Let's read the Bible together in the next year. Today our passages are Job 8:1–11:20; 1 Corinthians 15:1-28; Psalm 38:1-22; and Proverbs 21:28-29. The readings are the Contemporary English Version.
Job 8-11:20 (Contemporary English Version)
Job 8
Bildad's First Speech
How Long Will You Talk?
1Bildad from Shuah [a] said: 2How long will you talk and keep saying nothing?
3Does God All-Powerful
stand in the way of justice?
4He made your children pay
for their sins.
5So why don't you turn to him
6and start living right?
Then he will decide
to rescue and restore you
to your place of honor.
7Your future will be brighter
by far than your past.
3Does God All-Powerful
stand in the way of justice?
4He made your children pay
for their sins.
5So why don't you turn to him
6and start living right?
Then he will decide
to rescue and restore you
to your place of honor.
7Your future will be brighter
by far than your past.
Our Ancestors Were Wise
8Our ancestors were wise, so learn from them.
9Our own time has been short,
like a fading shadow,
and we know very little.
10But they will instruct you
with great understanding.
11Papyrus reeds grow healthy
only in a swamp,
12and if the water dries up,
they die sooner than grass.
13Such is the hopeless future
of all who turn from God
14and trust in something as frail
as a spider's web--
15they take hold and fall
because it's so flimsy.
16Sinful people are like plants
with spreading roots
and plenty
of sun and water.
17They wrap their roots tightly
around rocks. [b] 18But once they are pulled up,
they have no more place;
19their life slips away, [c] and other plants grow there.
20We know God doesn't reject
an innocent person
or help a sinner.
21And so, he will make you happy
and give you something
to smile about.
22But your evil enemies
will be put to shame
and disappear forever.
9Our own time has been short,
like a fading shadow,
and we know very little.
10But they will instruct you
with great understanding.
11Papyrus reeds grow healthy
only in a swamp,
12and if the water dries up,
they die sooner than grass.
13Such is the hopeless future
of all who turn from God
14and trust in something as frail
as a spider's web--
15they take hold and fall
because it's so flimsy.
16Sinful people are like plants
with spreading roots
and plenty
of sun and water.
17They wrap their roots tightly
around rocks. [b] 18But once they are pulled up,
they have no more place;
19their life slips away, [c] and other plants grow there.
20We know God doesn't reject
an innocent person
or help a sinner.
21And so, he will make you happy
and give you something
to smile about.
22But your evil enemies
will be put to shame
and disappear forever.
Job 9
Job's Reply to Bildad
What You Say Is True
1Job said: 2What you say is true.
No human is innocent
in the sight of God.
3Not once in a thousand times
could we win our case
if we took him to court.
4God is wise and powerful--
who could possibly
oppose him and win?
5When God becomes angry,
he can move mountains
before they even know it.
6God can shake the earth loose
from its foundations
7or command the sun and stars
to hold back their light.
8God alone stretched out the sky,
stepped on the sea, [d] 9and set the stars in place--
the Big Dipper and Orion,
the Pleiades and the stars
in the southern sky.
10Of all the miracles God works,
we cannot understand a one.
11God walks right past me,
without making a sound.
12And if he grabs something,
who can stop him
or raise a question?
13When God showed his anger,
the servants of the sea monster [e] fell at his feet.
14How, then, could I possibly
argue my case with God?
No human is innocent
in the sight of God.
3Not once in a thousand times
could we win our case
if we took him to court.
4God is wise and powerful--
who could possibly
oppose him and win?
5When God becomes angry,
he can move mountains
before they even know it.
6God can shake the earth loose
from its foundations
7or command the sun and stars
to hold back their light.
8God alone stretched out the sky,
stepped on the sea, [d] 9and set the stars in place--
the Big Dipper and Orion,
the Pleiades and the stars
in the southern sky.
10Of all the miracles God works,
we cannot understand a one.
11God walks right past me,
without making a sound.
12And if he grabs something,
who can stop him
or raise a question?
13When God showed his anger,
the servants of the sea monster [e] fell at his feet.
14How, then, could I possibly
argue my case with God?
Though I Am Innocent
15Even though I am innocent, I can only beg for mercy.
16And if God came into court
when I called him,
he would not hear my case.
17He would strike me with a storm [f] and increase my injuries
for no reason at all.
18Before I could get my breath,
my miseries would multiply.
