God saw all that he had made. It was very good. There was evening, and there was morning, the sixth day.

Jehovah God said: It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.

God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened. Then you will be like God, knowing good and evil.

And I will put enmity (hostility) (hatred) between you and the woman, and between your offspring (seed) and hers. He will bruise (overwhelm) (crush) you in the head, and you will bruise (overwhelm) (crush) him in the heel. (Romans 16:20) He said to the woman: I will greatly increase your pains in childbirth; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you. read more. He said to Adam: Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, 'You must not eat of it,' cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you. You will eat the plants of the field. You will eat your food by the sweat of your brow until you return to the ground. You came from the ground. For dust you are and to dust you will return.

If you do what is right, will not your attitude improve? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door. It desires to have you, but you must master it.

Jehovah saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become. Every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time.

Jehovah smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: Never again will I curse the ground because of man, for the intent of his heart is evil from childhood. I will never again destroy every living creature, as I have done.

He (Noah) said: Canaan is cursed! He will be a lowly slave to his brothers.

God said to him in a dream: Yes, I know that you did this with a clear conscience. In fact, I kept you from sinning against me. That is why I did not let you touch her.

Then Abimelech called Abraham. He said to him: What have you done to us? And how have I sinned against you? You have brought a great sin on me and on my kingdom. You have done to me things that ought not to be done.

No one in this house is greater than I. He has kept nothing back from me except you. You are his wife. How could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?

When your children ask you: What does this rite mean to you?

On that day tell your children: 'We do this because of what Jehovah did for us when we left Egypt.'

In the future when your children ask you, 'What does this mean?' tell them: 'Jehovah used his mighty hand to bring us out of slavery in Egypt.''

Do not worship them or serve them. I, Jehovah your God, am a God demanding exclusive devotion. (I do not tolerate rivals.) I will not share your affection with any other god. I punish children for their parents' sins to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.

Do not worship them or serve them. I, Jehovah your God, am a God demanding exclusive devotion. (I do not tolerate rivals.) I will not share your affection with any other god. I punish children for their parents' sins to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land Jehovah your God gives you.

When you buy a Hebrew slave he will be your slave for six years. In the seventh year he may leave as a free man without paying for his freedom.

Never allow a witch to live. The person who has sexual intercourse with an animal must be put to death. read more. The person who sacrifices to any god except Jehovah must be condemned and destroyed.

Let your land rest the seventh year. Do not harvest anything that grows on it. The poor may eat what grows there. The wild animals may have what is left. Do the same with your vineyards and your olive trees.

He took the book of the covenant, in which Jehovah's commandments were written, and read it aloud to the people. They said: We will obey Jehovah. We will do everything that he has commanded. Moses took the blood from the bowls and sprinkled it on the people. Next, he told them: With this blood Jehovah makes his agreement with you.

You are to observe the Sabbath. It is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it will absolutely be put to death. Whoever does any work on it will be removed from his people. Work may be done for six days. The seventh day there is a Sabbath of complete rest. It is holy to Jehovah. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day will definitely be put to death.

So Moses went back to Jehovah and said: These people have committed such a serious sin! They made a god out of gold for themselves. Will you forgive their sin? If not, please wipe me out of the book you have written.

Then Moses said: Please show me your glory! Jehovah said: I will make all my goodness pass in front of you. I will call out my name, JEHOVAH. I will be kind to anyone I want to. I will be merciful to anyone I want to.

Jehovah then passed in front of him and called out: I, Jehovah, am a God who is full of compassion and pity. I am not easily angered and show great love and faithfulness. I keep my promise for thousands of generations and forgive evil and sin. But I will not fail to punish children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generation for the sins of their fathers.

You may work for six days. The seventh day is a holy day of worship (a Sabbath). It is a day when you do not work. It is dedicated to Jehovah. Whoever does any work on this day should be put to death. Do not light a fire in your homes on the Sabbath day.

He took the words of God's promise (covenant) and put them in the ark. He put the poles on the ark and placed the throne of mercy on top of the ark.

Do not curse a deaf man. Do not place a stumbling block before the blind. You must deeply respect your God. I am Jehovah.

Never hate your brother in your heart. Be sure to correct your neighbor so that you will not be guilty of sinning along with him. Do not seek revenge. Never hold a grudge against any of your people. Instead, love your neighbor as you love yourself. I am Jehovah.

Show respect to the elderly, and honor older people. In this way you show respect for your God. I am Jehovah.

If you claim to receive messages from the dead, you will be put to death by stoning, just as you deserve.

your domestic animals, and the wild animals in your fields. Everything that it produces may be eaten.

They are my servants. I brought them out of Egypt. They must never be sold as slaves. Do not treat them harshly. Respect your God. read more. You may have male and female slaves, but buy them from the nations around you. You may also buy the children of the foreigners who are living among you. Such children born in your land may become your property. You may leave them as an inheritance to your children, whom they must serve as long as they live. But you must not treat any Israelites harshly. Suppose a foreigner living with you becomes rich, while some Israelites become poor and sell themselves as slaves to that foreigner or to a member of that foreigner's family. He has the right to be set free by a relative, such as a brother. His uncle, his cousin, or some other relative could also buy him back. If he becomes rich, he could buy his own freedom.

