brought Israel through the middle of it (and) because his kind love will always continue;<br/>· he pushed Pharaoh (the king of Egypt) and his army into the Red Sea (and) because his kind love will always continue;<br/>· he led his people through the *desert (and) because his kind love will always continue.


text:
(Thank the *LORD because):<br/>· he destroyed great kings (and) because his kind love will always continue;<br/>· he killed very strong kings (and) because his kind love will always continue;<br/>· (he killed) Sihon, king of the Amorites (and) because his kind love will always continue;<br/>· (he killed) Og, the king of Bashan (and) because his kind love will always continue;<br/>· he gave their land as a gift (and) because his kind love will always continue;<br/>· (he gave it) as a gift to his servant Israel (and) because his kind love will always continue.


text:
(Thank the *LORD because):<br/>· he remembered us when we were very sad (and) because his kind love will always continue;<br/>· he made us free from our enemies (and) because his kind love will always continue;<br/>· he gives food to everything that he has made (and) because his kind love will always continue.


text:
For there the people that made us *prisoners were very *unkind.<br/>"Sing us a song" they shouted. "Make us laugh with a song from Zion!"


text:
My *tongue will stick to the top of my mouth if I do not remember you, Jerusalem.<br/>I think of you more than the things that I like best.


text:
*LORD, remember the people of Edom.<br/>This is what they said in the Day of Jerusalem.<br/>"Knock it down, knock it down to its *foundations!"


text:
Daughter of Babylon, someone will destroy you!<br/>That person will do to you what you did to us.<br/>He will be very happy then!


text:
I will thank you, *LORD, *with all my *heart.<br/>I will sing your *praises in front of the (false) gods.


text:
I will fall down before (you in) your *holy *temple.<br/>I will give thanks to *your name for your kind love that never fails.<br/>(Also we will give thanks,) because you have lifted your name and your word above everything else.


text:
All the kings in the world will thank you, *LORD.<br/>They have heard the promises that you have made.<br/>That is why they will thank you.


text:
The *LORD is high (above the earth).<br/>But he can see what people below him (need).<br/>Also he can see what *proud people are doing.<br/>They are far away (from him) but he can still see them.


text:
You keep me alive when there is trouble all round me.<br/>When my enemy is angry you fight against him.<br/>You save me with your right hand.


text:
The *LORD will do for me everything that he has promised.<br/>*LORD, your kind love will always continue.<br/>Finish the work of your hands.


text:
You know when I sit down.<br/>And you know when I get up.<br/>You understand what I am thinking about (even when you are) far away.


text:
You see when I go (somewhere).<br/>And you see when I stay (at home).<br/>You remember everything that I do!


text:
What you know (about me) is *wonderful.<br/>I cannot understand it.<br/>It is so high that I cannot climb up to it.


text:
If I went:<br/>· to where the sun rises (in the east)<br/>· to the other side of the sea (in the west)


text:
If I say:<br/>· I am sure that *darkness will hide me<br/>· or, the light round me will change into night,


text:
*darkness and light are the same to you!<br/>*Darkness is not dark to you.<br/>The night shines as bright as the day (to you).


text:
I *praise you for the *mysterious and *wonderful way that you made me.<br/>I know very well that everything that you made is *wonderful.


text:
(Nothing) hid my body from you when I was growing in a secret place.<br/>This happened deep in the earth.


text:
Your eyes saw my body growing.<br/>Before I had lived one day, you wrote in your book how long I should live for!


text:
If I could count them all, there would be more than the *grains of sand (by the side of the sea).<br/>I would have to live (as long) as you to count them all!


text:
God, I hope that you will kill the *wicked (people)!<br/>And go away from me you *men of blood (murderers).


text:
Their *tongues are as sharp as a snake’s *tongue.<br/>The poison of vipers (a kind of snake) is on their lips. *SELAH


text:
Keep me, *LORD, (away) from *the hands of *evil people.<br/>Do not let people that love to fight hurt me.<br/>They want my feet to *trip over!


text:
*Proud people have hidden a *trap for me.<br/>They have put their *nets (where I cannot see them).<br/>They have put *snares along my path. *SELAH


text:
*LORD, do not let *evil people do what they want (to do).<br/>They will become *proud if their plans do well. *SELAH


text:
Drop burning *coals on them! Throw (these people) into the fire!<br/>(Put them) in holes full of wet mud (dirt and water) so they cannot get out!


text:
Do not let these *slanderers live in the land (of Israel)!<br/>Make *evil follow these people that love to attack (other people).


text:
I know that the *LORD will be fair to poor people.<br/>He will also fight (to help) people *in need.


text:
I am sure that *righteous people will *praise *your name.<br/>Good people will always live near you.


text:
When I pray to you it will be like *incense.<br/>When I raise my hands (to you) it will be like an evening *prayer.


text:
Stop me wanting to do what is wrong.<br/>Do not let me go with *evil people to do what is wrong.<br/>Do not let me eat in their *feasts.


text:
If a good man hits me, he is being kind (to me).<br/>If he is angry with me, it is like *oil on my head.<br/>I will not say "no" to it.<br/>I am always praying against what bad people do.


text:
They will throw their rulers down from the rocks on the sides of the hills.<br/>Then they will know that my words were true.


text:
(They will say) "as people break the earth (to plant seeds), so they will throw our bones down to *Sheol’.


text:
But *LORD, my eyes are looking to you, (my) *Lord.<br/>I am hoping that you will give me help.<br/>Do not let (people) kill me.


text:
Keep me (away) from the *snares they have put (to catch) me.<br/>(Keep me away) from the *traps that *evil (people) have hidden for me.


text:
I pray that their own *nets will catch these *evil (people).<br/>And I pray that I will be safe as I pass (the *nets).


text:
Sometimes I do not feel brave.<br/>Then you (*LORD) know what I should do.<br/>In the path where I walk (my enemies) have hidden a *trap for me.


text:
Look round me and see.<br/>No (friend) sees that I am here.<br/>There is no safe place for me to go to.<br/>Nobody cares about me.


text:
I am praying to you, *LORD.<br/>You are my safe place (where I can go).<br/>You are all that I need in this life.


text:
Listen to me as I cry (to you).<br/>I have a very great need.<br/>Make me safe from the people that follow me (to hurt me).<br/>You make me safe because they are too strong for me.


text:
Take me out of this prison so that I can *praise *your name.<br/>Then *righteous people will come to me because you are so kind to me.


text:
*LORD, hear my *prayer.<br/>Listen to me when I ask you for help.<br/>Answer me, because you are a loving and fair (God).


text:
An enemy is following me.<br/>He is trying to kill me.<br/>He wants to put me in a dark place, like (people) who have been dead for a long time.


text:
I remember (what happened) many years ago.<br/>I think about all that you did.<br/>Also, I see in my mind all that your hands have done.


text:
Answer me soon, *LORD. I am losing hope.<br/>Do not hide your face from me.<br/>(If you do) I will be as those (people) that go down into the *Pit.


text:
I want to hear news of your kind love in the morning.<br/>(This is) because I am *trusting in you.<br/>Show me what I should do.<br/>Show me because I have asked you (to show me).


text:
Teach me what you want me to do.<br/>Teach me because you are my God.<br/>Your *spirit is good.<br/>It will lead me to ground that is flat.


text:
Save my life, *LORD, because of your (great) name.<br/>Bring me out of trouble, because you are *righteous.


text:
Because you love me, kill my enemies.<br/>And destroy the people that fight against me.<br/>(Do this) because I am your servant.


text:
*LORD, I *bless you! You are my Rock!<br/>You prepared my hands for war.<br/>You taught my fingers to fight.


text:
You give me your kind love.<br/>You are my *fortress.<br/>You are like a strong place that you can take me to.<br/>You are a *shield that keeps me safe.<br/>You make my people obey me.


text:
*LORD, open your *heavens and come down (to earth).<br/>Touch the mountains so that they give out smoke.


text:
Put your hand down from high (in the *heavens).<br/>Take me from the dangerous waters.<br/>Make me safe from the hands of foreign people.


text:
Make me safe from the hands of foreign people.<br/>Their mouths speak lies.<br/>Even when they make a promise, they are saying a *lie.


text:
I pray that, when they are young, our sons will be like strong plants.<br/>(I pray that) our daughters will be beautiful, like parts of the wall of a great house.


text:
(I pray that you, *LORD,) will fill the places where we store many different foods.<br/>(I pray that) our sheep will have thousands of young sheep.<br/>Then there will be tens of thousands of them in our fields.


text:
(I pray that) our cows will have good health.<br/>(I pray that) none of them will be sick or have *abortions.<br/>(I pray that) none of them will cry aloud in our fields.


text:
If this happens, then (God has) *blessed our people.<br/>If the *LORD is their God, then (God) will *bless people.


text:
Clearly the *LORD is great and we can never *praise him enough.<br/>We will never know how great he really is!


text:
Down from father to son people will say what *wonderful things you have done.<br/>They will tell each other how powerful you are.


text:
Everyone is talking about your *glory and your *beauty.<br/>I will keep thinking about the *wonderful things that you do.


text:
Famous are the things that you have done. People talk about them.<br/>I also will say what great things you do.


text:
How full of *grace and *mercy is the *LORD.<br/>He is slow to become angry and is full of kind love.