19God is much stronger than I am,
and who would call me into court
to give me justice?
20Even if I were innocent,
God would prove me wrong. [g] 21I am not guilty,
but I no longer care
what happens to me.
22What difference does it make?
God destroys the innocent
along with the guilty.
23When a good person dies
a sudden death,
God sits back and laughs.
24And who else but God
blindfolds the judges,
then lets the wicked
take over the earth?
16And if God came into court
when I called him,
he would not hear my case.
17He would strike me with a storm [f] and increase my injuries
for no reason at all.
18Before I could get my breath,
my miseries would multiply.
19God is much stronger than I am,
and who would call me into court
to give me justice?
20Even if I were innocent,
God would prove me wrong. [g] 21I am not guilty,
but I no longer care
what happens to me.
22What difference does it make?
God destroys the innocent
along with the guilty.
23When a good person dies
a sudden death,
God sits back and laughs.
24And who else but God
blindfolds the judges,
then lets the wicked
take over the earth?
My Life Is Speeding By
25My life is speeding by, without a hope of happiness.
26Each day passes swifter
than a sailing ship
or an eagle swooping down.
27Sometimes I try to be cheerful
and to stop complaining,
28but my sufferings frighten me,
because I know that God
still considers me guilty.
29So what's the use of trying
to prove my innocence?
30Even if I washed myself
with the strongest soap,
31God would throw me into a pit
of stinking slime,
leaving me
disgusting to my clothes.
32God isn't a mere human like me.
I can't put him on trial.
33Who could possibly judge
between the two of us?
34Can someone snatch away
the stick God carries
to frighten me?
35Then I could speak up
without fear of him,
but for now, I cannot speak. [h]
26Each day passes swifter
than a sailing ship
or an eagle swooping down.
27Sometimes I try to be cheerful
and to stop complaining,
28but my sufferings frighten me,
because I know that God
still considers me guilty.
29So what's the use of trying
to prove my innocence?
30Even if I washed myself
with the strongest soap,
31God would throw me into a pit
of stinking slime,
leaving me
disgusting to my clothes.
32God isn't a mere human like me.
I can't put him on trial.
33Who could possibly judge
between the two of us?
34Can someone snatch away
the stick God carries
to frighten me?
35Then I could speak up
without fear of him,
but for now, I cannot speak. [h]
Job 10
Job Complains to God
I Am Sick of Life!
1I am sick of life! And from my deep despair,
I complain to you, my God.
2Don't just condemn me!
Point out my sin.
3Why do you take such delight
in destroying those you created
and in smiling on sinners?
4Do you look at things
the way we humans do?
5Is your life as short as ours?
6Is that why you are so quick
to find fault with me?
7You know I am innocent,
but who can defend me
against you?
8Will you now destroy
someone you created?
9Remember that you molded me
like a piece of clay.
So don't turn me back
into dust once again.
10As cheese is made from milk,
you created my body
from a tiny drop.
11Then you tied my bones together
with muscles
and covered them
with flesh and skin.
12You, the source of my life,
showered me with kindness
and watched over me.
I complain to you, my God.
2Don't just condemn me!
Point out my sin.
3Why do you take such delight
in destroying those you created
and in smiling on sinners?
4Do you look at things
the way we humans do?
5Is your life as short as ours?
6Is that why you are so quick
to find fault with me?
7You know I am innocent,
but who can defend me
against you?
8Will you now destroy
someone you created?
9Remember that you molded me
like a piece of clay.
So don't turn me back
into dust once again.
10As cheese is made from milk,
you created my body
from a tiny drop.
11Then you tied my bones together
with muscles
and covered them
with flesh and skin.
12You, the source of my life,
showered me with kindness
and watched over me.
You Have Not Explained
13You have not explained all of your mysteries,
14but you catch and punish me
each time I sin.
15Guilty or innocent,
I am condemned and ashamed
because of my troubles.
16No matter how hard I try,
you keep hunting me down
like a powerful lion. [i] 17You never stop accusing me;
you become furious and attack
over and over again.
18Why did you let me be born?
I would rather have died
before birth
19and been carried to the grave
without ever breathing.
20I have only a few days left.
Why don't you leave me alone? [j] Let me find some relief,
21before I travel to the land
22of darkness and despair,
the place of no return.
14but you catch and punish me
each time I sin.
15Guilty or innocent,
I am condemned and ashamed
because of my troubles.