They have rejected what Jehovah said and have deliberately broken one of his commandments. They are responsible for their own death. One time, while the Israelites were still in the wilderness, a man was found gathering firewood on the Sabbath. read more. He was taken to Moses, Aaron, and the whole congregation. They held him in custody until they decided what to do with him. Jehovah said to Moses: This man must be put to death. The whole congregation must take him outside the camp and stone him. So the whole congregation took him outside the camp and stoned him to death, as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Be on your guard! Make sure you do not forget, as long as you live, what you have seen with your own eyes. Teach them to your children and your grandchildren.

Honor your father and your mother, as Jehovah your God commands you and your days will be prolonged and things will go well with you, in the land Jehovah gives you.

You must love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with your entire mind and with all your strength. These words that I command you this day must be in your heart. read more. Carefully teach them to your sons. Talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way. Speak about them when you lie down, and when you rise up.

In the future your son will ask you: 'What is the meaning of these laws and regulations that Jehovah our God has commanded you?' You will answer your son: 'We were Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt, and Jehovah brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. read more. Jehovah showed signs and wonders before our eyes, great and terrible signs, against Egypt, Pharaoh and his entire household. He brought us out from there. That way he could give us the land he swore to give to our fathers. Jehovah commanded us to do all these statutes. He required that we respect Jehovah our God. This was for our own good that he might preserve us alive, as things are today. If we are careful to do these commandments before Jehovah our God, just as he ordered us, it will mean righteousness for us.'

You were chosen because Jehovah loved you and kept the oath he swore to your fathers. So he used his mighty hand to bring you out. He freed you from slavery under Pharaoh king of Egypt.

Then I came down from the mountain and put the tablets in the Ark I had made. They are there just as Jehovah commanded me.

He executes justice for the orphan and the widow. He shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing. Love those who are aliens. For you were also aliens in the land of Egypt.

Teach them to your children! Talk about them in your home and away. Speak of them when you lie down or get up.

Put to death any interpreters of dreams or prophets that tell you to rebel against Jehovah. For he (Jehovah) rescued you from Egypt, where you were slaves. Such people are evil and are trying to lead you away from the life that Jehovah has commanded you to live. They must be put to death, in order to get rid of this evil.

Gather all its treasure into the middle of its open square and burn the city and all its treasure with fire as a whole burnt offering to Jehovah your God. It shall be a ruin forever. It shall never be rebuilt.

This is what you must do whenever there are poor Israelites in one of your cities in the land that Jehovah your God is giving you. Be generous to these poor people. Freely lend them as much as they need. Never be hardhearted and stingy with them. read more. When the seventh year, the year when payments on debts are canceled, is near, you might be stingy toward poor Israelites and give them nothing. Be careful not to think these worthless thoughts. The poor will complain to Jehovah about you, and you will be condemned for your sin. Give the poor what they need, because then Jehovah will make you successful in everything you do. There will always be some Israelites who are poor and needy. That is why I am commanding you to be generous with them.

Never offer a bull or a sheep that has a defect or anything seriously wrong with it as a sacrifice to Jehovah your God. That is an abomination to him. In one of the cities Jehovah your God is giving you, there may be a man or woman among you who is doing what Jehovah considers evil. This person may be disregarding the conditions of Jehovah's covenant. read more. Some worship and bow down to other gods, the sun, the moon, or the whole army of heaven. I have forbidden this. If it is told you and you have heard of it, then you shall inquire thoroughly. If it is true and the thing certain that this detestable thing has been done in Israel, Bring that man or woman who has done this evil deed out to your gates. Stone the man or the woman to death.

Any prophet who dares to say something in my name that I did not command him to say or who speaks in the name of other gods must die.

Have no pity on him: Take a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, and a foot for a foot.

When you go to war with your enemies and Jehovah your God hands them over to you, you may take them captive. If you see a beautiful woman among the captives and your heart is set on her, you may marry her. read more. Take her to your home. She should shave her head and cut her nails. She should no longer wear the clothes she was wearing when you captured her. She may live in your house and mourn the loss of her father and mother for one month. After that you may marry her. Later if you are not happy with the woman you may divorce her. She may go free. But you have slept with her as your wife, so you cannot sell her as a slave or make her into your own slave.

You should not see your brothers donkey or his bull fallen down on the way, and pay no attention to them. Help him lift it to its feet.

If you find a bird's nest near the road, in a tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs in it. The mother could be sitting on the young or on eggs. Do not take the mother with the young.

Do not pervert the justice due an alien or an orphan. Do not take a widow's garment in pledge.

Do not muzzle the bull while he is threshing.

Assemble the people, the men and the women and children and the alien who is in your town. Assemble them that they may hear and learn and respect Jehovah your God, and be careful to observe all the words of this Law. Their children, who have not known, will hear and learn to respect Jehovah your God, as long as you live on the land you will possess when you cross the Jordan River.

he said to them: Take to your heart all the words with which I am warning you today. Command your sons to observe carefully all the words of this law.

She hid them on the rooftop of the house. She covered them with stalks of flax, which she had laid in order on the roof.

Joshua rose early in the morning. They left Shittim for Jordan. He and all the children of Israel lodged there before they crossed over. After three days the officers went through the camp.

