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We have a picture here of a man who was prepared to stand up against God. We see how the result was a blindness to God's will and a focusing only on his own desires. We need to note that this man was described as a prophet of God. This is the position from which he fell. This means it can happen to anyone. Balaam allowed his own desires to close his mind to the will of God. This is amazingly easy to do if we do not keep constant open-minded contact with His word.
Peter [UK] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Peter
THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS WHAT THEY SEEM.
Balaam had a faithful donkey. She had always done the work he asked for, giving him faithful service as long as Balaam was her master. But it didn't seem to occur to Balaam that when the donkey didn't behave in the way he was used to, that there might be something wrong. It seemed to Balaam that the donkey was just suddenly misbehaving, but in reality, the donkey could see things that Balaam couldn't see. If Balaam could have seen the angel standing in the way ready to kill him, I am sure he would have thought differently of the donkey's actions.
Yet very often we are just as blind as Balaam. When we see the actions or the results of some event we think we know it all. Then we jump to conclusions putting motives to the actions we see. However, it is only those who can really see in that situation that know the truth.
Maybe one day our eyes will be opened to some of the things that we have missed. The question then will be whether we will find ourselves ashamed of our actions, as Balaam was, or whether we will be pleased that we reserved judgement for the Lord.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2002 Reply to Robert
UNKNOWN REASONS
How often have things gone 'wrong' for us when we were on a mission to do a particular thing, and we were forced to abort or change our plans? It is at times like that when we curse our circumstances. The things that seemed so important are ruined. Our important dates, appointments and deadlines are missed because of seemingly small distractions.
Balaam had one of those days. He hopped on his donkey to go out on an important job - a once in a lifetime opportunity, an appointment with the king, to earn him the wages of his dreams! Then things started to go wrong. His usually reliable donkey suddenly became unreliable. She turned off the road into a field, crushed Balaam's leg against a wall, and then suddenly stopped and collapsed under his weight. If that had happened to our car and it began acting in a way that we found unpredictable and frustrating, we would understand Balaam's frustration and cursing.
Balaam couldn't see a reason for this bad turn of events. All he could see was that his donkey was suddenly misbehaving. Sometimes, like Balaam, all we can see are the circumstances we find ourselves in. But if we love God and are called by him, we know that there is a reason for those circumstances. Balaam's eyes were opened then and there, and seeing the angel with it's sword drawn to kill him, he instantly understood why his donkey acted as she did.
One day our eyes may be opened too, and we will see God's plan opened out before us. Until then let us trust in the LORD knowing that all things work together for good.
Robert Prins [Auckland - Pakuranga - (NZ)] Comment added in 2005 Reply to Robert
Direct disobedience but God's kindness nonetheless
Notice in Num 22:12 God gives Balaam both a direct commandment and the principle behind it. Yes, it may be brief on this occasion, but it is still there. The brevity perhaps underlines the clarity of God's position:
1) The direct command: You shall not go with them.
2) The reason, or principle: They [Israel] are blessed.
Given that the request of the men was for Balaam to do the exact opposite (1. go, and 2. curse Israel), this should have given Balaam clear and unequivocal reason to refuse their offer. Hence the only reason Balaam could still have gone with the men is through greed, which is the reason given by Jude in Jude 1:11.
What is marvellous here is that God is willing to work with Balaam many times to bring him back onto the right path. This gives us a clear indication of how merciful and kind God really is. Having availed ourselves of His kindness, it is up to us to stay away from the path we have been advised against. Balaam didn't, despite all the warnings from God, including a talking ass and an armed angel, and he eventually died, clutching on to his ill gotten gains, still siding with Moab as Israel fought against them.
Oddly enough, none of this needed to have happened, as Israel had no intention of fighting against Moab (Deut 2:9)
Rob de Jongh [Mountsorrel (UK)] Comment added in 2013 Reply to Rob
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1. And the children <1121> of Israel <3478> set forward <5265>(8799), and pitched <2583>(8799) in the plains <6160> of Moab <4124> on this side <5676> Jordan <3383> by Jericho <3405>.
2. And Balak <1111> the son <1121> of Zippor <6834> saw <7200>(8799) all that Israel <3478> had done <6213>(8804) to the Amorites <567>.
3. And Moab <4124> was sore <3966> afraid <1481>(8799) of <6440> the people <5971>, because they were many <7227>: and Moab <4124> was distressed <6973>(8799) because of <6440> the children <1121> of Israel <3478>.
4. And Moab <4124> said <559>(8799) unto the elders <2205> of Midian <4080>, Now shall this company <6951> lick up <3897>(8762) all that are round about <5439> us, as the ox <7794> licketh up <3897>(8800) the grass <3418> of the field <7704>. And Balak <1111> the son <1121> of Zippor <6834> was king <4428> of the Moabites <4124> at that time <6256>.