16No matter how hard I try,
you keep hunting me down
like a powerful lion. [i] 17You never stop accusing me;
you become furious and attack
over and over again.
18Why did you let me be born?
I would rather have died
before birth
19and been carried to the grave
without ever breathing.
20I have only a few days left.
Why don't you leave me alone? [j] Let me find some relief,
21before I travel to the land
22of darkness and despair,
the place of no return.
Job 11
Zophar's First Speech
So Much Foolish Talk
1Zophar from Naamah [k] said: 2So much foolish talk cannot go unanswered.
3Your words have silenced others
and made them ashamed;
now it is only right for you
to be put to shame.
4You claim to be innocent
and argue that your beliefs
are acceptable to God.
5But I wish he would speak
6and let you know
that wisdom
has many different sides.
You would then discover
that God has punished you
less
than you deserve.
7Can you understand the mysteries
surrounding God All-Powerful?
8They are higher than the heavens
and deeper than the grave.
So what can you do
when you know so little,
9and these mysteries outreach
the earth and the ocean?
10If God puts you in prison
or drags you to court,
what can you do?
11God has the wisdom to know
when someone is worthless
and sinful,
12but it's easier to tame
a wild donkey
than to make a fool wise. [l]
3Your words have silenced others
and made them ashamed;
now it is only right for you
to be put to shame.
4You claim to be innocent
and argue that your beliefs
are acceptable to God.
5But I wish he would speak
6and let you know
that wisdom
has many different sides.
You would then discover
that God has punished you
less
than you deserve.
7Can you understand the mysteries
surrounding God All-Powerful?
8They are higher than the heavens
and deeper than the grave.
So what can you do
when you know so little,
9and these mysteries outreach
the earth and the ocean?
10If God puts you in prison
or drags you to court,
what can you do?
11God has the wisdom to know
when someone is worthless
and sinful,
12but it's easier to tame
a wild donkey
than to make a fool wise. [l]
Surrender Your Heart to God
13Surrender your heart to God, turn to him in prayer,
14and give up your sins--
even those you do in secret.
15Then you won't be ashamed;
you will be confident
and fearless.
16Your troubles will go away
like water beneath a bridge,
17and your darkest night
will be brighter than noon.
18You will rest safe and secure,
filled with hope
and emptied of worry.
19You will sleep without fear
and be greatly respected.
20But those who are evil
will go blind and lose their way.
Their only escape is death!
Footnotes:- Job 8:1 Shuah: See the note at 2.11.
- Job 8:17 rocks: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 17.
- Job 8:19 their. . . away: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Job 9:8 sea: Or "sea monster" (see verse 13 and the note there).
- Job 9:13 the sea monster: The Hebrew text has "Rahab," which was some kind of sea monster with supernatural powers (see the notes at 3.8 and 26.12).
- Job 9:17 strike. . . storm: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Job 9:20 God. . . wrong: Or "my own words would prove me wrong."
- Job 9:35 but. . . speak: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Job 10:16 lion: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 16.
- Job 10:20 I have only. . . alone: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Job 11:1 Naamah: See the note at 2.11.
- Job 11:12 it's. . . wise: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
14and give up your sins--
even those you do in secret.
15Then you won't be ashamed;
you will be confident
and fearless.
16Your troubles will go away
like water beneath a bridge,
17and your darkest night
will be brighter than noon.
18You will rest safe and secure,
filled with hope
and emptied of worry.
19You will sleep without fear
and be greatly respected.
20But those who are evil
will go blind and lose their way.
Their only escape is death!
Footnotes:
- Job 8:1 Shuah: See the note at 2.11.
- Job 8:17 rocks: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 17.
- Job 8:19 their. . . away: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Job 9:8 sea: Or "sea monster" (see verse 13 and the note there).
- Job 9:13 the sea monster: The Hebrew text has "Rahab," which was some kind of sea monster with supernatural powers (see the notes at 3.8 and 26.12).
- Job 9:17 strike. . . storm: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Job 9:20 God. . . wrong: Or "my own words would prove me wrong."
- Job 9:35 but. . . speak: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Job 10:16 lion: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text of verse 16.
- Job 10:20 I have only. . . alone: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
- Job 11:1 Naamah: See the note at 2.11.
- Job 11:12 it's. . . wise: One possible meaning for the difficult Hebrew text.