text:
Joining together, everything that you have made will *praise you, *LORD.<br/>Your *saints will *bless you!


text:
Let everybody know the powerful things that you have done; and the *glory and *beauty of your *kingdom.


text:
Many years, even for always, will your *kingdom remain.<br/>You will always rule over it.<br/> Now the *LORD will do as he has promised.<br/>All that he does shows his *mercy.


text:
Out of trouble the *LORD will bring everybody.<br/>He will give help to everyone that has fallen down.


text:
The *LORD is near to all that pray to him.<br/>He is near to all that are honest when they pray to him.


text:
Very soon he will give what they need to those that love him.<br/>He will hear what they say and save them.


text:
You will hear me speak the *praises of the *LORD.<br/>All that he has made will *bless his *holy name.


text:
The person that receives help from the God of Jacob is very happy.<br/>(That person) hopes (for help) from the *LORD their God.


text:
(The *LORD) made the skies and the earth, the sea and everything that is in them.<br/>He always does what he has promised (to do).


text:
He gives help to people that are *oppressed.<br/>He gives food to the hungry.<br/>He makes people free that are in a prison.


text:
The *LORD makes *blind people see again.<br/>The *LORD lifts up people that have fallen down (because they carried heavy things).<br/>The *LORD loves people that are *righteous.


text:
The *LORD *protects strangers living in our land, the children with no fathers and the *widows.<br/>But he does not *protect *wicked people.


text:
*Hallelujah!<br/>It is good to sing *praises to our God.<br/>And it is *pleasant and right to *praise him.


text:
He puts clouds into the sky.<br/>He sends rain to the earth.<br/>He makes the grass grow on the hills.


text:
He has no pleasure because a horse is so strong, nor in the legs of a man (who is riding the horse).


text:
(Instead) the *LORD becomes pleased by people who are *in awe of him.<br/>They *trust in his kind love.


text:
He covers (the earth) with snow like a (white) blanket.<br/>He puts *frost everywhere like ashes (that the wind blows).


text:
(Then) he sends his word and the ice changes into water.<br/>He makes the wind blow and the water moves.


text:
*Praise the *LORD from the earth:<br/>· sea *monsters and all deep waters,<br/>· fire and *hail,<br/>· snow and clouds,<br/>· wind and storm obeying his *commands,<br/>· mountains and all hills,<br/>· fruit trees and all forests,<br/>· wild animals and farm animals,<br/>· *reptiles and flying birds.


text:
*Praise the name of the *LORD:<br/>· kings of the earth and every country,<br/>· *princes and all rulers on earth,<br/>· young men and young girls,<br/>· old men and children.


text:
He has made his people strong.<br/>So all the people that have accepted his kind love will *praise him.<br/>They are the people of Israel who are near to him.<br/>*Hallelujah!


text:
(People of) Israel, be very happy because (God) made you.<br/>Sons of Zion, be very happy because he is your king.


text:
(When they do this) his people will give the *LORD pleasure.<br/>He gives help to those who will take it.<br/>He does this so that they can beat (their enemies).


text:
His people will be very happy because he has made them feel important.<br/>They will sing (all night) on their beds because they are so happy.


text:
The *praises of God will always be in their mouths.<br/>Also, *swords with two edges will be in their hands.


text:
(They must):<br/>· bring (God’s) *vengeance on (foreign) countries;<br/>· *punish people (that do not obey God);<br/>· lock their kings (in prison);<br/>· put their leaders in *chains of iron;<br/>· do whatever (God) decided should happen to them.<br/>This is how (God will make) his people feel important.<br/>*Hallelujah!


text:
*Hallelujah!<br/>Shout, "You are the best" to God the *LORD.<br/>Do it in his *temple. Do it in the skies.


text:
Shout, "You are the best" to him because he is very strong.<br/>Shout, "You are the best" to him because he is very powerful.


text:
Here are the <i>proverbs</i> that will make you <i>wise</i>. They will help you to understand good messages even when they are difficult.


text:
They can help you to understand life. They can teach you how to live a good <i>honest</i> life. And they can teach you how to be fair to everyone.


text:
They can cause a person who knows nothing to become clever. And they teach young people what they should know. And they teach them the right way to live.


text:
These <i>proverbs</i> can even make <i>wise</i> people more <i>wise</i>. And to those who love to learn, they can give help to know more.


text:
In that way, they can understand the thoughts that <i>wise</i> men have hidden in their <i>proverbs</i> and in their words. <n>Good words for young people</n>


text:
You must be afraid of the <i>Lord</i>, even before you begin to learn anything. People who are <i>fools</i> do not listen to <i>wise</i> words. They refuse to learn them.


text:
A circle of leaves round your head and a <i>chain</i> round your neck make you more beautiful. In the same way, what your father and mother teach you will make you a better person.


text:
They may say, ‘Come with us. We will find someone to kill. We will attack people who have not done anything wrong.


text:
This is the end of everyone who will kill people to take things from them. That person will die himself as a result. <n>Someone <i>wise</i> is shouting</n>


text:
Listen! Someone <i>wise</i> is shouting in the streets. She is speaking loudly in the market places.


text:
‘Some silly people enjoy being silly. Some people enjoy <i>laughing</i> at those who want to learn. And <i>fools</i> refuse to listen to <i>wise</i> words. All of those people should stop doing those things.


text:
I shouted to you and I asked you to come. But you refused to come. Nobody listened to what I was saying.


text:
You refused to listen to my <i>wise</i> words. I told you that you were wrong. But you did not want to hear.


text:
So, when you are in trouble, I will <i>laugh</i> at you. When you are afraid, I will <i>laugh</i> at you.


text:
You may be afraid as if you were in a storm. Your troubles may be dangerous like a very strong wind. Pain and problems may happen to you.


text:
Then you will shout to me, but I will not answer. You will look for me everywhere, but you will not find me.


text:
You have never liked to hear <i>wise</i> words and you have always refused to be afraid of the <i>Lord</i>.


text:
You have never wanted to listen to my <i>wise</i> words. I told you that you were wrong. But you thought that my words were not important.


text:
So now other people will <i>punish</i> you. And everything that you do will make life very difficult for you.


text:
Silly people and <i>fools</i> love only themselves. They will die when they do not listen to <i>wise</i> words.


text:
But whoever listens to me will live safely. And so he will be really quiet. And he will not be afraid of bad things that might happen to him.’


text:
Look for <i>wisdom</i> as you would look for <i>silver</i>. Look for it as for valuable stones that someone has hidden under the ground.


text:
It is the <i>Lord</i> who says <i>wise</i> words. He helps us to understand the things that are too difficult for us. He helps us to know what we need to know.


text:
Listen to me. So you will know what is right. You will know what are true and fair words. You will know what you should do.


text:
Your good thoughts and the things that you understand will help you. They will be like someone who is watching over you to keep you safe.


text:
Those people are like people who leave the straight paths. They are like people who walk in dark ways.


text:
An <i>adulteress</i> may say nice things to you. But she will be trying to cause you to do the wrong thing. But, if you have listened to <i>wise</i> words, your mind will be strong. And so you will be safe from that woman.


text:
She leaves her own husband. And she forgets the promises that she said to God at the time of her marriage.


text:
If you go to her house, you will travel the road to death. Her paths will lead to where dead people are.


text:
But God will remove the bad people from this country. He will pull <i>sinners</i> out like plants from the ground.


text:
Do not let love go, and always do right things. Keep them like valuable stones round your neck and never forget them.


text:
Remember the <i>Lord</i> in everything that you do. If you do, he will show you the right way to go.


text:
Do not think about yourself as <i>wiser</i> than you really are. Be afraid of the <i>Lord</i> and refuse to do wrong things.


text:
If you do, it will be like good medicine. It will be like medicine that makes your body well. And it will be like something that makes your bones strong.


text:
If you do, you will not have enough places to store everything from your farm. And you will have more <i>wine</i> than you can keep.


text:
My son, the <i>Lord</i> will sometimes <i>punish</i> you. And he will sometimes tell you that you have done wrong things. Do not be angry when he does. And, when the <i>Lord</i> wants you to change something, obey him.


text:
A father may be happy that his son is doing good things. But he will tell him if his son has done something wrong. The <i>Lord</i> will do the same to the people that he loves.


text:
It is better to be <i>wise</i> than to have very valuable stones. Nothing that you want could have more value.


text:
If you are <i>wise</i>, you will have a long life. And you will have money, and people will call you a great person.


text:
The <i>Lord</i>, who is <i>wise</i>, made all the earth. And by <i>wisdom</i> he put the sky where it is.


text:
The <i>Lord</i> who is <i>wise</i>, <i>created</i> the rivers and the clouds to give rain to the earth.


text:
My son, remember my <i>wise</i> words and do not lose your <i>wisdom</i>. Always be <i>wise</i> when you are choosing what to do.


text:
Bad things happen to bad men. But you will not have to be afraid about bad things that might surprise you.


text:
You will be able to <i>trust</i> the <i>Lord</i>. He will not let you fall into a hole that bad men have dug.


text:
Do not quarrel with other people for no good reason when they have never done anything wrong to you.


text:
The <i>Lord</i> will cause bad things to happen to the homes of bad people. But he does good things to the homes of good people.


text:
The <i>Lord laughs</i> at people who <i>laugh</i> at other people. But he is kind to people who have problems.