5. He sent <7971>(8799) messengers <4397> therefore unto Balaam <1109> the son <1121> of Beor <1160> to Pethor <6604>, which is by the river <5104> of the land <776> of the children <1121> of his people <5971>, to call <7121>(8800) him, saying <559>(8800), Behold, there is a people <5971> come out <3318>(8804) from Egypt <4714>: behold, they cover <3680>(8765) the face <5869> of the earth <776>, and they abide <3427>(8802) over against <4136> me:
6. Come <3212>(8798) now therefore, I pray thee, curse <779>(8798) me this people <5971>; for they are too mighty <6099> for me: peradventure I shall prevail <3201>(8799), that we may smite <5221>(8686) them, and that I may drive them out <1644>(8762) of the land <776>: for I wot <3045>(8804) that he whom thou blessest <1288>(8762) is blessed <1288>(8794), and he whom thou cursest <779>(8799) is cursed <779>(8714).
7. And the elders <2205> of Moab <4124> and the elders <2205> of Midian <4080> departed <3212>(8799) with the rewards of divination <7081> in their hand <3027>; and they came <935>(8799) unto Balaam <1109>, and spake <1696>(8762) unto him the words <1697> of Balak <1111>.
8. And he said <559>(8799) unto them, Lodge <3885>(8798) here this night <3915>, and I will bring <7725> <0> you word <1697> again <7725>(8689), as the LORD <3068> shall speak <1696>(8762) unto me: and the princes <8269> of Moab <4124> abode <3427>(8799) with Balaam <1109>.
9. And God <430> came <935>(8799) unto Balaam <1109>, and said <559>(8799), What men <582> are these with thee?
10. And Balaam <1109> said <559>(8799) unto God <430>, Balak <1111> the son <1121> of Zippor <6834>, king <4428> of Moab <4124>, hath sent <7971>(8804) unto me, saying,
11. Behold, there is a people <5971> come out <3318>(8802) of Egypt <4714>, which covereth <3680>(8762) the face <5869> of the earth <776>: come <3212>(8798) now, curse <6895>(8798) me them; peradventure I shall be able <3201>(8799) to overcome <3898>(8736) them, and drive them out <1644>(8765).
12. And God <430> said <559>(8799) unto Balaam <1109>, Thou shalt not go <3212>(8799) with them; thou shalt not curse <779>(8799) the people <5971>: for they are blessed <1288>(8803).
13. And Balaam <1109> rose up <6965>(8799) in the morning <1242>, and said <559>(8799) unto the princes <8269> of Balak <1111>, Get <3212>(8798) you into your land <776>: for the LORD <3068> refuseth <3985>(8765) to give me leave <5414>(8800) to go <1980>(8800) with you.
14. And the princes <8269> of Moab <4124> rose up <6965>(8799), and they went <935>(8799) unto Balak <1111>, and said <559>(8799), Balaam <1109> refuseth <3985>(8765) to come <1980>(8800) with us.
15. And Balak <1111> sent <7971>(8800) yet again <3254>(8686) princes <8269>, more <7227>, and more honourable <3513>(8737) than they.
16. And they came <935>(8799) to Balaam <1109>, and said <559>(8799) to him, Thus saith <559>(8804) Balak <1111> the son <1121> of Zippor <6834>, Let nothing, I pray thee, hinder <4513>(8735) thee from coming <1980>(8800) unto me:
17. For I will promote <3513> <0> thee unto very <3966> great <3513>(8763) honour <3513>(8762), and I will do <6213>(8799) whatsoever thou sayest <559>(8799) unto me: come <3212>(8798) therefore, I pray thee, curse <6895>(8798) me this people <5971>.
18. And Balaam <1109> answered <6030>(8799) and said <559>(8799) unto the servants <5650> of Balak <1111>, If Balak <1111> would give <5414>(8799) me his house <1004> full <4393> of silver <3701> and gold <2091>, I cannot <3201>(8799) go beyond <5674>(8800) the word <6310> of the LORD <3068> my God <430>, to do <6213>(8800) less <6996> or more <1419>.
19. Now therefore, I pray you, tarry <3427>(8798) ye also here this night <3915>, that I may know <3045>(8799) what the LORD <3068> will say <1696>(8763) unto me more <3254>(8686).
20. And God <430> came <935>(8799) unto Balaam <1109> at night <3915>, and said <559>(8799) unto him, If the men <582> come <935>(8804) to call <7121>(8800) thee, rise up <6965>(8798), and go <3212>(8798) with them; but yet <389> the word <1697> which I shall say <1696>(8762) unto thee, that shalt thou do <6213>(8799).
21. And Balaam <1109> rose up <6965>(8799) in the morning <1242>, and saddled <2280>(8799) his ass <860>, and went <3212>(8799) with the princes <8269> of Moab <4124>.
22. And God's <430> anger <639> was kindled <2734>(8799) because he went <1980>(8802): and the angel <4397> of the LORD <3068> stood <3320>(8691) in the way <1870> for an adversary <7854> against him. Now he was riding <7392>(8802) upon his ass <860>, and his two <8147> servants <5288> were with him.
23. And the ass <860> saw <7200>(8799) the angel <4397> of the LORD <3068> standing <5324>(8737) in the way <1870>, and his sword <2719> drawn <8025>(8803) in his hand <3027>: and the ass <860> turned aside <5186>(8799) out of the way <1870>, and went <3212>(8799) into the field <7704>: and Balaam <1109> smote <5221>(8686) the ass <860>, to turn <5186>(8687) her into the way <1870>.