After three days the officers went through the camp. They commanded the people, saying: When you see the Ark of the Covenant of Jehovah your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, you should leave here and follow it.

They commanded the people, saying: When you see the Ark of the Covenant of Jehovah your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, you should leave here and follow it.

Joshua said to the people: Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow Jehovah will do amazing things among you.

Joshua said to Achan: My son, give glory to Jehovah God of Israel and confess to him. Tell me now what you have done. Do not hide it from me. Achan answered Joshua: Indeed I have sinned against Jehovah the God of Israel. This I have done. read more. When I saw among the spoils a quality Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them. I hid them in the earth in the middle of my tent. So Joshua sent messengers to the tent and found it and the silver. They took them out of the middle of the tent, and brought them to Joshua, and to all the children of Israel, and laid them out before Jehovah. And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver, and the garment, and the wedge of gold, and his sons, and his daughters, and his oxen, and his asses, and his sheep, and his tent, and all that he had: and they brought them unto the valley of Achor. Joshua said: Why have you troubled us? Jehovah will trouble you this day. All Israel stoned them with stones. After they stoned them they burned them with fire. They raised over them a great heap of stones that is there to this day. So Jehovah turned from the fierceness of his anger. The name of that place was called, the Valley of Achor, to this day.

The leaders of Issachar came with Deborah. Issachar came and Barak too, and they followed him into the valley. But the tribe of Reuben was divided; they could not decide to come. Why did they stay behind with the sheep? Did they listen to shepherds calling the flocks? Yes, the tribe of Reuben was divided; they could not decide to come. read more. The tribe of Gad stayed east of the Jordan. The tribe of Dan remained by the ships. The tribe of Asher stayed by the seacoast. They remained by the shore. The people of Zebulun and Naphtali risked their lives on the battlefield.

But Jehovah said to Samuel: Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature. I have rejected him. God does not see as man sees. Man looks at the outward appearance. Jehovah looks at the heart (inner man).

The God of Israel has spoken. The protector of Israel said to me: 'The king who rules with justice, who rules in obedience to God. He is like the sun shining on a cloudless day. The sun that makes the grass sparkle after rain.

If I have withheld anything that the poor desired, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail,

Let the evil of the wicked come to an end. Establish the righteous, you who test the minds and hearts, O righteous God.

Who will go up to the mountain of Jehovah? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up (turned) to falsehood and has not sworn deceitfully.

O Jehovah, remember your loving kindness and merciful deeds. They have existed from eternity.

([Psalm of David]) Blessed (happy) is the one who has concern for helpless people. Jehovah will rescue (save) him in times of trouble.

The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. O God, you do not despise a broken and sorrowful (contrite) heart.

He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel. This he commanded our fathers that they should teach them to their children, That the generation to come might know, the children to be born, that they may arise and tell to their children,

Jehovah is merciful and gracious. He is slow to anger, and rich in loving-kindness.

They give drink to every beast of the field. The wild donkeys quench their thirst. Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell. They lift up voices among the branches.

If You, Jehovah, should record our sins, O Jehovah, who could stand?

You know when I sit down and when I rise up. You understand my thought from afar. You inspect my path and my lying down. You are intimately acquainted with my ways.

Examine me, O God, and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious (troubled) (painful) (disturbing) thoughts.

Do not enter into judgment with your servant, for in your sight no man living is righteous.

Praise him you wild animals and all domestic animals, crawling animals and birds.

Go to the ant, you lazy person. Consider her ways and be wise! The lowly ant has no guide or overseer. read more. It prepares its food in the summer and gathers food at the harvest. How long will you sleep, O lazy person? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest. Your poverty comes like a traveler. Your need comes like an armed man.

I looked out the window of my house.

A righteous man has regard for the life of his animal, but the compassion of the wicked is terrible.

He who despises his neighbor sins. He who has mercy on the poor is happy.

A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame and share the inheritance among the brothers.

Excellent speech does not fit a fool; much less do lying lips a prince.

Prepare your outside work. Make it fit for yourself in the field. After that build your house.

Jehovah says: What do your many animal sacrifices mean to me? I have had enough of your burnt offerings of rams and enough fat from your fattened calves. I am not pleased with the blood of bulls, lambs, or male goats.

He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces. He will take away the disgrace of His people from the earth. Jehovah has spoken!

Is this not the fast I choose to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and break every yoke?

In all their difficulty he was concerned, and he was the messenger who saved them. In his love and compassion he reclaimed (redeemed) them. He always held them and carried them in the past.

Go and proclaim this message to the north: 'Come back, unfaithful Israel. It is Jehovah speaking. I will no longer frown on you because I am merciful,' declares Jehovah. 'I will no longer be angry with you.

What purpose does frankincense come to me from Sheba and the sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable and your sacrifices are not pleasing to me.

For if you truly amend your ways and your deeds, if you truly practice justice between a man and his neighbor,

Thus says Jehovah of Hosts, the God of Israel: Add your burnt offerings to your sacrifices and eat flesh.

I, Jehovah, search the heart and examine the mind (inner man). I give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds.

This is what Jehovah says: Judge fairly, and do what is right. Rescue those who have been robbed from those who oppress them. Do not mistreat foreigners, orphans, or widows, and do not oppress them. Do not kill innocent people in this place.