text:
my father taught me. He said, <n>‘Remember what I say. And never forget it. Obey my words. If you do, you will live.


text:
Look for words that are <i>wise</i>. Look for <i>wisdom</i>! Do not forget my words and do not turn your ear away from them.


text:
If you obey my <i>wise</i> words, they will keep you from trouble. If you love them, they will keep you safe.


text:
To learn <i>wise</i> words is the most important thing that you can do. Whatever else you get, get <i>wisdom</i>.


text:
If you love <i>wise</i> words, they will make you great. Remember that <i>wise</i> words are important. If you do, it will cause people to speak well about you.


text:
Always remember what you have learnt. Do not forget it. The things that you have learnt will give you <i>life</i>. So keep them well.


text:
Bad people cannot sleep unless they have done something wrong. They lie awake unless they have caused someone to fall.


text:
But the road that good people travel along is like the sunrise. It gets brighter and brighter until it is really day.


text:
But the road of bad people is as dark as night. They fall. But they cannot see what has caused them to fall.


text:
They will give <i>life</i> to anyone who understands them. And they will give health to their whole body.


text:
If you do, you will always choose to do the right thing. And your words will show that you are <i>wise</i>.


text:
The lips of the wife of another man will be as sweet as <i>honey</i>. Her kisses will be as soft as <i>oil</i>.


text:
But in the end, she gives you something that is like a <i>bitter</i> food. It is like a very sharp <i>sword</i>. And you will be sad and angry.


text:
She does not think about the way to <i>life</i> but she walks away. She does not understand what is happening.


text:
If you do, other people will not speak well about you. You will die young because a cruel person will kill you.


text:
You will say, ‘I certainly should have learned. People told me that I was doing the wrong things. But I thought that it was not important.


text:
She is pretty and she is as nice to watch as a young animal. Let her body keep you happy at all times. Always enjoy her love.


text:
The bad things that a bad person does cover him like a <i>net</i>. And his own <i>sin</i> is like <i>ropes</i> that tie him.


text:
He will not let anyone tell him that he is wrong. So he will die. He will be like a <i>fool</i> who goes the wrong way.


text:
So now, you are in the power of that man. Hurry to him and ask him quietly to make you free from your promise.


text:
but they prepare their food during the summer. They get it at the time of <i>harvest</i> to prepare for winter.


text:
They send messages with their eyes, their feet and their fingers. They want people to believe what is false.


text:
They think about how to say what is not true. They decide to do bad things all the time. They cause quarrels everywhere.


text:
Because of this, very bad trouble will happen to them. It will happen quickly and they will not be able to make things better.


text:
· a person who thinks that he is great <br/>· a mouth that speaks false things <br/>· nbsp; hands that kill people that have done nothing wrong <br/>· a mind that decides to do what is wrong <br/>· feet that hurry to do bad things <br/>· a person who gives false reports of what he has seen <br/>· someone who causes trouble among friends. <n>The father tells his son that he should keep away from <i>adulteresses</i></n>


text:
When you walk, they will lead you. When you sleep, they will keep you safe. When you wake up, they will speak to you.


text:
Their rules and what they taught you are like a light. They told you when you did wrong things. And that showed you how to live.


text:
They can keep you away from bad women. An <i>adulteress</i> will say nice things to you. But she wants to cause you to do wrong things.


text:
A <i>prostitute</i> makes a man poor. He can only buy a loaf of bread. She will rob you of your <i>life</i>.


text:
It is like that when a man sleeps with another man’s wife. <i>Punishment</i> will happen to whoever touches her.


text:
But if someone catches him, he must pay back more. He must pay back 7 things for each thing that he took. He must give up everything that he has in his house.


text:
Men will hit him. They will no longer think that he is a good man. They will never forget his <i>shame</i>.


text:
The husband will have bad thoughts about the <i>adulterer</i> and he will be angry with him. He will <i>punish</i> the <i>adulterer</i> very much.


text:
Love <i>wise</i> words in the same way as you love your sister. Love <i>wisdom</i> in the same way as you love your special friend.


text:
<i>Wisdom</i> will keep you away from the bad wives of other men. They will keep you away from the <i>adulteress</i>. She says nice words but they could cause you to <i>sin</i>. <n>The <i>adulteress</i></n>


text:
I saw a group of young men who did not know very much. Among them was a boy who was not <i>wise</i>.


text:
Then she met him. Her clothes were like those that an <i>adulteress</i> wears. And she knew what she wanted to do.


text:
Sometimes she stood in the streets and sometimes she stood in the market place. She waited at the corners of the streets.


text:
She said, ‘I have meat from the <i>sacrifices</i> that I made today. Today I have given what I promised to God.


text:
She tried to cause him to <i>sin</i> with her many words of love. She said very nice things to him. So he did everything that she wanted.


text:
Immediately he followed her like an <i>ox</i> that men kill for food. He was like a fool that people tie with <i>chains</i> to <i>punish</i> him.


text:
Then they kill that man with sharp sticks. He was like a bird that hurries into a <i>net</i>. He did not know that this could be the end of his life.


text:
Listen. You should be able to hear the <i>wise</i> words. <i>Wisdom</i> is like a woman who is causing people to hear her.


text:
You will hear these words high on the hills along the way. You will hear these words where the paths meet.


text:
Next to the gates that go into the city, you will hear these words. Someone will be shouting them aloud at the doors where you go in.


text:
Everything that I say is true. None of my words are false. They do not turn people on to the wrong path.


text:
<i>Wise</i> words are clear to people who understand. <i>Wise</i> words are easy to understand for people who want to learn.


text:
I, <i>wisdom</i>, am like a woman who lives with careful people. She knows many important things. And she knows when to speak.


text:
Those who are afraid of the <i>Lord hate</i> wrong things. Some people think that they are great. They think of themselves as better than they really are. And they say false things. I do not like those people.


text:
I help rulers to rule. And I help officers who work for the king. I help all the fair <i>judges</i> in the world to do their work.


text:
I make people rich and great. I help people not to waste their money. And I help them to do the right things.


text:
What you get from me is better than gold. It is better even than the best gold. It is better than the best <i>silver</i>.


text:
I was there when he put the clouds in the sky. I was there when he opened the streams of waters in the sea.


text:
He said how high the waters of the sea should rise. They must not rise any higher than what he said. I was there when he <i>created</i> the earth.


text:
I was next to him and I was a help to him every day. I gave him pleasure always. I was happy to be with him.


text:
Leave the ways of <i>fools</i>. If you do, you will continue to live. Do what <i>wise</i> people do.’


text:
Some people think that they are great. You may tell them that they should not say bad words. But they will say bad things about you. Do not tell a bad man that he is wrong. If you do, he will attack you.


text:
Do not tell these people that they are wrong. If you do, they will <i>hate</i> you. You can tell a <i>wise</i> man that he is wrong. If you do, he will love you.


text:
Anything that you say to <i>wise</i> men will cause them to be more <i>wise</i>. Good men will learn whatever you tell them.


text:
To be afraid of the <i>Lord</i> is the beginning of <i>wisdom</i>. If you know the <i>Holy</i> God you will be <i>wise</i>.


text:
If you are <i>wise</i>, you will receive good things. But you may think that <i>wise</i> words are not important. If you do, bad things will happen to you.


text:
Some women are not <i>wise</i>. They make a lot of noise. They do not know anything. They are like a woman who is not ashamed.


text:
That kind of woman sits at the door of her house. Or she may have a seat at the highest part of the city.


text:
She shouts out to people when they pass by. She shouts to those who want to go straight on their way.


text:
‘Anyone who is silly should come in here’, she says. And she says to any man who has no <i>wisdom</i>,


text:
‘Water that someone did not get <i>honestly</i> seems better to drink. Food that someone eats secretly seems better to eat.’


text:
These are the <i>proverbs</i> of Solomon. <n>A <i>wise</i> son makes his father happy. A <i>fool</i> makes his mother a sad woman.


text:
If you are not <i>honest</i>, your money will not help you. But you should live in the way that God wants you to live. If you do that, it will save you from death.


text:
The <i>Lord</i> will not let <i>honest</i> people be hungry. But he will not let bad people get what they want.


text:
The man who cuts the plants in his field in the summer is a <i>wise</i> son. But another man sleeps when it is time to work in the field. That man causes his father to be ashamed.


text:
God will do many good things for people who live good lives. The words of bad people hide the fact that they are very angry.


text:
<i>Wise</i> people listen to <i>wise</i> rules. But a <i>fool</i> who talks too much will destroy himself.


text:
Someone who does not speak true words causes trouble. But a <i>fool</i> who talks too much will destroy himself.


text:
The words of a good man are like the water that gives <i>life</i>. But the words of bad people hide the fact that they are very angry.


text:
<i>Wise</i> people get all the <i>wisdom</i> that they can. But when <i>fools</i> speak, trouble is near.


text:
The money that good people receive for their work keeps them alive. But what bad people receive is <i>punishment</i>.


text:
People may tell a man that he is wrong. If he listens, he will live. But the man who refuses to listen is making a big mistake.


text:
Some people say what is not true. They hide the fact that they <i>hate</i> other people. Anyone who says false things about other people is a <i>fool</i>.


text:
The more you talk, the more possible it is for you to <i>sin</i>. If you are <i>wise</i>, you will keep quiet.