24. But the angel <4397> of the LORD <3068> stood <5975>(8799) in a path <4934> of the vineyards <3754>, a wall <1447> being on this side, and a wall <1447> on that side.
25. And when the ass <860> saw <7200>(8799) the angel <4397> of the LORD <3068>, she thrust <3905>(8735) herself unto the wall <7023>, and crushed <3905>(8799) Balaam's <1109> foot <7272> against the wall <7023>: and he smote <5221>(8687) her again <3254>(8686).
26. And the angel <4397> of the LORD <3068> went <5674>(8800) further <3254>(8686), and stood <5975>(8799) in a narrow <6862> place <4725>, where was no way <1870> to turn <5186>(8800) either to the right hand <3225> or to the left <8040>.
27. And when the ass <860> saw <7200>(8799) the angel <4397> of the LORD <3068>, she fell down <7257>(8799) under Balaam <1109>: and Balaam's <1109> anger <639> was kindled <2734>(8799), and he smote <5221>(8686) the ass <860> with a staff <4731>.
28. And the LORD <3068> opened <6605>(8799) the mouth <6310> of the ass <860>, and she said <559>(8799) unto Balaam <1109>, What have I done <6213>(8804) unto thee, that thou hast smitten <5221>(8689) me these three <7969> times <7272>?
29. And Balaam <1109> said <559>(8799) unto the ass <860>, Because thou hast mocked <5953>(8694) me: I would <3863> there were <3426> a sword <2719> in mine hand <3027>, for now would I kill <2026>(8804) thee.
30. And the ass <860> said <559>(8799) unto Balaam <1109>, Am not I thine ass <860>, upon which thou hast ridden <7392>(8804) ever since I was thine unto this day <3117>? was I ever <5532>(8687) wont <5532>(8689) to do so <6213>(8800) unto thee? And he said <559>(8799), Nay.
31. Then the LORD <3068> opened <1540>(8762) the eyes <5869> of Balaam <1109>, and he saw <7200>(8799) the angel <4397> of the LORD <3068> standing <5324>(8737) in the way <1870>, and his sword <2719> drawn <8025>(8803) in his hand <3027>: and he bowed down <6915>(8799) his head, and fell flat <7812>(8691) on his face <639>.
32. And the angel <4397> of the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten <5221>(8689) thine ass <860> these three <7969> times <7272>? behold, I went out <3318>(8804) to withstand <7854> thee, because thy way <1870> is perverse <3399>(8804) before me:
33. And the ass <860> saw <7200>(8799) me, and turned <5186>(8799) from me <6440> these three <7969> times <7272>: unless <194> she had turned <5186>(8804) from me <6440>, surely now also I had slain <2026>(8804) thee, and saved her alive <2421>(8689).
34. And Balaam <1109> said <559>(8799) unto the angel <4397> of the LORD <3068>, I have sinned <2398>(8804); for I knew <3045>(8804) not that thou stoodest <5324>(8737) in the way <1870> against <7125>(8800) me: now therefore, if it displease thee <7489>(8804) <5869>, I will get me back again <7725>(8799).
35. And the angel <4397> of the LORD <3068> said <559>(8799) unto Balaam <1109>, Go <3212>(8798) with the men <582>: but only <657> the word <1697> that I shall speak <1696>(8762) unto thee, that thou shalt speak <1696>(8762). So Balaam <1109> went <3212>(8799) with the princes <8269> of Balak <1111>.
36. And when Balak <1111> heard <8085>(8799) that Balaam <1109> was come <935>(8802), he went out <3318>(8799) to meet <7125>(8800) him unto a city <5892> of Moab <4124>, which is in the border <1366> of Arnon <769>, which is in the utmost <7097> coast <1366>.
37. And Balak <1111> said <559>(8799) unto Balaam <1109>, Did I not earnestly <7971>(8800) send <7971>(8804) unto thee to call <7121>(8800) thee? wherefore camest <1980>(8804) thou not unto me? am I not able <3201>(8799) indeed <552> to promote thee to honour <3513>(8763)?
38. And Balaam <1109> said <559>(8799) unto Balak <1111>, Lo, I am come <935>(8804) unto thee: have I now any power <3201>(8799) at all <3201>(8800) to say <1696>(8763) any thing <3972>? the word <1697> that God <430> putteth <7760>(8799) in my mouth <6310>, that shall I speak <1696>(8762).
39. And Balaam <1109> went <3212>(8799) with Balak <1111>, and they came <935>(8799) unto Kirjathhuzoth <2351> <7155>.
40. And Balak <1111> offered <2076>(8799) oxen <1241> and sheep <6629>, and sent <7971>(8762) to Balaam <1109>, and to the princes <8269> that were with him.
41. And it came to pass on the morrow <1242>, that Balak <1111> took <3947>(8799) Balaam <1109>, and brought him up <5927>(8686) into the high places <1116> of Baal <1120>, that thence he might see <7200>(8799) the utmost <7097> part of the people <5971>.