Jehovah appeared to him from afar, saying: I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore I have drawn you with loving-kindness.

When that time comes people will no longer say: 'The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and their children's teeth are set on edge.' Each person will die for his own sin. Whoever eats sour grapes will have his own teeth set on edge.

This is the covenant (agreement) that I will make with Israel after those days, declares Jehovah. I will put my teachings (Law) inside them. I will write those teachings (Law) on their hearts (inner man) (mind) (will) (conscience) (understanding). I will be their God, and they will be my people.

I will restore Judah and Israel and rebuild them as they were before.

What do you mean by using this proverb concerning the land of Israel: 'The fathers eat sour grapes, but the children's teeth are set on edge?' As I live, declares the Lord Jehovah: 'You are surely not going to use this proverb in Israel anymore.

Yet you say: Why should the son not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity? When the son has practiced justice and righteousness and has observed all my statutes and done them, he shall surely live. The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father's iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son's iniquity. The righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself. And the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself.

The hand of Jehovah was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of Jehovah and set me down in the middle of the valley. The valley was full of bones. He caused me to pass among them round about. There were very many on the surface of the valley and they were very dry. read more. He said to me: Son of man, can these bones live? I answered, O Lord Jehovah, you know. Again he said: Prophesy over these bones and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of Jehovah. The Lord Jehovah says to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you that you may come to life. I will put sinews on you, make flesh grow back on you, cover you with skin and put breath in you that you may come alive. You will know that I am Jehovah.' So I prophesied as I was commanded. As I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, a rattling. The bones came together, bone to its bone. I looked, sinews were on them, and flesh grew and skin covered them. But there was no breath in them. Then Jehovah said to me: Prophesy to the wind (ruach: air, breath, spirit, life)! Prophesy, son of man. Tell the wind, this is what the Lord Jehovah says: 'Come from the four winds, O Breath, and breathe on these people who were killed so that they will live.' So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath of life entered them. Then they came to life and stood on their feet. There were enough of them to form a very large army. Jehovah also said: Son of man, all the people of Israel are like these bones. The people say: Our bones are dry, and our hope has vanished. We are completely destroyed. Prophesy and tell them: 'This is what the Lord Jehovah says: My people, I will open your graves and take you out of them. I will bring you to Israel. Then, my people, you will know that I am Jehovah, because I will open your graves and bring you out of your graves.' I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live. I will place you in your own land. Then you will know that I, Jehovah, have spoken, and I have done it,' declares Jehovah.

I desire loving-kindness (mercy), not sacrifice, and knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Like Adam, they have broken the covenant. They were unfaithful to me there.

Sound the alarm on the trumpet. The enemy swoops down on Jehovah's Temple like an eagle. The people of Israel have rejected my covenant promise and rebelled against my Law.

When Israel was a young man, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.

I will ransom them from the power of the grave. I will redeem them from death! O death, where are your stings (plagues)? O grave, where is your destruction (devastation)? Compassion will be concealed from my eyes. (1 Co 15:54-57)

I will heal their apostasy! I will love them freely for my anger has turned away from them.

Hear this word Jehovah spoke against you, O children of Israel! It is against the whole family that I brought out of the land of Egypt: Of all the families of the earth I have chosen (known) only you. Therefore I will punish you for all your sins. read more. Will two walk together, except they cooperate (collaborate) (have an agreement)?

I hate, I despise (reject) your feasts, and I will take no delight in your solemn assemblies.

Should I not then have regard for Nineveh, that great city, where there are more than one hundred and twenty thousand people that do not know the difference between their right and their left hand, and also many animals?

Who is a God like you who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? You do not keep your anger forever, because you delight in loving-kindness (unchanging love).

Jehovah of Hosts has spoken: Every man should execute true judgment, and show kindness and compassion to his brother!

The word of Jehovah of Hosts came to me. Jehovah of Hosts said: I am zealous for Zion with great ardor, and I am very zealous for her with great rage. read more. Jehovah of Hosts said: I have returned to Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Jerusalem will be called the city of truth and the mountain of Jehovah of Hosts, the holy mountain. Jehovah of Hosts said: Old men and old women walk with the help of canes in the streets of Jerusalem. They sit in the city square. The streets of the city will be full of boys and girls playing there in the streets. Jehovah of hosts proclaims: If it is marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also be marvelous in my eyes? Said Jehovah of Hosts. Thus said Jehovah of Hosts: Behold! I will save my people from the land of the east and from the land of the west. I will bring them and they will live in Jerusalem. They will be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness!

My covenant was with him [Levi]. It was of life and peace. I gave them to him that he might reverence me. He respected me and stood in awe of my name. The law of truth was in his mouth. Unrighteousness was not found in his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness. He turned many away from iniquity. read more. The priests should teach the true knowledge of God. They are the messengers of Jehovah of Hosts. Therefore the people should learn (my will) the law from them.