text:
The words of a good person are like the best <i>silver</i>. The ideas of a bad person have no value.


text:
The words of a good person will help many people. But you can kill yourself if you are not <i>wise</i>.


text:
Do not send a lazy person with a message. He will be like bad <i>wine</i> to your teeth, or like smoke to your eyes.


text:
Good people speak <i>wise</i> words. But the <i>Lord</i> will take away the <i>tongue</i> that speaks bad words.


text:
The <i>Lord hates</i> people who do not measure weights <i>honestly</i>. He is happy when they measure things <i>honestly</i>.


text:
Some people think that they are great. But they will really be ashamed. But people who do not think like that speak <i>wise</i> words.


text:
Good people are <i>honest</i>. So they will always know what is the right thing to do. Bad people say things that are not true. That will destroy them.


text:
Much money will not help you on the day of your death. But if you are a good person you can save your <i>life</i>.


text:
An <i>honest</i> man walks a straight path. But the bad things that a bad man does will destroy him.


text:
The good things that good men do will keep them safe. But the bad <i>plans</i> of cruel men will cause trouble for them.


text:
A bad man dies. And then what he wants dies with him. All that he wanted from his power becomes nothing.


text:
People without God can destroy you by the way that they talk. But <i>wise</i> words keep good people safe.


text:
When good men do well, people in the city will be happy. Also, people will be happy when bad men die. The people will shout because they are happy.


text:
A silly man thinks that the people near to him are not important. But a man who is <i>wise</i> will not speak.


text:
If a man talks too much, he tells people secrets. You can tell your secret to a man who is <i>wise</i>. He will keep it secret.


text:
The people in a country will fall if it has no <i>wise</i> men to lead it. But the words of many <i>wise</i> men make the country safe.


text:
If you promise to pay the debt of a stranger, you will be sorry. If you do not promise things like that, you will be safe.


text:
The money that bad men get because of their work will not do any good thing on their behalf. But the man who does the right things will receive good things.


text:
The <i>Lord hates</i> people who make <i>plans</i> to do bad things. But he loves those people who always do the right thing.


text:
Be sure about this: The <i>Lord</i> will <i>punish</i> bad people but he will save the children of good people.


text:
A beautiful woman may refuse to know what is good. A woman like that is like a gold ring in a pig’s nose.


text:
What good people want always causes good things to happen. Bad people may get what they want. But then God will <i>punish</i> them.


text:
One man gives away his money and he gets even more. Another man refuses to pay his servants for what they have done. And he becomes poor.


text:
A man may want to keep the seeds that people can eat from the plants in his field. People will speak bad words against him if he is waiting to get more money. But they will say good things if he sells those seeds to them.


text:
The man who looks for good things will be very happy. But the man who looks for trouble will get trouble.


text:
A man may think that his money will save him. But he will fall like the leaves in autumn. But the good man will not fall. His valuable things will be like the green leaves in summer.


text:
The man who causes trouble for his family will have nothing in the end. And the <i>fool</i> will always be the servant of the <i>wise</i> man.


text:
The man who decides to do good things lives a really good life. The man who wins <i>souls</i> is <i>wise</i>.


text:
Men who are good receive many good things. You can be sure that bad men will receive <i>punishment</i>.


text:
Some people like to know things. And they want to know when they are wrong. But <i>fools</i> do not want to know when they are wrong. They <i>hate</i> it when someone tells this to them.


text:
Good people give pleasure to the <i>Lord</i>. But he <i>punishes</i> those who make <i>plans</i> to do bad things.


text:
A good wife gives pleasure to her husband and she makes him happy. But a bad wife makes her husband ashamed. She causes him to be like a man who has weak bones.


text:
The <i>plans</i> of <i>honest</i> people are fair. But bad people only want you to believe the false things that they say.


text:
A man may let people think that he is important. But this same man may not have enough food to eat. It is bad to be a man like that. People may think that another man is not important. But, if that man has a servant, it is better to be a man like that.


text:
When you say all things well, you will get many good things. And when you do all things well, people will give you many good things.


text:
A <i>fool</i> lets people know when he is angry. But it is not easy to make a <i>wise</i> man angry.


text:
You can believe a man who usually speaks true words. But you cannot believe a man who speaks <i>lies</i>.


text:
Those people who are bad decide to do bad things. But those people who help other people to live without trouble will be happy.


text:
The <i>Lord hates</i> people who speak false words. But it gives him pleasure when people are fair to other people.


text:
A good man is like a guide to his friend. But bad people are like someone who has gone on to the wrong path.


text:
The lazy man does not cook the animals that he caught. But another man works well. His good things are very important to him.


text:
A <i>wise</i> son listens to the words of his father. And he does what his father says. But a silly person refuses to listen to anyone. Someone may tell him that he is doing wrong things. But he thinks that it is not important. He laughs about it.


text:
The man who is careful with his words keeps his <i>life</i> safe. But the man who is careless with his words destroys himself.


text:
A lazy person may want something, but he will not get it. A person who does a lot of work will receive many good things.


text:
<i>Honest</i> people <i>hate</i> to speak false words. But the words of bad people make them ashamed. And nobody likes those people.


text:
When good people do right things, it keeps them safe. But when <i>sinners</i> do bad things, it causes them trouble.


text:
Some people want other people to think that they are rich. But really, they have nothing. Other people want people to think that they are poor. But really, they have a lot of money.


text:
A rich man must use his money to save his <i>life</i>. But a poor man has no reason to think that he might lose his <i>life</i>.


text:
A man may think that he is great. But he only causes quarrels. But the man who listens to good words is <i>wise</i>.


text:
If you have not received your money in an <i>honest</i> way, you will lose it. The man who works to get his money slowly sees it grow.


text:
Someone may not receive what he hopes for. So he is very sad. But he may get what he wants. If he does, he is very happy.


text:
Do not refuse to listen to <i>wise</i> words. If you do, trouble will destroy you. If you obey <i>wise</i> words, good things will happen to you.


text:
The words of <i>wise</i> men are like the water that gives <i>life</i>. They will help you when you might lose your <i>life</i>.


text:
People like anyone who speaks <i>wise</i> words. But the person that you cannot <i>trust</i> will be in trouble in the end.


text:
A bad man brings a message and he causes trouble to himself. But you can <i>trust</i> other people to take a message. And they cause you to feel better.


text:
If a man refuses to learn he will be poor. He seems like a <i>fool</i>. But you may tell another man that he is doing wrong things. And he may listen to you. He may think that your words are important. People will think that he is a great man.


text:
The man who has <i>wise</i> friends will be <i>wise</i>. The man who has silly friends will be in trouble in the end.


text:
When a good man dies, his grandchildren get his money. But a <i>sinner</i>’s money will go to those who are good.


text:
If you do not <i>punish</i> your son, you do not love him. If you do love him, you will <i>punish</i> him.


text:
An <i>honest</i> man is afraid of the <i>Lord</i>. But some men are not <i>honest</i>. A man like that thinks that the <i>Lord</i> is not important.


text:
<i>Fools</i> think that they are great. So, they talk too much. But the words of <i>wise</i> men keep them from what is bad.


text:
When a farmer has no <i>oxen</i>, his building will be clean. But if he has <i>oxen</i>, his building will be full of seeds from his farm.


text:
An <i>honest</i> person always speaks true words about what he has seen. But a bad person always speaks false words about what he has seen.


text:
Some people laugh about <i>wise</i> words. They would like to become <i>wise</i> but they cannot. But <i>wise</i> people learn easily.


text:
A clever person knows what to do. So he is <i>wise</i>. But a silly person is a <i>fool</i>. He only thinks that he knows what to do.


text:
Silly people are not sorry when they <i>sin</i>. They laugh about it. But everyone likes good people.


text:
When you are happy, you yourself are happy. When you are sad, you yourself are sad. Nobody else is happy or sad with you.


text:
A man who was good may now be bad. A man like that receives a lot of bad things. But a good man receives a lot of good things.


text:
A <i>wise</i> man is careful to stay out of trouble. But a silly man is careless and he does things too quickly.


text:
Bad people must bend their knees to good people. And they must ask the good people to be kind to them.


text:
A man may think that he is better than those near to him. A man like that is a <i>sinner</i>. But God does good things on behalf of a man who is kind to poor people.


text:
People who try to do bad things make a mistake. But those who do good things for other people will find love and <i>honest</i> friends.


text:
To a <i>wise</i> man, money is like what a king wears on his head. But a <i>fool</i> does not have anything like that.


text:
Someone may speak true words about what he has seen. If he does, he will keep <i>lives</i> safe. But when a man speaks false words, he causes people to believe false things.


text:
To be afraid of the <i>Lord</i> is like the water that gives <i>life</i>. It keeps a man safe, even from death.


text:
A mind that does not have trouble causes the body to be well. But when someone thinks bad thoughts about other people, he becomes sick.


text:
A man may be cruel to poor people. But really he thinks bad things about God who <i>created</i> them. But whoever is kind to poor people <i>worships</i> God.


text:
<i>Wise</i> people think <i>wise</i> thoughts. But <i>fools</i> show everyone that they know nothing about <i>wise</i> thoughts.


text:
A <i>wise</i> servant gives the king pleasure. But the king is angry with the servant who causes <i>shame</i>.