1. And Balaam <1109> said <559>(8799) unto Balak <1111>, Build <1129>(8798) me here seven <7651> altars <4196>, and prepare <3559>(8685) me here seven <7651> oxen <6499> and seven <7651> rams <352>.
2. And Balak <1111> did <6213>(8799) as Balaam <1109> had spoken <1696>(8765); and Balak <1111> and Balaam <1109> offered <5927>(8686) on every altar <4196> a bullock <6499> and a ram <352>.
3. And Balaam <1109> said <559>(8799) unto Balak <1111>, Stand <3320>(8690) by thy burnt offering <5930>, and I will go <3212>(8799): peradventure the LORD <3068> will come <7136>(8735) to meet <7125>(8800) me: and whatsoever <1697> he sheweth <7200>(8686) me I will tell <5046>(8689) thee. And he went <3212>(8799) to an high place <8205>.
4. And God <430> met <7136>(8735) Balaam <1109>: and he said <559>(8799) unto him, I have prepared <6186>(8804) seven <7651> altars <4196>, and I have offered <5927>(8686) upon every altar <4196> a bullock <6499> and a ram <352>.
5. And the LORD <3068> put <7760>(8799) a word <1697> in Balaam's <1109> mouth <6310>, and said <559>(8799), Return <7725>(8798) unto Balak <1111>, and thus thou shalt speak <1696>(8762).
6. And he returned <7725>(8799) unto him, and, lo, he stood <5324>(8737) by his burnt sacrifice <5930>, he, and all the princes <8269> of Moab <4124>.
7. And he took up <5375>(8799) his parable <4912>, and said <559>(8799), Balak <1111> the king <4428> of Moab <4124> hath brought <5148>(8686) me from Aram <758>, out of the mountains <2042> of the east <6924>, saying, Come <3212>(8798), curse <779>(8798) me Jacob <3290>, and come <3212>(8798), defy <2194>(8798) Israel <3478>.
8. How <4100> shall I curse <5344>(8799), whom God <410> hath not cursed <6895>(8804)? or how shall I defy <2194>(8799), whom the LORD <3068> hath not defied <2194>(8804)?
9. For from the top <7218> of the rocks <6697> I see <7200>(8799) him, and from the hills <1389> I behold <7789>(8799) him: lo, the people <5971> shall dwell <7931>(8799) alone <910>, and shall not be reckoned <2803>(8691) among the nations <1471>.
10. Who can count <4487>(8804) the dust <6083> of Jacob <3290>, and the number <4557> of the fourth <7255> part of Israel <3478>? Let me die <4191>(8799) <5315> the death <4194> of the righteous <3477>, and let my last <319> end be like his!
11. And Balak <1111> said <559>(8799) unto Balaam <1109>, What hast thou done <6213>(8804) unto me? I took <3947>(8804) thee to curse <6895>(8800) mine enemies <341>(8802), and, behold, thou hast blessed <1288>(8765) them altogether <1288>(8763).
12. And he answered <6030>(8799) and said <559>(8799), Must I not take heed <8104>(8799) to speak <1696>(8763) that which the LORD <3068> hath put <7760>(8799) in my mouth <6310>?
13. And Balak <1111> said <559>(8799) unto him, Come <3212>(8798), I pray thee, with me unto another <312> place <4725>, from whence thou mayest see <7200>(8799) them: thou shalt see <7200>(8799) but <657> the utmost <7097> part of them, and shalt not see <7200>(8799) them all: and curse <6895>(8798) me them from thence.
14. And he brought <3947>(8799) him into the field <7704> of Zophim <6839>(8677) <6822>(8802), to the top <7218> of Pisgah <6449>, and built <1129>(8799) seven <7651> altars <4196>, and offered <5927>(8686) a bullock <6499> and a ram <352> on every altar <4196>.
15. And he said <559>(8799) unto Balak <1111>, Stand <3320>(8690) here <3541> by thy burnt offering <5930>, while I meet <7136>(8735) the LORD yonder <3541>.
16. And the LORD <3068> met <7136>(8735) Balaam <1109>, and put <7760>(8799) a word <1697> in his mouth <6310>, and said <559>(8799), Go again <7725>(8798) unto Balak <1111>, and say <1696>(8762) thus.
17. And when he came <935>(8799) to him, behold, he stood <5324>(8737) by his burnt offering <5930>, and the princes <8269> of Moab <4124> with him. And Balak <1111> said <559>(8799) unto him, What hath the LORD <3068> spoken <1696>(8765)?
18. And he took up <5375>(8799) his parable <4912>, and said <559>(8799), Rise up <6965>(8798), Balak <1111>, and hear <8085>(8798); hearken <238>(8685) unto me, thou son <1121> of Zippor <6834>:
19. God <410> is not a man <376>, that he should lie <3576>(8762); neither the son <1121> of man <120>, that he should repent <5162>(8691): hath he said <559>(8804), and shall he not do <6213>(8799) it? or hath he spoken <1696>(8765), and shall he not make it good <6965>(8686)?