God's Spirit led Jesus into the desert wilderness. There he was tested (tempted) by the Devil. He fasted forty days and nights, and was very hungry. read more. Satan, the Tempter, said to him: If (since) you are the Son of God order these stones to turn into bread. In reply Jesus answered: It is written; man shall not live on bread alone, but on all (everything) (every word) (every utterance) (every declaration) that proceeds from the mouth of Jehovah. (Deuteronomy 8:3) Then the Devil took him into the holy city and had him stand on top of the Temple. If (since) you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. The Scriptures say: 'God will give orders to his angels about you and they will hold you with their hands, so that not even your feet will strike the ground.' Again it is written, Jesus replied, 'you must not put Jehovah your God to the test.' (Deuteronomy 6:16) This time the Devil took Jesus to an extremely high mountain. He showed him all the kingdoms of the world with all their greatness. I will give all this to you, the Devil told Jesus, if you kneel down and worship me. Go away, Satan! demanded Jesus. It is written, It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.' (Deuteronomy 6:13-15) Then the Devil left Jesus, and the angels came and served him.

Seeing great masses of people, he went up to the mountain. When he was seated his disciples came to him.

Seeing great masses of people, he went up to the mountain. When he was seated his disciples came to him. He opened his mouth and taught them:

He opened his mouth and taught them: Blessed (Greek: makarios: happy, blessed) are those conscious of their spiritual need, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

Blessed (Greek: makarios: happy, blessed) are those conscious of their spiritual need, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek (gentle) (mild) (humble), for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are the meek (gentle) (mild) (humble), for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful and compassionate, for they will receive mercy and compassion.

Blessed are the merciful and compassionate, for they will receive mercy and compassion. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God. Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake.

Blessed are you when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice, and be filled with joy, for great is your reward in heaven. The prophets, who came before you, were also persecuted.

Rejoice, and be filled with joy, for great is your reward in heaven. The prophets, who came before you, were also persecuted. You are the salt of the earth. If its taste goes away, how will you restore it? It is good for nothing. All you can do is throw it on the ground and walk on it. read more. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill may be seen by all. A light is not placed under a cover. To the contrary, it is placed on a table so all may see. Likewise, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. Do not think I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I came, not to destroy, but to fulfill (perfect) (execute) (accomplish).

You were told in the past, do not murder (kill). Any one who murders will be brought to trial.

You were told in the past, do not murder (kill). Any one who murders will be brought to trial. Now I tell you that everyone who is angry with his brother [without cause] shall be guilty before the court. Whoever speaks to his brother with words of contempt shall receive condemnation before the Sanhedrin [Supreme Court]. Curse your brother and you will be guilty enough to be destroyed by fire, with the burning trash, at the Valley of Hinnom, outside of Jerusalem (Greek: Gehenna). read more. When making an offering at the altar and you remember your brother has something against you, leave your gift at the altar and go make peace with your brother. Then return and make your offering.

You have heard it was said, 'You should not commit adultery.' However, I tell you that whoever looks at a woman with lustful thoughts commits adultery with her in his heart.

You have heard it said, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. But I tell you, do not resist a wicked person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to that person.

Be careful! Do not display your righteousness (good works) before men to be noticed by them. If you do, you will have no reward with your heavenly Father.

Your giving will be in secret and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Go to your room and close the door. Privately pray to your Father. When your Father sees you he will reward you.

If you forgive others their sins, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. If you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

That way, men may not see that you are fasting. Your Father knows in secret and will reward you.

Everyone who hears my words, and does them is like a wise man that builds his house on a rock. The rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house; and it did not fall. It was built on a solid rock foundation. read more. Every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand. The rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and battered the house and it fell with a great crash.

Which is easier, to say, your sins are forgiven, or to say, get up and walk? So that you know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins [he turned and spoke to the paralytic or paralyzed man]: Get up, take your bed and go to your house.

He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me. He who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Anyone who does not pick up his stake and follow me is not worthy of me. read more. Whoever finds his life will lose it. Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

I tell you, there is none, born of women, greater then John the Baptist. Yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

You offspring of vipers. How can you who are evil speak good things? Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man performs good things out of his good treasure. The evil man performs evil things out of his evil treasure.

Truly, I tell you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things that you see, and could not see them. They also desired to hear the things that you hear, and could not hear them.

That which was spoken through the prophet was fulfilled, saying: I will open my mouth in illustrations. I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world.

And he said to them: Every scribe (journalist) (writer) who has been made a disciple to the kingdom of heaven is like a man that is a householder, who brings out of his treasure things new and old.

The kingdom of heaven is like a king who went over his accounts with his servants. First, one came to him who owed him ten thousand talents. read more. He was not able to make payment. So his lord gave orders for him to be sold. His wife, sons, and daughters were all to be sold along with every possession. The money would be used for payment of what he owed. So the servant fell on his face out of respect. He said: 'Lord, give me time to make payment and I will pay everything.' Being moved with pity, the lord let him go, and made him free of the debt. Then that servant met another servant who was in debt to him for one hundred denarii. He took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay your debt now.' That servant fell down before him, saying, 'Give me time and I will make payment to you.' He would not give him time. He put him into prison till he paid the debt. When the other servants saw what happened, they were very sad. They told their lord what had been done. His lord sent for him, and said: 'Evil servant; I made you free of all that debt, because of your request to me. Should you [also] show mercy to your fellow servant the same way I showed mercy to you?' His lord was angry and sent him to jail to be punished until he paid back all of his debt. My heavenly Father will treat you like that if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.