text:
When <i>wise</i> people speak, other people want to learn from them. But <i>fools</i> say many silly things.


text:
The <i>Lord</i> sees what happens everywhere. He is watching everyone - whether they are good or bad.


text:
A <i>fool hates</i> his father’s rules and <i>punishment</i>. But a <i>wise</i> son listens to him and learns.


text:
Good people have many valuable things in their house. But the valuable things of bad people cause them trouble.


text:
The <i>Lord hates</i> the animals that bad people give to him. But it gives pleasure to the <i>Lord</i> when good people pray.


text:
If you do wrong things, you will receive <i>punishment</i>. Someone may tell you that you are doing wrong things. If you <i>hate</i> that, you will die.


text:
Death and the things that destroy people lie open in front of the <i>Lord</i>. Even more open to him are the secret thoughts of men.


text:
Some people laugh about <i>wise</i> words. A man like that does not love someone who says to him, ‘You are doing wrong things.’ He will not go to <i>wise</i> people.


text:
When people are happy, they smile. But when they feel sad inside themselves, their <i>spirit</i> is in trouble. They seem to lose their love of <i>life</i>.


text:
It is good to eat vegetables with people that you love. That is better than to eat good meat with people who <i>hate</i> you.


text:
If you are lazy, you will find difficulty everywhere. But if you are <i>honest</i>, everything will be easy.


text:
Good ideas become like nothing without the <i>wise</i> words of many people to help. But if you listen to those <i>wise</i> words, you will win.


text:
The <i>Lord</i> will destroy the homes of bad men. But he keeps valuable things safe on behalf of women without husbands.


text:
A man may want to get a lot of money in ways that are not <i>honest</i>. A man like that causes trouble for his family. But a man who refuses to speak false words for money will keep himself alive.


text:
You can tell some men that they have done wrong things. Your words could save their <i>life</i>. If they listen to you, they will live among <i>wise</i> men.


text:
Some men <i>hate punishment</i>. But a man like that really thinks that his own <i>life</i> is not important. But another man wants to learn and he obeys <i>wise</i> words. That man becomes <i>wise</i>.


text:
When a man is afraid of the <i>Lord</i>, it teaches him to be <i>wise</i>. And some people do not think that they are great. But other people will say that they are great.


text:
Whatever you do may be right in your own mind. But the <i>Lord</i> knows why a man wants to do things.


text:
The <i>Lord</i> has <i>created</i> everything for his purpose. And the purpose of bad people is death.


text:
Some people think that they are great. The <i>Lord hates</i> them and he will <i>punish</i> them always.


text:
God will cover your <i>sins</i> if you are kind and <i>honest</i>. And if you are afraid of the <i>Lord</i>, you will turn away from bad things.


text:
When you give pleasure to the <i>Lord</i>, God will make even your <i>enemies</i> into your friends.


text:
The <i>Lord</i> wants people to be <i>honest</i> when they weigh anything. And he wants people to be <i>honest</i> when they measure anything. He wants those people who sell things to be fair.


text:
It is better to become <i>wise</i> than to get gold. It is better than to have a lot of <i>silver</i>.


text:
A good man keeps away from what is bad. So watch where you are going. It may keep your <i>life</i> safe.


text:
A man may think that he is great. He will really destroy himself in the end. A man may think that he is better than everyone else. A man like that will soon fall.


text:
A man may think that he is great. So he robs other people. You should not receive any of those things when he gives them out. It is better not to have those things and to live among poor people. It is better to think that you are not important.


text:
A <i>wise</i> man understands many things. So people call him a clever man. It is easy to learn when the words are nice.


text:
For a <i>wise</i> man, <i>wisdom</i> is like the water that gives <i>life</i>. But <i>fools</i> cause their own <i>punishment</i> because they are silly.


text:
A cruel man causes those near to him to believe false things. And he causes them to do wrong things.


text:
A man may close one eye when he looks at you. Or he may move his lips in a strange way. Be careful, because he may be thinking about something bad.


text:
Long life is a gift to good people. Grey hair is like the beautiful thing that kings wear on their heads.


text:
A patient man does not become angry quickly. He is better than a strong man. A man like that is better than a soldier who beats the enemies in a city.


text:
You may have to eat a bit of dry bread. But to eat it with a quiet mind is better than to eat plenty in a house full of quarrels.


text:
A <i>wise</i> servant will rule over a son that makes his father ashamed. He will receive part of the valuable things of his master when his master dies.


text:
Fire will show how good gold and <i>silver</i> are. In the same way, the <i>Lord</i> shows what a man is like.


text:
You should not say things that are not kind about poor people. If you do, you are not speaking well about God. You should not be happy when trouble has happened to someone. If you are, God will <i>punish</i> you.


text:
Grandparents enjoy their grandchildren. In the same way, children think that their parents are great.


text:
It does not seem right when a <i>fool</i> speaks very good words. It seems even worse when a ruler does not speak true things.


text:
People may do bad things to you. If you want them to love you, do not remember those bad things. Remember that those bad things can cause a quarrel among very good friends.


text:
You can tell a <i>wise</i> man that he has done something wrong. He will learn from that, but a <i>fool</i> learns nothing. He will not learn, even if someone hits him 100 times.


text:
When someone takes a young animal away from its mother, the mother is very angry. But it is better to meet this mother animal than to meet a <i>fool</i> who is doing silly things.


text:
Do not give bad things for what is good. If you do, bad things will always happen to you and to your family.


text:
People may let a man be free when he has done wrong things. Or they may <i>punish</i> a man who has not done anything wrong. The <i>Lord hates</i> it when people do those things.


text:
A man who loves a quarrel really loves <i>sin</i>. And a man may think of himself as great because of what he does. Or he may build a better house than he has money for. But he is really causing trouble for himself in the end.


text:
It is not good to <i>punish</i> a man who has done nothing wrong. And it is not good to hit officers because they have been <i>honest</i>.


text:
A <i>wise</i> man is careful with the words that he uses. A man who is <i>wise</i> always keeps quiet.


text:
Even a <i>fool</i> seems to be <i>wise</i> if he keeps quiet. He should keep his mouth shut. So people will think that he is <i>wise</i>.


text:
People who are not friendly with other people think only about themselves. They will refuse to listen to what everyone else knows to be right.


text:
You should not refuse to <i>punish</i> bad people. That would not be good. But do not <i>punish</i> people who have not done anything wrong.


text:
When a <i>fool</i> speaks, he causes trouble for himself. He cannot <i>escape</i> from the results of his own <i>lies</i>.


text:
The name of the <i>Lord</i> is like a strong building. Good people can run there and then they will be safe.


text:
Something will happen to destroy a <i>proud</i> man. But people will like a man who is not <i>proud</i>. They will think that he is great.


text:
When a man is sick, his <i>spirit</i> helps him. But nobody can live if his <i>spirit</i> is not strong.


text:
You may make a brother angry. It will be difficult to become friends with him again. It will be more difficult than it would be to beat the people in a strong city. And it is more difficult to stop quarrels than it is to get into a strong building.


text:
Words are able to save <i>life</i> and to cause death. So you must accept the result of what you say.


text:
Some people do silly things and so they destroy themselves. Then they get angry with the <i>Lord</i>.


text:
Rich people are always finding new friends. But poor people only have a few friends. And poor people cannot even keep those friends.


text:
If you tell <i>lies</i> to an officer he will put you in a prison. A man who tells <i>lies</i> will not be a free man.


text:
The family of a poor man does not want to know him. His friends do not want to know him. Even if he shouts to them, he cannot find them.


text:
It is good for a man to learn all that he can. Remember what you learn. If you do, you will get good things.


text:
If you tell <i>lies</i> to an officer he will put you in a prison. A man who tells <i>lies</i> will die.


text:
When the king is angry he makes a noise like a <i>lion</i>. But when he is kind, it is like nice rain.


text:
A father loses all his money when his son is a <i>fool</i>. A woman who quarrels with her husband makes him tired. Her words are like rain that never stops.


text:
When his parents die a man can receive their house and money. But only the <i>Lord</i> can give him a <i>wise</i> wife.


text:
To be kind to a poor man is the same as to give money to the <i>Lord</i>. He will give it back to you.


text:
Do not help an angry man, because he will get into trouble all the time. If you help him, you will have to do it again and again.


text:
If you are afraid of the <i>Lord</i>, you will live a long life. You will be happy and safe from trouble, even while you are asleep.


text:
<i>Punish</i> a <i>fool</i>. So people who do not know any better can learn a lesson. But someone who is <i>wise</i> will learn. He will learn what other people teach him.


text:
The man who robs his father is a bad son. And the man who sends his mother away from his home will make her ashamed.


text:
Son, listen when someone is teaching you. If you do not, you will soon forget their <i>wise</i> words. And you will soon forget what you have already learnt.


text:
When you drink too much alcohol you become loud and silly. And you want to fight people. It is not <i>wise</i> to become a drunk.


text:
An angry <i>lion</i> frightens you, so also should an angry king. If you make him angry, it will cause you to die.


text:
What children do is important. It shows what they are like. And you will know if they are <i>honest</i> and good.


text:
A man may buy something at a good price. But he says that the price is too much. He goes away. Then he likes to say that he was really clever. He was clever because he bought something so cheap.