20. Behold, I have received <3947>(8804) commandment to bless <1288>(8763): and he hath blessed <1288>(8765); and I cannot reverse <7725>(8686) it.
21. He hath not beheld <5027>(8689) iniquity <205> in Jacob <3290>, neither hath he seen <7200>(8804) perverseness <5999> in Israel <3478>: the LORD <3068> his God <430> is with him, and the shout <8643> of a king <4428> is among them.
22. God <410> brought them out <3318>(8688) of Egypt <4714>; he hath as it were the strength <8443> of an unicorn <7214>.
23. Surely there is no enchantment <5173> against Jacob <3290>, neither is there any divination <7081> against Israel <3478>: according to this time <6256> it shall be said <559>(8735) of Jacob <3290> and of Israel <3478>, What hath God <410> wrought <6466>(8804)!
24. Behold, the people <5971> shall rise up <6965>(8799) as a great lion <3833>, and lift up <5375>(8691) himself as a young lion <738>: he shall not lie down <7901>(8799) until he eat <398>(8799) of the prey <2964>, and drink <8354>(8799) the blood <1818> of the slain <2491>.
25. And Balak <1111> said <559>(8799) unto Balaam <1109>, Neither curse <5344>(8799) them at all <6895>(8800), nor bless <1288>(8762) them at all <1288>(8763).
26. But Balaam <1109> answered <6030>(8799) and said <559>(8799) unto Balak <1111>, Told <1696>(8765) not I thee, saying <559>(8800), All that the LORD <3068> speaketh <1696>(8762), that I must do <6213>(8799)?
27. And Balak <1111> said <559>(8799) unto Balaam <1109>, Come <3212>(8798), I pray thee, I will bring <3947>(8799) thee unto another <312> place <4725>; peradventure it will please <3474>(8799) <5869> God <430> that thou mayest curse <6895>(8804) me them from thence.
28. And Balak <1111> brought <3947>(8799) Balaam <1109> unto the top <7218> of Peor <6465>, that looketh <8259>(8737) toward <6440> Jeshimon <3452>.
29. And Balaam <1109> said <559>(8799) unto Balak <1111>, Build <1129>(8798) me here seven <7651> altars <4196>, and prepare <3559>(8685) me here seven <7651> bullocks <6499> and seven <7651> rams <352>.
30. And Balak <1111> did <6213>(8799) as Balaam <1109> had said <559>(8804), and offered <5927>(8686) a bullock <6499> and a ram <352> on every altar <4196>.
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1. The preparations <4633> of the heart <3820> in man <120>, and the answer <4617> of the tongue <3956>, is from the LORD <3068>.
2. All the ways <1870> of a man <376> are clean <2134> in his own eyes <5869>; but the LORD <3068> weigheth <8505>(8802) the spirits <7307>.
3. Commit <1556>(8798) thy works <4639> unto the LORD <3068>, and thy thoughts <4284> shall be established <3559>(8735).
4. The LORD <3068> hath made <6466>(8804) all things for himself <4617>: yea, even the wicked <7563> for the day <3117> of evil <7451>.
5. Every one that is proud <1362> in heart <3820> is an abomination <8441> to the LORD <3068>: though hand <3027> join in hand <3027>, he shall not be unpunished <5352>(8735).
6. By mercy <2617> and truth <571> iniquity <5771> is purged <3722>(8792): and by the fear <3374> of the LORD <3068> men depart <5493>(8800) from evil <7451>.
7. When a man's <376> ways <1870> please <7521>(8800) the LORD <3068>, he maketh even his enemies <341>(8802) to be at peace <7999>(8686) with him.
8. Better <2896> is a little <4592> with righteousness <6666> than great <7230> revenues <8393> without right <4941>.
9. A man's <120> heart <3820> deviseth <2803>(8762) his way <1870>: but the LORD <3068> directeth <3559>(8686) his steps <6806>.
10. A divine sentence <7081> is in the lips <8193> of the king <4428>: his mouth <6310> transgresseth <4603>(8799) not in judgment <4941>.
11. A just <4941> weight <6425> and balance <3976> are the LORD'S <3068>: all the weights <68> of the bag <3599> are his work <4639>.
12. It is an abomination <8441> to kings <4428> to commit <6213>(8800) wickedness <7562>: for the throne <3678> is established <3559>(8735) by righteousness <6666>.
13. Righteous <6664> lips <8193> are the delight <7522> of kings <4428>; and they love <157>(8799) him that speaketh <1696>(8802) right <3477>.
14. The wrath <2534> of a king <4428> is as messengers <4397> of death <4194>: but a wise <2450> man <376> will pacify <3722>(8762) it.
15. In the light <216> of the king's <4428> countenance <6440> is life <2416>; and his favour <7522> is as a cloud <5645> of the latter rain <4456>.
16. How much better <2896> is it to get <7069>(8800) wisdom <2451> than gold <2742>! and to get <7069>(8800) understanding <998> rather to be chosen <977>(8737) than silver <3701>!
17. The highway <4546> of the upright <3477> is to depart <5493>(8800) from evil <7451>: he that keepeth <5341>(8802) his way <1870> preserveth <8104>(8802) his soul <5315>.