They do everything to be seen by men. For example: they enlarge their scripture cases for their foreheads and lengthen the tassels on their garments.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs that appear beautiful on the outside. They are full of dead men's bones and uncleanness on the inside.

Then he will tell those on his left: 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the ever-burning fire that is prepared for the Devil and his [fallen] angels. I was hungry and you did not feed me. I was thirsty and you did not give me drink. read more. I was a stranger and you did not take me in. I was naked and you did not dress me. I was sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' They will also ask: 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty, a stranger or naked, sick or in prison and not minister to you?' The King will answer: 'To the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of my brothers, you did not do it to me.'

Teach them to observe all the things I have commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

When the scribes of the Pharisees saw he was eating with the tax collectors and sinners they asked his disciples: Why does he take food and drink with such men? Jesus heard this. He said to them: Those who are well have no need of a medical man but those who are ill do. I have come to care for sinners not the upright.

No man puts a patch of new cloth on an old coat. The new, by pulling away from the old, makes a worse hole. No man puts new wine into old wineskins. The skins will burst and the wine and the skins will be wasted. New wine has to be put into new wine skins.

They saw that some of his disciples ate their bread with unwashed defiled hands. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat until they wash their hands. They practice the tradition of the elders.) read more. When they come from the marketplace they wash themselves before they eat. They follow many other rules. They wash their cups, and brass pots, and other vessels. The Pharisees and the scribes asked: Why do your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders. Instead they eat their bread with defiled hands? He told them: Isaiah prophesied about you hypocrites. It is written: 'This people honor me with their lips but their heart is far from me. They worship me in vain teaching as doctrines the commands of men.' Speaking to the Pharisees and scribes He said: You abandon the commandment of God, and hold fast the tradition of men.

He replied: Do you not understand? Do you not know that which goes into the man from the outside cannot defile him? It is because it does not go into his heart, but into his stomach and is eliminated? All foods are clean. read more. That which comes out of the man defiles the man. It is from the heart that evil thoughts come such as: fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries,

It is from the heart that evil thoughts come such as: fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, coveting, wickedness, deceit, loose conduct, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness.

coveting, wickedness, deceit, loose conduct, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these evil things come from within and defile the man.

Some Pharisees came to him and tried to trap him. Does our Law allow a man to divorce his wife? They asked. What did Moses command you? Jesus asked. read more. They said: Moses allowed us to write a certificate of divorce and send her away. He wrote this commandment because of your hard hearts, Jesus replied. God made male and female from the beginning of creation. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and unite with his wife. The two shall become one flesh. They are no longer two, but one flesh. That which God has joined together let not man take apart (separate).

Teacher, they said, we know that you are truthful, and not concerned about what other people think. You truthfully teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? Should we pay or should we not pay? Knowing their hypocrisy he said to them: Why do you test me? Show me a denarius. read more. And they brought it. He said to them: Whose is this image and superscription? They said: Caesar's. Jesus said: Pay to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. They greatly marveled at him.

When the sun was setting they brought many who were sick of different diseases to him. He laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.

He who was dead sat up and spoke and he was returned to his mother.

She loved much! She has many sins and they are forgiven. When little is forgiven, little love is shown.

He told another: Follow me. But he said: Lord first let me go bury my father. Let the dead bury the dead. You go and publish abroad the kingdom of God. Jesus replied.

Woe to you Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida! If the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which were done in you, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. It will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment than for you. read more. Will you Capernaum be exalted to heaven? You will be brought down to the grave. He that hears you hears me; and he that rejects you rejects me and he that rejects me rejects him that sent me.

A lawyer stood up to test him. He asked: Teacher what shall I do to inherit everlasting life? He said: What is written in the law? How do you read it? read more. He answered: Love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your life, with all your strength and with all your mind. (Feelings and total existence) (Might and total thinking capacity) And you should love your neighbor as yourself. (Deuteronomy 6:5) (Leviticus 19:18) He told him: You answered correctly, do this and you will live. Desiring to justify himself, he said to Jesus: Who is my neighbor? Jesus answered: A man traveled from Jerusalem to Jericho. He fell among robbers. They stripped him, beat him and left him half dead. A priest traveled on that road. When he saw him he passed by on the other side. When a Levite came to the place he saw the man and passed by on the other side. Then a Samaritan arrived where he was. He was moved with compassion when he saw him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds pouring oil and wine on them. He set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn to take care of him. The next day he paid the host two shillings. He said take care of him and if you spend more I will repay you when I return. Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers? He said: The one who showed mercy to him. Jesus said to him: Go and you do like wise.

You who come to me may not be my disciple unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters and yourself. Those who do not carry their own stake and come after me may not be my disciples.

If you have a hundred sheep and lose one of them, what do you do? You leave the other ninety-nine sheep in the pasture and go looking for the one you lost until you find it. When you find it you are happy. You carry it on your shoulders. read more. You bring it back home. You invite your friends and neighbors together to celebrate. You say, 'I am so happy I found my lost sheep.' It is the same. I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine good people who do not need to repent.

Jesus said: You make yourselves look righteous to other people. God knows your hearts. The things considered of great value by people are worth nothing in God's sight.