text:
You should not promise to pay the debts of a stranger. That would be silly. If you do, you might lose your own clothes or your things.


text:
You may eat something that is not yours. It may seem good when you taste it. But soon it will seem like sand.


text:
Ask for help when you do not know what to do. If you do, you will do well. Do not go to war unless you prepare for it. First ask <i>wise</i> people what you should do.


text:
Do not speak bad words to your parents. If you do, you will soon die. Your <i>life</i> will be like a light that goes out in the dark.


text:
A <i>wise</i> king will know who is doing wrong things. He will be angry and he will <i>punish</i> that person very much.


text:
A king will continue to live for as long as he rules <i>honestly</i> and fairly. And he will continue to be king while he does the right things.


text:
The <i>Lord</i> can change the king’s mind. The <i>Lord</i> does what he wants to do. The <i>Lord</i> can change the direction of a stream. In the same way, the <i>Lord</i> can change the thoughts of a king.


text:
Everybody thinks that he always does right things. But it is the <i>Lord</i> who knows your thoughts.


text:
A careful man thinks before he does anything. So he will have plenty. A man may not think before he does anything. That man will become poor.


text:
You may get money because you tell <i>lies</i>. If you do, that money will go soon. But it will cause your death.


text:
A <i>fool</i> laughs about <i>wise</i> words. You should <i>punish</i> that man. That will help to teach the man who is not <i>wise</i>. When you teach a <i>wise</i> man, he will understand more.


text:
The <i>righteous</i> God knows what happens in the homes of bad people. They will become poor because God will make them poor.


text:
Some people refuse to listen when poor people ask for help. So nobody will listen when they ask for help.


text:
The man who loves pleasure will become poor. A man who eats expensive food will never get valuable things. A man who drinks too much alcohol will never get valuable things.


text:
<i>Wise</i> people are rich. And there is good food in their house. But when silly people get money, they waste it immediately.


text:
If you are kind and <i>honest</i>, you will live a long life! Other people will be fair to you. And they will think that you are great.


text:
A <i>wise</i> man attacks the city of strong men. They think that its walls will keep them safe. But the <i>wise</i> man destroys the walls.


text:
A <i>proud</i> person thinks that he is better than other people. He thinks only about himself. And he laughs about <i>wise</i> words.


text:
They think only about what they would like to have. But a good man gives away his money and he does not count the cost.


text:
The <i>Lord</i> will <i>hate sacrifices</i> from bad people. Sometimes they do it because of the wrong reasons. So he <i>hates</i> it even more.


text:
You cannot believe a man who tells <i>lies</i>. And he will die. But a careful man listens before he speaks. You can believe him. And he speaks for all time.


text:
You cannot know anything if the <i>Lord</i> is against it. And you cannot understand anything if the <i>Lord</i> is against it. And you cannot be cleverer than he is.


text:
If you have to choose a good name or lots of money, choose a good name. You should want people to think that you are great. That is better than <i>silver</i> or gold.


text:
A <i>wise</i> man sees the danger and he hides himself. But a man who does not think will walk immediately into danger and <i>punishment</i>.


text:
Do not think that you are important. And be afraid of the <i>Lord</i>. If you do those things, you will get many valuable things. And you will have a long life. And people will say that you are very good.


text:
A bad man who causes trouble for other people will cause trouble for himself. He will no longer have the power to rule over other people.


text:
Send away a man who is too <i>proud</i>. Then there will be nothing to argue about. It will be the end of all quarrels and <i>shame</i>.


text:
Some men love to do what is right in front of the <i>Lord</i>. They speak well to everyone. They will have the king as a friend.


text:
The <i>Lord</i> watches over words that are true. And he does not forget the words of bad men. He does not let them become true.


text:
A lazy man stays in his house. He says, ‘There is a <i>lion</i> outside. It might kill me in the street.’


text:
The mouth of an <i>adulteress</i> is like a deep hole. The <i>Lord</i> is angry with those who fall into it.


text:
A child loves to do silly things. You must hit him when he does wrong things. If you do, he will learn to do right things.


text:
A man may take money from poor people because he hopes to become rich. Another man may give gifts to rich people because he hopes to become rich. But both those men will become poor.


text:
I have written down 30 <i>proverbs</i> for you. They will make you <i>wise</i>. They will give good ideas to you. And they will teach you what is true.


text:
You are stronger than poor people. It is wrong to do cruel things to them. Sometimes, when they bring people to the rulers, those people do not have anybody to speak on their behalf.


text:
The <i>Lord</i> will speak on their behalf. A rich person may try to take everything that poor people have. If he does, the <i>Lord</i> will take away the <i>life</i> of that rich person.


text:
Do not move the old stones that your fathers and their fathers put there. They show the border of your land.


text:
A man can be too careful about his money. His food seems good when you taste it. But do not eat it or want it.


text:
Do not speak <i>wise</i> words to a <i>fool</i>. He will not understand them. And he will think that they are silly.


text:
Never move an old stone that shows the border of someone’s land. Never take the land from children who have neither father nor mother.


text:
Do not be a friend of people who drink too much alcohol. Do not be a friend of people who eat too much.


text:
Listen to your father. You would not be alive without him. Your mother will get old. But do not think that she is not important then.


text:
Buy <i>wise</i> words and do not sell them. They are worth the money. They are too valuable for you to sell. Get <i>wisdom</i>. Learn all that you can.


text:
They take husbands away from their wives. They take men who are not theirs. This happens to more men all the time. <n>


text:
Show to me someone who drinks too much alcohol. And he likes to taste new drinks. Then I will show to you someone who is sad and sorry for himself. He always causes quarrels. He is always saying that something is wrong. His eyes are red. His body has marks where he has hurt himself.


text:
Do not look at <i>wine</i> when it is red. Do not look at it when it shines in the cup. Do not look at it when it goes down easily.


text:
‘They hit me’, he says, ‘but they did not hurt me. They hit me and I do not remember it. I hope that I will wake up soon. I need another drink.’


text:
You must think carefully before you go to war. You can win only if you listen to the words of many <i>wise</i> men.


text:
Any idea that a <i>fool</i> thinks about is a <i>sin</i>. People <i>hate</i> a person who causes other people to seem like <i>fools</i>.


text:
You may see people who are leading a man to his death. Or you may see people who are going to their own death. Then you should save those people.


text:
You may say that you knew nothing about this. But God knows your thoughts. He knows whether they are right or wrong. He always watches you. He will give gifts to you because of what you have done. He will <i>punish</i> you for what you have not done.


text:
In the same way, <i>wise</i> words are good for your <i>life</i>. If you find them, you will have hope for future days. What you hope for will not come to an end.


text:
Some bad people rob <i>honest</i> people. Do not be like them. Do not destroy the homes of <i>honest</i> people.


text:
Trouble might happen 7 times to <i>honest</i> people and they may make mistakes. But in the end, all will be well. But trouble will destroy bad people.


text:
Do not be happy when trouble happens to your <i>enemies</i>. Do not feel happy when they make mistakes.


text:
The <i>Lord</i> will know if you laugh about the troubles of your <i>enemies</i>. He will not like it. Then he might not <i>punish</i> them.


text:
Be afraid of the <i>Lord</i> and of the king, my son. Obey them. Do not be friends with people who do not obey them.


text:
The life of a man can change in a moment. God and the king can cause problems that could destroy those men. <n>More <i>wise</i> words</n>


text:
These are also <i>proverbs</i> of <i>wise</i> people. <n><i>Judges</i> must say fairly who is wrong or right. They should not always say that their friends are right. And they should not always say that their <i>enemies</i> are wrong. It is not good if they do those things.


text:
A <i>judge</i> must not say to a bad person, ‘You are a good person.’ If the <i>judge</i> does say that, everyone will shout bad words against him.


text:
It will be well with <i>judges</i> who <i>punish</i> bad people. God will do good things on their behalf.


text:
Do not say, ‘I will do to him what he did to me. I will <i>punish</i> that man because of what he did.’


text:
But while you are asleep you will become poor. You will become as poor as when a man had robbed you. You will be as if a soldier had taken away all your things.


text:
These are more of the <i>proverbs</i> of Solomon. Hezekiah’s men wrote them down when Hezekiah was king of Judah.


text:
You never know what a king is thinking. His thoughts are beyond us like the sky that is so high above us. His thoughts are beyond us like the earth that is so deep beneath us.


text:
Take the dirt out of the <i>silver</i>. Then the man that works with the <i>silver</i> can make a beautiful thing.


text:
Perhaps you may stand in front of the king. Do not try to cause him to think that you are great. And do not stand where the important people stand.


text:
It will be good if the king asks you to sit on a more important seat. That would be better than if he asks you to give your seat to someone more important than you.


text:
Do not be too quick to tell a ruler about something that you have seen. Another man may tell the ruler something different. You may be wrong. Then you will not know what you should do.


text:
If you do tell his secrets, everyone will hear them. People will always think that you are a bad person.


text:
The words of a <i>wise</i> man are like a gold ring for the ear. They are like gold round the neck. Only someone who wants to learn will hear them.


text:
A good man may bring messages from his master. He helps his master who sent him. He is like cold water during the time of <i>harvest</i>. He helps his master to feel better.


text:
A careful man who works slowly can change the thoughts of a ruler. And a careful word can change the thoughts of an angry man.