18. Pride <1347> goeth before <6440> destruction <7667>, and an haughty <1363> spirit <7307> before <6440> a fall <3783>.
19. Better <2896> it is to be of an humble <8217> spirit <7307> with the lowly <6035>(8675) <6041>, than to divide <2505>(8763) the spoil <7998> with the proud <1343>.
20. He that handleth a matter <1697> wisely <7919>(8688) shall find <4672>(8799) good <2896>: and whoso trusteth <982>(8802) in the LORD <3068>, happy <835> is he.
21. The wise <2450> in heart <3820> shall be called <7121>(8735) prudent <995>(8737): and the sweetness <4986> of the lips <8193> increaseth <3254>(8686) learning <3948>.
22. Understanding <7922> is a wellspring <4726> of life <2416> unto him that hath <1167> it: but the instruction <4148> of fools <191> is folly <200>.
23. The heart <3820> of the wise <2450> teacheth <7919>(8686) his mouth <6310>, and addeth <3254>(8686) learning <3948> to his lips <8193>.
24. Pleasant <5278> words <561> are as an honeycomb <6688> <1706>, sweet <4966> to the soul <5315>, and health <4832> to the bones <6106>.
25. There is <3426> a way <1870> that seemeth right <3477> unto <6440> a man <376>, but the end <319> thereof are the ways <1870> of death <4194>.
26. He <5315> that laboureth <6001> laboureth <5998>(8804) for himself; for his mouth <6310> craveth <404>(8804) it of him.
27. An ungodly <1100> man <376> diggeth up <3738>(8802) evil <7451>: and in his lips <8193> there is as a burning <6867> fire <784>.
28. A froward <8419> man <376> soweth <7971>(8762) strife <4066>: and a whisperer <5372> separateth <6504>(8688) chief friends <441>.
29. A violent <2555> man <376> enticeth <6601>(8762) his neighbour <7453>, and leadeth <3212>(8689) him into the way <1870> that is not good <2896>.
30. He shutteth <6095>(8802) his eyes <5869> to devise <2803>(8800) froward things <8419>: moving <7169>(8802) his lips <8193> he bringeth <3615> <0> evil <7451> to pass <3615>(8765).
31. The hoary head <7872> is a crown <5850> of glory <8597>, if it be found <4672>(8735) in the way <1870> of righteousness <6666>.
32. He that is slow <750> to anger <639> is better <2896> than the mighty <1368>; and he that ruleth <4910>(8802) his spirit <7307> than he that taketh <3920>(8802) a city <5892>.
33. The lot <1486> is cast <2904>(8714) into the lap <2436>; but the whole disposing <4941> thereof is of the LORD <3068>.
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1. For this <5127> cause <5484> I <1473> Paul <3972>, the prisoner <1198> of Jesus <2424> Christ <5547> for <5228> you <5216> Gentiles <1484>,
2. If <1489> ye have heard <191>(5656) of the dispensation <3622> of the grace <5485> of God <2316> which <3588> is given <1325>(5685) me <3427> to <1519> you-ward <5209>:
3. How that <3754> by <2596> revelation <602> he made known <1107>(5656) unto me <3427> the mystery <3466>; (as <2531> I wrote afore <4270>(5656) in <1722> few words <3641>,
4. Whereby <4314> <3739>, when ye read <314>(5723), ye may <1410>(5736) understand <3539>(5658) my <3450> knowledge <4907> in <1722> the mystery <3466> of Christ <5547>)
5. Which <3739> in <1722> other <2087> ages <1074> was <1107> <0> not <3756> made known <1107>(5681) unto the sons <5207> of men <444>, as <5613> it is <601> <0> now <3568> revealed <601>(5681) unto his <846> holy <40> apostles <652> and <2532> prophets <4396> by <1722> the Spirit <4151>;
6. That the Gentiles <1484> should be <1511>(5750) fellowheirs <4789>, and <2532> of the same body <4954>, and <2532> partakers <4830> of his <846> promise <1860> in <1722> Christ <5547> by <1223> the gospel <2098>:
7. Whereof <3739> I was made <1096>(5633) a minister <1249>, according <2596> to the gift <1431> of the grace <5485> of God <2316> given <1325>(5685) unto me <3427> by <2596> the effectual working <1753> of his <846> power <1411>.
8. Unto me <1698>, who am less than the least <1647> of all <3956> saints <40>, is <1325> <0> this <3778> grace <5485> given <1325>(5681), that I should preach <2097>(5670) among <1722> the Gentiles <1484> the unsearchable <421> riches <4149> of Christ <5547>;
9. And <2532> to make <5461> <0> all <3956> men see <5461>(5658) what <5101> is the fellowship <2842> of the mystery <3466>, which <3588> from <575> the beginning of the world <165> hath been hid <613>(5772) in <1722> God <2316>, who <3588> created <2936>(5660) all things <3956> by <1223> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>:
10. To the intent that <2443> now <3568> unto the principalities <746> and <2532> powers <1849> in <1722> heavenly <2032> places might be known <1107>(5686) by <1223> the church <1577> the manifold <4182> wisdom <4678> of God <2316>,
11. According to <2596> the eternal <165> purpose <4286> which <3739> he purposed <4160>(5656) in <1722> Christ <5547> Jesus <2424> our <2257> Lord <2962>:
12. In <1722> whom <3739> we have <2192>(5719) boldness <3954> and <2532> access <4318> with <1722> confidence <4006> by <1223> the faith <4102> of him <846>.