1 Corinthians 15:1-28 (Contemporary English Version)
1 Corinthians 15
Christ Was Raised to Life
1My friends, I want you to remember the message that I preached and that you believed and trusted. 2You will be saved by this message, if you hold firmly to it. But if you don't, your faith was all for nothing. 3I told you the most important part of the message exactly as it was told to me. That part is:
Christ died for our sins,
as the Scriptures say.
4He was buried,
and three days later
he was raised to life,
as the Scriptures say.
5Christ appeared to Peter, [a] then to the twelve.
6After this, he appeared
to more than five hundred
other followers.
Most of them are still alive,
but some have died.
7He also appeared to James,
and then to all
of the apostles.
8Finally, he appeared to me, even though I am like someone who was born at the wrong time. [b] 9I am the least important of all the apostles. In fact, I caused so much trouble for God's church that I don't even deserve to be called an apostle. 10But God was kind! He made me what I am, and his wonderful kindness wasn't wasted. I worked much harder than any of the other apostles, although it was really God's kindness at work and not me. 11But it doesn't matter if I preached or if they preached. All of you believed the message just the same.
Christ died for our sins,
as the Scriptures say.
4He was buried,
and three days later
he was raised to life,
as the Scriptures say.
5Christ appeared to Peter, [a] then to the twelve.
6After this, he appeared
to more than five hundred
other followers.
Most of them are still alive,
but some have died.
7He also appeared to James,
and then to all
of the apostles.
8Finally, he appeared to me, even though I am like someone who was born at the wrong time. [b] 9I am the least important of all the apostles. In fact, I caused so much trouble for God's church that I don't even deserve to be called an apostle. 10But God was kind! He made me what I am, and his wonderful kindness wasn't wasted. I worked much harder than any of the other apostles, although it was really God's kindness at work and not me. 11But it doesn't matter if I preached or if they preached. All of you believed the message just the same.
God's People Will Be Raised to Life
12If we preach that Christ was raised from death, how can some of you say that the dead will not be raised to life? 13If they won't be raised to life, Christ himself wasn't raised to life. 14And if Christ wasn't raised to life, our message is worthless, and so is your faith. 15If the dead won't be raised to life, we have told lies about God by saying that he raised Christ to life, when he really did not. 16So if the dead won't be raised to life, Christ wasn't raised to life. 17Unless Christ was raised to life, your faith is useless, and you are still living in your sins. 18And those people who died after putting their faith in him are completely lost. 19If our hope in Christ is good only for this life, we are worse off than anyone else.
20But Christ has been raised to life! And he makes us certain that others will also be raised to life. 21Just as we will die because of Adam, we will be raised to life because of Christ. 22Adam brought death to all of us, and Christ will bring life to all of us. 23But we must each wait our turn. Christ was the first to be raised to life, and his people will be raised to life when he returns. 24Then after Christ has destroyed all powers and forces, the end will come, and he will give the kingdom to God the Father.
25Christ will rule until he puts all his enemies under his power, 26and the last enemy he destroys will be death. 27When the Scriptures say that he will put everything under his power, they don't include God. It was God who put everything under the power of Christ. 28After everything is under the power of God's Son, he will put himself under the power of God, who put everything under his Son's power. Then God will mean everything to everyone.
Footnotes:- 1 Corinthians 15:5 Peter: See the note at 1.12.
- 1 Corinthians 15:8 who was born at the wrong time: The meaning of these words in Greek is not clear.
20But Christ has been raised to life! And he makes us certain that others will also be raised to life. 21Just as we will die because of Adam, we will be raised to life because of Christ. 22Adam brought death to all of us, and Christ will bring life to all of us. 23But we must each wait our turn. Christ was the first to be raised to life, and his people will be raised to life when he returns. 24Then after Christ has destroyed all powers and forces, the end will come, and he will give the kingdom to God the Father.
25Christ will rule until he puts all his enemies under his power, 26and the last enemy he destroys will be death. 27When the Scriptures say that he will put everything under his power, they don't include God. It was God who put everything under the power of Christ. 28After everything is under the power of God's Son, he will put himself under the power of God, who put everything under his Son's power. Then God will mean everything to everyone.
Footnotes:
- 1 Corinthians 15:5 Peter: See the note at 1.12.
- 1 Corinthians 15:8 who was born at the wrong time: The meaning of these words in Greek is not clear.
Psalm 38:1-22 (Contemporary English Version)
Psalm 38
(A psalm by David to be used when an offering is made.)