text:
Never eat more <i>honey</i> than you need. If you eat too much <i>honey</i>, you will be a sick man.


text:
Do not visit the people who live near to you too often. They may get tired of you and you will make them angry.


text:
Some men tell <i>lies</i> about those people who live near to them. They are like the heavy sticks or the sharp knives or the <i>arrows</i> that soldiers use.


text:
To sing to a sad man is the same as to put salt into places on his body that hurt. Or it is like someone who takes away his coat on a cold day.


text:
Sometimes a good person does what a very bad person wants him to do. It is like when you drink dirty water. It is like when you take water from a dirty well.


text:
Too much <i>honey</i> is bad for you. It is wrong, also, when you want people to speak well about you.


text:
It is not right to say good words about a <i>fool</i>. It is like snow in summer. It is like rain at the time of <i>harvest</i>.


text:
Sometimes people may say bad words about you. They may hope that bad things will happen to you. But if you have not done anything wrong, those words will have no power over you. They are like birds that never stop flying.


text:
You are silly if you answer a silly question. You are as silly as the person who asked the question.


text:
If someone asks a silly question, give him a silly answer. So he will know that he is not so <i>wise</i>. He is not as <i>wise</i> as he thinks.


text:
If you let a <i>fool</i> deliver a message there will be trouble. It will be as bad as to cut off your own feet.


text:
When a <i>fool</i> speaks a <i>proverb</i>, he is like a drunk. He is like a man who has drunk too much alcohol. He cannot even pick a sharp hard point of wood from his hand.


text:
A soldier who fights everyone is no help to his master. The man who gives work to a <i>fool</i> is like that soldier. Someone who gives work to a stranger is as silly.


text:
A sick dog cannot keep in its stomach what it has eaten. But then the dog eats it again. That is like a <i>fool</i> who makes the same mistakes again.


text:
Some men think that they are <i>wise</i>. But really, they are not. Silly <i>fools</i> are better than those men.


text:
A lazy man puts his hand into his food. But then he is too tired to put the food into his own mouth.


text:
A <i>wise</i> man can give a good answer to any question. But a lazy person thinks that he is <i>wiser</i> than 7 <i>wise</i> men.


text:
Only a <i>fool</i> speaks in a quarrel among strangers. He is like someone who holds on to the ears of a dog. <n>


text:
A man may tell <i>lies</i> and then laugh about it. Do not listen to him. He is like a man who shoots everywhere with <i>arrows</i>. He is like a man who throws burning sticks about.


text:
With wood, a fire continues to burn. In the same way, a man who causes trouble causes a quarrel to continue.


text:
A man who <i>hates</i> somebody can speak good words. But he is speaking <i>lies</i>. And nobody knows what he is really thinking.


text:
The words of a bad man may seem good. But do not believe him, because there are 7 <i>sins</i> in his mind.


text:
If a man digs a very deep hole, he will fall into it. If a man rolls a stone, it will roll back on him.


text:
If you tell <i>lies</i> about someone, you <i>hate</i> them. Bad words destroy the man who listens to them.


text:
Do not say what great things you will do tomorrow. You do not know what will happen between now and then.


text:
Stone is heavy and sand is heavy too. But the silly words of a <i>fool</i> are like something that is heavier than both.


text:
An angry man is a cruel man who destroys everything. But a man is worse who will do anything to get other people’s things.


text:
A good friend will tell you when you have done something wrong. He will tell you even in front of other people. That is better than someone who loves you secretly.


text:
Do not let the painful words of a friend frighten you. But be careful when an <i>enemy</i> meets you with a kiss.


text:
A person who is full of food will refuse <i>honey</i>. But to a hungry person, any <i>bitter</i> thing seems sweet.


text:
<i>Oil</i> that has the smell of flowers makes you happy. Also, <i>wise</i> words from a friend make you happy.


text:
Do not forget your friends and do not forget the friends of your father. If you are in trouble, do not ask someone from your family for help. A friend who lives near to you can help you. He can help you more than your family if they live far away.


text:
If you are <i>wise</i> my son, I will be happy. And I will be able to answer anyone that uses bad words against me.


text:
A careful man can see danger and he will hide himself. But the <i>fool</i> never stops and he goes into danger.


text:
Do not say nice things to your friends early in the morning with loud words. They will think that you are using bad words against them.


text:
On some days, the rain continues to fall and it never stops. A wife who always quarrels is like that.


text:
You can never keep her quiet. Anyone who can keep her quiet could stop the wind! And he could hold <i>oil</i> in his hand!


text:
A careful man will eat the fruit from his own trees. And a master will give gifts to a man that is a good servant.


text:
The place of the dead people is never full. In the same way, the eyes of a man never get tired because they continue to look.


text:
Fire cleans gold and heat cleans valuable metals. In the same way, if a man hears good words about himself, he will show his true nature.


text:
When the people in a country <i>sin</i>, they will have many rulers. But a country will be strong when it has a <i>wise</i> leader.


text:
A poor man that does bad things to weak people is like a lot of rain. It is like rain that destroys the <i>harvest</i>.


text:
Men that do not obey the rules speak well about bad people. But men that obey the rules are against bad people.


text:
Bad people do not understand what is fair. But there are people that want to know the <i>Lord</i> more than anything else. They are the people that do fair things.


text:
A son that obeys the rules is <i>wise</i>. But the man who has bad friends makes his father ashamed of him.


text:
Some men get rich when they demand too much money from people. But their valuable things will go to someone that is kind to poor people.


text:
Someone may not obey God’s rules. God will not listen to the words that he prays. God <i>hates</i> them.


text:
If you cause an <i>honest</i> person to do wrong things, bad things will happen to you. But a man who never does wrong things will receive valuable things.


text:
Rich people always think that they know everything. But a poor person who understands people knows better.


text:
The man who hides his <i>sins</i> will never do well. A man should say that he is sorry. And he should stop doing bad things. If he does, God will be kind to that man.


text:
Always be afraid of God and obey him. If you do, you will be happy. But trouble will happen to the person who <i>hates</i> authority.


text:
Poor people have no help against a very bad ruler. He is as dangerous as an angry <i>lion</i> or as frightening as a <i>bear</i>.


text:
Someone that has done a murder will have to run. And he will have to hide. He will have to hide until the day that he dies. No man should help him.


text:
If you are <i>honest</i>, God will save you. But the man who is not <i>honest</i> will be in danger.


text:
A farmer that works well will have plenty of food to eat. But the man that loves to dream during the day will always be poor.


text:
The lives of <i>honest</i> people will be very happy. But if you are in a hurry to get rich, God will <i>punish</i> you.


text:
<i>Judges</i> must say fairly who is wrong or right. They should not always say that their friends are right. And they should not always say that their <i>enemies</i> are wrong. It is not good if they do those things. A <i>judge</i> like that would <i>sin</i> even to get a small piece of bread.


text:
Some people think only about themselves and they never give gifts. People like that are in a great hurry to get rich. They do not know how soon they will become poor.


text:
A man may tell his friend that the friend has done something wrong. In the end, the friend will like that man. He will like him more than a man who says nice words to him.


text:
Some people think that it is not wrong to rob their parents. But a person like that is as bad as a destroyer.


text:
Some people think that they are great. They cause many quarrels. But someone who <i>trusts</i> the <i>Lord</i> will enjoy many good things.


text:
He that <i>trusts</i> himself is a <i>fool</i>. But people that obey <i>wise</i> words will receive help. And God will keep them safe.


text:
If you give to the poor people, you will never need anything for yourself. If you do not help the poor people, many people will say bad words about you.


text:
People hide when bad men become rulers. But good men will get their power, and the good men will rule again.


text:
A man should not refuse to listen when someone checks his words. If he refuses to listen again and again, something will destroy him very quickly. And nothing will be able to make it better.


text:
If you show to me a good ruler, I will show to you happy people. If you show to me a bad ruler, I will show to you sad people.


text:
A man that loves <i>wise</i> words makes his father happy. But if he likes to be with <i>prostitutes</i> he will waste his money.


text:
When the king makes fair rules, he will have a strong country. But when he takes money to do wrong things, he will destroy his country.


text:
Do not tell your friends that they are really great. If you continue to tell this to them, it will cause you to have a difficult time.


text:
A bad man cannot <i>escape</i> from the results of his <i>sins</i>. But an <i>honest</i> person is so happy that he sings.


text:
People that <i>laugh</i> at other people can cause difficult problems in a city. But <i>wise</i> men keep things quiet.


text:
If a <i>wise</i> man goes to a <i>judge</i> with a <i>fool</i>, the <i>fool</i> will laugh. Or he will shout. There will be trouble.


text:
Silly people show that they are angry. <i>Wise</i> people are patient people. They do not show that they are angry.


text:
Do not let a child do always what he wants to do. If he is wrong, hit him. Or tell him that he must not do it. You should not let a child do whatever he wants to do. If you do, he will make his mother ashamed.


text:
When rulers are bad people, more and more people will <i>sin</i>. But good people will live to see those rulers lose their power.


text:
Do not let your children do always what they want to do. So they will not make you ashamed of them. They will always make you happy.


text:
Only God can be the leader of a country. Without him, people do what they want to do. Happy are those people who obey God’s rules.


text:
If you use only words you cannot cause servants to obey you. Even if they understand you, they will not obey you.