13. Wherefore <1352> I desire <154>(5731) that ye faint <1573>(5721) not <3361> at <1722> my <3450> tribulations <2347> for <5228> you <5216>, which <3748> is <2076>(5748) your <5216> glory <1391>.
14. For this <5127> cause <5484> I bow <2578>(5719) my <3450> knees <1119> unto <4314> the Father <3962> of our <2257> Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>,
15. Of <1537> whom <3739> the whole <3956> family <3965> in <1722> heaven <3772> and <2532> earth <1909> <1093> is named <3687>(5743),
16. That <2443> he would grant <1325>(5632)(5630) you <5213>, according to <2596> the riches <4149> of his <848> glory <1391>, to be strengthened <2901>(5683) with might <1411> by <1223> his <848> Spirit <4151> in <1519> the inner <2080> man <444>;
17. That Christ <5547> may dwell <2730>(5658) in <1722> your <5216> hearts <2588> by <1223> faith <4102>; that <2443> ye, being rooted <4492>(5772) and <2532> grounded <2311>(5772) in <1722> love <26>,
18. May be able <1840>(5661) to comprehend <2638>(5641) with <4862> all <3956> saints <40> what <5101> is the breadth <4114>, and <2532> length <3372>, and <2532> depth <899>, and <2532> height <5311>;
19. And <5037> to know <1097>(5629) the love <26> of Christ <5547>, which passeth <5235>(5723) knowledge <1108>, that <2443> ye might be filled <4137>(5686) with <1519> all <3956> the fulness <4138> of God <2316>.
20. Now <1161> unto him that is able <1410>(5740) to do <4160>(5658) exceeding <5228> abundantly <1537> <4053> above <5228> all <3956> that <3739> we ask <154>(5731) or <2228> think <3539>(5719), according to <2596> the power <1411> that worketh <1754>(5734) in <1722> us <2254>,
21. Unto him <846> be glory <1391> in <1722> the church <1577> by <1722> Christ <5547> Jesus <2424> throughout <1519> all <3956> ages <1074>, world <165> without end <165>. Amen <281>.
1. I <1473> therefore <3767>, the prisoner <1198> of <1722> the Lord <2962>, beseech <3870>(5719) you <5209> that ye walk <4043>(5658) worthy <516> of the vocation <2821> wherewith <3739> ye are called <2564>(5681),
2. With <3326> all <3956> lowliness <5012> and <2532> meekness <4236>, with <3326> longsuffering <3115>, forbearing <430>(5740) one another <240> in <1722> love <26>;
3. Endeavouring <4704>(5723) to keep <5083>(5721) the unity <1775> of the Spirit <4151> in <1722> the bond <4886> of peace <1515>.
4. There is one <1520> body <4983>, and <2532> one <1520> Spirit <4151>, even as <2531> <2532> ye are called <2564>(5681) in <1722> one <3391> hope <1680> of your <5216> calling <2821>;
5. One <1520> Lord <2962>, one <1520> faith <4102>, one <3391> baptism <908>,
6. One <1520> God <2316> and <2532> Father <3962> of all <3956>, who <3588> is above <1909> all <3956>, and <2532> through <1223> all <3956>, and <2532> in <1722> you <5213> all <3956>.
7. But <1161> unto every <1538> one <1520> of us <2257> is given <1325>(5681) grace <5485> according to <2596> the measure <3358> of the gift <1431> of Christ <5547>.
8. Wherefore <1352> he saith <3004>(5719), When he ascended <305>(5631) up <1519> on high <5311>, he led captivity <162>(5656) captive <161>, and <2532> gave <1325>(5656) gifts <1390> unto men <444>.
9. (Now <1161> that he ascended <305>(5627), what <5101> is it <2076>(5748) but <1508> that <3754> he <2597> <0> also <2532> descended <2597>(5627) first <4412> into <1519> the lower <2737> parts <3313> of the earth <1093>?
10. He that descended <2597>(5631) is <2076>(5748) the same also <2532> that ascended up <305>(5631) far above <5231> all <3956> heavens <3772>, that <2443> he might fill <4137>(5661) all things <3956>.)