A rich man dressed in the most expensive clothes and lived in great luxury every day. A poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, used to be brought to the rich man's door. read more. He hoped he could eat the bits of food that fell from the rich man's table. Then the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man died and was buried. He was in great torment in the grave (hades). He looked up and saw Abraham, far away, with Lazarus at his side. He called out: Father Abraham! Take pity on me! Please send Lazarus to dip his finger in some water and cool off my tongue. I am in torment in this fire! Abraham said: Remember, my son, in your lifetime you were given good things, while Lazarus got all the bad things. Now he is enjoying himself while you are in torment. There is a deep pit lying between us, so that those who want to cross over from here to you cannot do so. And no one can cross over to us from where you are. The rich man said: I beg you, father Abraham, send Lazarus to my father's house. Have him go warn my five brothers that they will not come to this place of torment. Abraham said: Your brothers have Moses and the prophets to warn them. They should listen to them. The rich man responded: It is not enough father Abraham! If someone from the dead went to them they would repent. Abraham said: If they would not listen to Moses and the prophets, they would not listen to someone from the dead.

Two men went to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed like this: God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of men, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. read more. I fast twice per week. I give tithes of all that I get. But the tax collector stood far away and would not lift up so much as his eyes to heaven. He beat his breast, saying: God, be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you the tax collector and not the Pharisee was right with God when he went home. He who exalts himself will be humbled! He who humbles himself will be exalted!

Zacchaeus stood before Jesus and said: Lord, I now give half of all my possessions to the poor. If I have defrauded any one I will give back four times the amount taken. Jesus said to him: Salvation has come to this house today. He is also a son of Abraham.

He said: Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingdom.

The crowds gathered at this sight. When they saw the things that were done they left beating their breasts.

All things were made through him and without him not one thing was made. He lived and his life gives light to all people.

The law came through Moses. Loving-kindness and truth came through Jesus Christ.

The next day John was standing with two of his disciples.

Jesus answered: Truly I tell you unless a person is born again (brought forth from above) he cannot see the kingdom of God.

That which is born from the flesh is flesh and that which is born from the Spirit is spirit.

For God loved the world so much, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever has an active faith in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

He who has an active faith in him is not judged. He who does not have an active faith has been judged already for he has not had faith in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

But the hour comes and now is when the true worshippers shall worship the Father with spirit and truth. The Father seeks such people to worship him.

I said to you that you would die in your sins. Unless you believe that I am he, you will die in your sins!

If therefore the Son will make you free, you will be free indeed.

Which of you convicted me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe me?

I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me.

You call me Teacher and Lord and you are right for I am.

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another.

If I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and I will receive you to myself, for where I am you may also be.

A little while and the world will not see me anymore, but you will. I live and you will also live.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the cultivator. He takes away the branches in me that do not bear fruit. He cleans every branch that bears fruit. That way it may bear more fruit. read more. You are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Remain with me, and I with you. The branch cannot bear fruit by itself. It must remain on the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain with me. I am the vine and you are the branches. He that remains with me, and I with him, the same bears much fruit. You can do nothing apart from me. If a man does not remain with me, he is removed as a branch, and withers. They gather them and throw them into the fire where they are burned (destroyed) (consumed). If you remain with me, and my words remain with you, ask whatever you will, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified when you bear much fruit. You will be my disciples. I love you just as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. If you obey my commandments you will remain in my love. I have obeyed my Father's commandments and remain in his love.

If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin. Now they have no excuse for their sin! He who hates me hates my Father also. read more. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would have no sin. They have seen and hated both my Father and me.

They will throw you out of the synagogues. Yes, the hour comes that whoever kills you will think that he offered service to God.

Upon arrival this one will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.

Upon arrival this one will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. First of sin because they do not practice active faith in me.

I spoke to you that in me you might have peace. In the world you have tribulation. Be of good cheer for I have conquered the world!

I glorified you on the earth. I accomplished the work you gave me to do.

Father, I desire that these whom you gave me may be with me where I am. I want them to see the glory you have given me. For you loved me before the creation of the world.

They left the council and rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus but had not yet received the Spirit.

When they had testified and preached the word of Jehovah they returned to Jerusalem, and preached the good news in many villages of the Samaritans. God's angel said to Philip: Arise, and go toward the south the way that goes from Jerusalem unto Gaza through the desert. read more. He went and an Ethiopian eunuch (government official), a man of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem to worship. He was returning and sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit said to Philip: Go near, and climb on this chariot. Philip ran to him, heard him read the prophet Isaiah, and said: Do you understand what you are reading? How can I, the eunuch said: unless someone explains it to me? He invited Philip to come and sit with him. The Scripture he read was this: He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer so he did not open his mouth. In his humiliation his judgment was taken away. Who will declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth. The eunuch asked Philip: Please tell me of whom is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else? Then Philip began at the same Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. On their way, they came to a body of water and the eunuch said, See, here is water. What prevents me from getting baptized? Philip said: If you believe with all your heart, you may. He answered: I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He commanded the chariot to stop. They both went into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. After they came out of the water God's Spirit took Philip away. The eunuch did not see him again. He continued his journey rejoicing.