A Prayer in Times of Trouble
1When you are angry, LORD, please don't punish me
or even correct me.
2You shot me with your arrows,
and you struck me
with your hand.
3My body hurts all over
because of your anger.
Even my bones are in pain,
and my sins 4are so heavy
that I am crushed.
5Because of my foolishness,
I am covered with sores
that stink and spread.
6My body is twisted and bent,
and I groan all day long.
7Fever has my back in flames,
and I hurt all over.
8I am worn out and weak,
moaning and in distress.
9You, Lord, know every one
of my deepest desires,
and my noisy groans
are no secret to you.
10My heart is beating fast.
I feel weak all over,
and my eyes are red.
11Because of my sickness,
no friends or neighbors
will come near me.
12All who want me dead
set traps to catch me,
and those who want
to harm and destroy me
plan and plot all day.
13I am not able to hear
or speak a word;
14I am completely deaf
and can't make a sound.
15I trust you, LORD God,
and you will do something.
16I said, "Don't let them laugh
or brag because I slip."
17I am about to collapse
from constant pain.
18I told you my sins,
and I am sorry for them.
19Many deadly and powerful
enemies hate me,
20and they repay evil for good
because I try to do right.
21You are the LORD God!
Stay nearby
and don't desert me.
22You are the one who saves me.
Please hurry and help.
or even correct me.
2You shot me with your arrows,
and you struck me
with your hand.
3My body hurts all over
because of your anger.
Even my bones are in pain,
and my sins 4are so heavy
that I am crushed.
5Because of my foolishness,
I am covered with sores
that stink and spread.
6My body is twisted and bent,
and I groan all day long.
7Fever has my back in flames,
and I hurt all over.
8I am worn out and weak,
moaning and in distress.
9You, Lord, know every one
of my deepest desires,
and my noisy groans
are no secret to you.
10My heart is beating fast.
I feel weak all over,
and my eyes are red.
11Because of my sickness,
no friends or neighbors
will come near me.
12All who want me dead
set traps to catch me,
and those who want
to harm and destroy me
plan and plot all day.
13I am not able to hear
or speak a word;
14I am completely deaf
and can't make a sound.
15I trust you, LORD God,
and you will do something.
16I said, "Don't let them laugh
or brag because I slip."
17I am about to collapse
from constant pain.
18I told you my sins,
and I am sorry for them.
19Many deadly and powerful
enemies hate me,
20and they repay evil for good
because I try to do right.
21You are the LORD God!
Stay nearby
and don't desert me.
22You are the one who saves me.
Please hurry and help.
Proverbs 21:28-29 (Contemporary English Version)
28If you tell lies in court,
you are done for;
only a reliable witness
can do the job.
29Wicked people bluff their way,
but God's people think
before they take a step.
you are done for;
only a reliable witness
can do the job.
29Wicked people bluff their way,
but God's people think
before they take a step.
Thought for the Day
“When I felt my feet slipping, you came with your love and kept me steady. And when I was burdened with worries, you comforted me and made me feel secure.” (Psalm 94:18-19 - Contemporary English Version) When we feel overwhelmed by problems and pain, it's important to remember that the creator of the universe loves us. And even though that may not solve the problems we face right now, it may give us peace and hope as we move into the future.
Quote for the Day
American economist, mathematician, writer, and political theorist, Kenneth Arrow wrote, “Any purchase is one for the future. If you buy a refrigerator, you are making a commitment to the future so that you have food to eat for the next ten years.”
Joke for Today
A company, feeling it was time for a shake-up, hires a new CEO. This new boss is determined to rid the company of all slackers. On a tour of the facilities, the CEO notices a guy leaning on a wall. The room is full of workers and he thinks this is his chance to show everyone he means business!
The CEO walks up the guy and asks, "And how much money do you make a week?"
Undaunted, the young fellow looks at him and replies, "I make $200.00 a week. Why?"
The CEO then hands the guy $200 in cash and screams, "Here's a week's pay, now GET OUT and don't come back!"
Feeling pretty good about his first firing, the CEO looks around the room and asks, "Does anyone want to tell me what that slacker did here?"
With a sheepish grin, one of the other workers mutters, "He's the pizza delivery guy."
A Prayer Request
As Christians, we can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Below is the need that we're laying before God today.
That those in the arts would be open to biblical world views and principles.
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