11. And <2532> he gave <1325>(5656) some <3303>, apostles <652>; and <1161> some, prophets <4396>; and <1161> some, evangelists <2099>; and <1161> some, pastors <4166> and <2532> teachers <1320>;
12. For <4314> the perfecting <2677> of the saints <40>, for <1519> the work <2041> of the ministry <1248>, for <1519> the edifying <3619> of the body <4983> of Christ <5547>:
13. Till <3360> we all <3956> come <2658>(5661) in <1519> the unity <1775> of the faith <4102>, and <2532> of the knowledge <1922> of the Son <5207> of God <2316>, unto <1519> a perfect <5046> man <435>, unto <1519> the measure <3358> of the stature <2244> of the fulness <4138> of Christ <5547>:
14. That <2443> we henceforth be <5600>(5753) no more <3371> children <3516>, tossed to and fro <2831>(5740), and <2532> carried about with <4064>(5746) every <3956> wind <417> of doctrine <1319>, by <1722> the sleight <2940> of men <444>, and cunning craftiness <1722> <3834>, whereby <4314> they lie in wait <3180> to deceive <4106>;
15. But <1161> speaking the truth <226>(5723) in <1722> love <26>, may grow up <837>(5661) into <1519> him <846> in all things <3956>, which <3739> is <2076>(5748) the head <2776>, even Christ <5547>:
16. From <1537> whom <3739> the whole <3956> body <4983> fitly joined together <4883>(5746) and <2532> compacted <4822>(5746) by <1223> that which every <3956> joint <860> supplieth <2024>, according <2596> to the effectual working <1753> in <1722> the measure <3358> of every <1538> part <1520> <3313>, maketh <4160>(5731) increase <838> of the body <4983> unto <1519> the edifying <3619> of itself <1438> in <1722> love <26>.
17. This <5124> I say <3004>(5719) therefore <3767>, and <2532> testify <3143>(5736) in <1722> the Lord <2962>, that ye <5209> henceforth <3371> <0> walk <4043>(5721) not <3371> as <2531> <2532> other <3062> Gentiles <1484> walk <4043>(5719), in <1722> the vanity <3153> of their <848> mind <3563>,
18. Having the understanding <1271> darkened <4654>(5772), being <5607>(5752) alienated <526>(5772) from the life <2222> of God <2316> through <1223> the ignorance <52> that is <5607>(5752) in <1722> them <846>, because <1223> of the blindness <4457> of their <846> heart <2588>:
19. Who <3748> being past feeling <524>(5761) have given <3860> <0> themselves <1438> over <3860>(5656) unto lasciviousness <766>, to <1519> work <2039> all <3956> uncleanness <167> with <1722> greediness <4124>.
20. But <1161> ye <5210> have <3129> <0> not <3756> so <3779> learned <3129>(5627) Christ <5547>;
21. If so be that <1489> ye have heard <191>(5656) him <846>, and <2532> have been taught <1321>(5681) by <1722> him <846>, as <2531> the truth <225> is <2076>(5748) in <1722> Jesus <2424>:
22. That ye <5209> put off <659>(5641) concerning <2596> the former <4387> conversation <391> the old <3820> man <444>, which <3588> is corrupt <5351>(5746) according <2596> to the deceitful <539> lusts <1939>;
23. And <1161> be renewed <365>(5745) in the spirit <4151> of your <5216> mind <3563>;
24. And <2532> that ye put on <1746>(5670) the new <2537> man <444>, which <3588> after <2596> God <2316> is created <2936>(5685) in <1722> righteousness <1343> and <2532> true <225> holiness <3742>.
25. Wherefore <1352> putting away <659>(5642) lying <5579>, speak <2980>(5720) every man <1538> truth <225> with <3326> his <848> neighbour <4139>: for <3754> we are <2070>(5748) members <3196> one of another <240>.
26. Be ye angry <3710>(5744), and <2532> sin <264>(5720) not <3361>: let <1931> <0> not <3361> the sun <2246> go down <1931>(5720) upon <1909> your <5216> wrath <3950>:
27. Neither <3383> give <1325>(5720) place <5117> to the devil <1228>.
28. Let <2813> <0> him that stole <2813>(5723) steal <2813>(5720) no more <3371>: but <1161> rather <3123> let him labour <2872>(5720), working <2038>(5740) with his hands <5495> the thing which is good <18>, that <2443> he may have <2192>(5725) to give <3330>(5721) to him that needeth <5532> <2192>(5723).
29. Let <4550> <0> no <3361> <3956> corrupt <4550> communication <3056> proceed <1607>(5737) out of <1537> your <5216> mouth <4750>, but <235> that which <1536> is good <18> to <4314> the use <5532> of edifying <3619>, that <2443> it may minister <1325>(5632) grace <5485> unto the hearers <191>(5723).
30. And <2532> grieve <3076>(5720) not <3361> the holy <40> Spirit <4151> of God <2316>, whereby <1722> <3739> ye are sealed <4972>(5681) unto <1519> the day <2250> of redemption <629>.
31. Let <142> <0> all <3956> bitterness <4088>, and <2532> wrath <2372>, and <2532> anger <3709>, and <2532> clamour <2906>, and <2532> evil speaking <988>, be put away <142>(5682) from <575> you <5216>, with <4862> all <3956> malice <2549>:
32. And <1161> be <1096>(5737) ye kind <5543> one to another <1519> <240>, tenderhearted <2155>, forgiving <5483>(5740)(5746) one another <1438>, even as <2531> <2532> God <2316> for <1722> <0> Christ's <5547> sake <1722> hath forgiven <5483>(5662) you <5213>.