Cornelius met Peter and fell down at his feet with adoration for him. Stand up, Peter said, as he lifted him up, I am also a man.

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, appointed (set apart) for the good news of God,

He is not a Jew who is one on the outside. Neither is circumcision that which is on the outside in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is so on the inside with circumcision of the heart, in spirit, not in letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

Do we nullify the law through faith? No we do not! In fact, we establish (continue) (stand by) (uphold) the law.

We are justified (acquitted) (made righteous) by faith. And we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have access to grace (God's favor) by faith through him. This is where we stand. We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die. Perhaps for the good man some one would even dare to die. But God demonstrates (commends) his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

For we know that the law is spiritual. But I am fleshly and sold under sin.

The law of the Spirit gives us life through (with) (because of) Christ Jesus. It has set me free from the law of sin and death.

But you are not in flesh but in Spirit, if indeed God's Spirit dwells in you. If any one does not have the Spirit of Christ he does not belong to him.

Those he first recognized, he ordained in advance that they be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, read more. Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 6:12)

Let every person be subject to superior authorities. For there is no authority except by God. God allows the authorities to serve in their positions. Whoever opposes the authority resists the ordinance of God. Those who resist will receive judgment. read more. For rulers are objects of fear, not to good works, but to the evil. Will you not have respect for the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from it. He is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid for he does not bear the sword in vain. He is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath upon him that does evil. You must be in subjection, not only because of that wrath, but also for the sake of your conscience. That is why you pay taxes. They are God's ministers continually serving this very purpose. Render therefore to all their due. Provide tribute to whom tribute is due. Give custom to whom custom is owed. Render fear to whom fear is owed and offer honor to whom honor is deserved.

Who are you to judge another man's servant? He stands or falls before his own master. Yes, he will be made to stand for God can make him stand.

We do not preach about ourselves, but about Christ Jesus as Lord. We are your servants for Jesus' sake.

We must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether it is good or bad.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich.

Now the works of the flesh (sinful human nature) are apparent. They are: fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, wrath, contentions, divisions, sects, read more. envies, drunkenness, revelries, and things like these. I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that those who practice such things would not inherit the kingdom of God. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faith,

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness (mildness), self-control; against such there is no law.

meekness (mildness), self-control; against such there is no law.

Brothers, if someone is caught in any kind of wrongdoing, those of you who are spiritual should set him right. But you must do it in a gentle way. And keep an eye on yourselves, so that you will not be tempted, too. Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

For each person should carry his own load.

You were once dead because of your trespasses and sins. You once walked according to the course of this world, according to the ruler of the power (authority and jurisdiction) of the air, the spirit that is now active in the sons of disobedience. read more. We all once lived in the lust of our flesh, indulging the desires (lusts) of the flesh and of the mind. We were by nature children of anger and violent passion, like everyone else. But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ. For by grace (loving-kindness) you have been saved. God raised us up with him and made us to sit with him in the heavenly places, with Christ Jesus. So in the ages to come he, with Christ Jesus, might show the exceeding (surpassing) (exceptional) riches of his grace with kindness toward us.

Christ abolished in his flesh the enmity (ill will), which the law of commandments contained in ordinances. That [way] he might create one new man, out of the two, with himself establishing peace.

He that steals must steal no more. Let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have something to give to someone in need. Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth. Speak what is good for understanding as the need may be, that it may give grace (divine favor) to those who hear.

Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

You masters, do the same things to them. Do not threaten! You know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven. There is no favoritism with him.

It has been granted to you in behalf of Christ. Not only to believe on him, but also to suffer in his behalf.

Have this attitude (mind-set) (understanding) (mental state) in you that was also in Christ Jesus.

My beloved, you have always obeyed, not just in my presence, but now much more in my absence. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. It is God who works in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.

I count all things to be loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. I suffered the loss of all things. Yet I count them as refuse (garbage) (dung) that I may gain Christ. I want to be united with him. I no longer want a righteousness of my own that is gained by obeying the law. The righteousness from God is by faith in Christ. read more. I want to know him and the power of his resurrection. I want to know the fellowship of his sufferings and become conformed to his death. I wish to attain to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect. But I press on, that I may obtain that for which Christ Jesus also obtained. Brothers, I could not yet have obtained it. But one thing I do, I forget the things that are behind, and stretch forward to the things that are ahead. I press on toward the goal to the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

We preach Christ to everyone. With all possible wisdom we warn and teach them in order to bring each one to God as a mature individual in union with Christ.

If you have been raised together with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Think about the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. read more. For you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, will be made known, then you will also be made known with him in glory. Make your members that are upon the earth dead with regard to fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness (greed), which is idolatry. Because of such things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. You once walked in these when you lived in them. Now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you got rid of the old self with its evil practices.

As God's chosen, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness (humility), meekness (mildness), and long-suffering (patience). Tolerate (endure) (suffer) (put up with) one another, and forgive each other. If any man has a complaint against anyone, forgive them, even as God forgave you. read more. Above all these things, put on love, which is the bond of perfection and unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. You were called in one body for this purpose. You be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you with all wisdom. Teach and admonish one another with psalms, praises to God, and spiritual songs. Sing with gratitude in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Give thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Masters, give your servants that which is just and equal. You know that you also have a Master in heaven.