text:
A man may speak before he thinks. Better things will happen to a <i>fool</i> than will happen to that man.


text:
You may give to a servant everything that he wants. You may have done this since he was a child. If you do, one day he will be like a son. He will take everything that is yours.


text:
People will not always like a man that is <i>proud</i>. They will not think that he is great. But they will like a man that is not <i>proud</i>. They will think that he is great.


text:
When a man helps someone to rob other people he becomes his own enemy. The <i>judge</i> asks him what happened. But he does not tell the <i>judge</i> what happened. So God will <i>punish</i> him.


text:
If you are afraid of other people you will never feel safe. But if you <i>trust</i> the <i>Lord</i>, he will keep you safe.


text:
Tell me who has gone to God’s home. And tell me who has come back. Tell me who has held the wind in his hands. Tell me who has covered the waters with his coat. Tell me who has <i>created</i> the world. If anybody has done this, tell his name to me. Tell his son’s name to me. Tell me, if you know.


text:
God does everything that he promises to do. You can <i>trust</i> him and be safe. He is like something that you can hide behind.


text:
Do not mix your words with his words. If you do, he will say, ‘You are wrong.’ And he will show that you tell <i>lies</i>. <n>More <i>wise</i> words</n>


text:
I might have more than I need. Then I might say that I do not need you. But if I am poor, I might rob people. Then I would make you ashamed of me.


text:
Some people seem to have teeth like knives. They rob and destroy the poor people. That is the work that they do. <n>


text:
A <i>leech</i> has two daughters. ‘Give! Give!’ they shout. <n>There are 3 things that are never happy. And there are 4 things that are never full: <br/>· the world of dead people <br/>· a woman without children <br/>· dry ground that needs rain <br/>· a fire that never stops.


text:
There is a man who looks at his father. And he says bad things to him. There is a man who <i>laughs</i> at his old mother. Big birds will pick out that man’s eyes and they will eat them. <n>


text:
There are 3 things that are too difficult for me to understand. There are 4 things that I do not know about: <br/>· how a large bird flies in the sky <br/>· how a snake moves on a rock <br/>· how a ship sails over the sea <br/>· the way of a man with a young woman.


text:
This is the way of an <i>adulteress</i>. <n>She eats and she washes her mouth. Then she says, ‘I have not done anything wrong.’ <n>


text:
There are 3 wrong things on the earth and there are 4 very bad things: <br/>· a slave who becomes a king <br/>· a <i>fool</i> that has all that he wants to eat <br/>· a woman who has not had a husband then gets one <br/>· a servant woman who takes the place of the woman that she works for. <n>


text:
There are 4 small animals in the world that are very <i>wise</i>: <br/>· <i>Ants</i> are weak, but they prepare their food in the summer. <br/>· There are small animals that are weak. But they make their homes among the rocks. <br/>· <i>Locusts</i> have no king. But they all fly together in one direction. <br/>· You can catch a <i>lizard</i> with your hand. But you can find them in kings’ houses. <n>


text:
There are 3 things that seem powerful. They seem powerful when they walk. There are 4 things that are good to see. They are good to see walking: <br/>· <i>Lions</i> are the strongest of all animals and they are not afraid of anything. <br/>· the <i>cockerel</i> that wakes the farmer in the morning <br/>· a male goat <br/>· a king with his army round him.


text:
You may think about yourself as good when you really are not so good. If you think like that, you are silly. Put your hand over your mouth. Also put your hand over your mouth if you want to do bad things.


text:
If you mix milk for a long time you will make butter. If you hit someone’s nose, it bleeds. If you make people angry, you will cause a quarrel for yourself.


text:
They should drink alcohol. Then they will forget that they are poor. And they will no longer remember that they are sad.


text:
Speak on behalf of people that cannot speak on behalf of themselves. Watch over poor people. And supply what they need.


text:
Speak on behalf of them and rule with <i>wisdom</i>. Watch over poor people. And supply what they need. <n>The wife who does all things well</n>


text:
How difficult it is to find a wife that does all things well! She is worth much more than valuable stones.


text:
A ship brings food from all parts of the world. In the same way, she brings food from far away places.


text:
She gets up while it is still night to prepare food for her family. She tells her servant women what they should do.


text:
She thinks about a field and she buys it with her own money. And she plants fruit bushes to make <i>wine</i>.


text:
She makes clothes and she sells them. Some men buy and sell all things. She makes belts to sell to them.


text:
A beautiful woman may not be <i>honest</i>. And she may not be beautiful when she is old. But all men speak well about a woman who is afraid of the <i>Lord</i>.


text:
Give her the things that she herself has made. Remember her because of all that she has done. Everyone should speak well about her.


text:
These are the Teacher’s words. The Teacher was <i>David</i>’s son. The Teacher was a king. He lived in a city that was called <i>Jerusalem</i>. There he ruled his country.


text:
People work for their whole lives. <n>But they get nothing for the work that they do here on the earth.


text:
People are born and they live on the earth. At the end of their lives, they die. <n>But the earth continues as it has always continued.


text:
The sun still rises in the morning and it goes down in the evening. <n>And it does the same thing each day.


text:
The wind blows to the south and it turns to the north. <n>It blows round and round, but it always returns.


text:
All rivers go to the sea, but they never fill the sea. <n>In the end, the water returns. It returns to where it came from.


text:
Life makes us tired. It makes us so tired that we could not tell anyone about it. <n>Nothing that we see can ever make us happy. <n>Nothing that we hear will ever cause true pleasure for us.


text:
Future events will be the same as past events were. <n>What people have done, they will do again. <n>There is nothing that is new anywhere on the earth.


text:
We can say, ‘Look! Here is something new.’ <n>But it is not true! It was here already, many years ago. <n>It was here before we were born. <n>We soon forget people who have died.


text:
We do not remember what they did many years ago. <n>It will be the same in future years. <n>People will remember things that they have seen during their lives. <n>But many events happened before they were born. They will not remember those events.


text:
I said these things when I was the king of my country, Israel. I lived in the city called <i>Jerusalem</i>. There I ruled my country. 


text:
I also studied a lot and I was very <i>wise</i>. I thought about the things that happen here on the earth. And I tried to understand them. But God has made this very difficult for us to do. 


text:
I have seen all the things that happen on the earth. There is no reason for any of them. It is like somebody who tries to catch the wind.


text:
People may do things that are wrong. <n>This is like something that you have bent. <n>When you have bent it, you cannot make it straight again. <n>Neither can you count things that are not there.


text:
‘I have become a really great man’, I told myself. ‘There have been other kings who have ruled in Jerusalem. But I am more <i>wise</i> than any of them’, I thought. 


text:
I wanted to learn all that I could learn about <i>wisdom</i>. I also wanted to know how a fool thinks. But this, too, was like somebody who tries to catch the wind.


text:
If I learn to be very <i>wise</i>, I will be very sad. <n>If I learn a lot about many things, that will be very painful for me. <n>The Teacher is very honest. He does not say that life is good. He knows that it is not always good. Without God’s <i>wisdom</i>, he cannot understand the things that happen on the earth. 


text:
‘I will enjoy my life’, I thought. ‘I will make myself happy. That will be good.’ But it was not good. I enjoyed myself, but my life was not worth anything. 


text:
It was silly to laugh all the time. I could look for things to make me happy. But they would not make my life worth anything. 


text:
So I decided to drink <i>wine</i> to make myself happy. I wanted to understand how a fool thinks. But I did not want to be a fool myself. We only live for a short time on the earth. And I wanted to know the best way to use that time.


text:
I bought male slaves and female slaves. Their sons and their daughters became my slaves too. Many people lived in Jerusalem before I did. And many of them had animals. But I had more cows and sheep than anyone else had. 


text:
I ruled many countries. And I got <i>silver</i> and gold for myself from their kings. Men and women sang for me. I got many wives to make me happy. These are all things that people enjoy. 


text:
If I wanted to have something, I took it. <n>If I wanted to do something, I did it. <n>And I enjoyed my work. <n>I liked what I got from it.


text:
Then I thought about the things that I had done. <n>I thought about all my difficult work. <n>But, in the end, I still saw that nothing had a purpose. <n>It was like somebody who tries to catch the wind. <n>None of the things that I had done had any value.


text:
Then I decided to think about how a <i>wise</i> person lives. <n>I wanted to think also about how a fool lives. <n>I said to myself, ‘The next king will not do any more than I have done.’


text:
I know that light is better than the dark. <n>And I saw that it is better to be <i>wise</i>. <n>To be a fool is worse.


text:
A <i>wise</i> man looks where he is going. <n>A fool shuts his eyes when he walks. <n>But at the end of their lives, they both die.


text:
Then I thought to myself, ‘Like the fool, I will die. <n>So, if I am <i>wise</i>, there is no value in it.’ <n>I said to myself, ‘This too means nothing.’


text:
People do not remember <i>wise</i> men or fools. <n>That is because people will forget everything at some future time. <n>Even <i>wise</i> men, like fools, must die in the end!


text:
So I was not happy with my life. And my work on the earth does not make me happy now. All of my work was worth nothing. It was like somebody who tries to catch the wind. 


text:
That person may be a <i>wise</i> man or he may be a fool. But he will have all the things that I have worked for on the earth. This, too, is not good. The fact that I was <i>wise</i> means nothing. 


