12 Bible Verses about Reproof

As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise provider to a listening ear.

You have forgotten the exhortation that reasons with you as to sons: My son, do not despise (regard lightly) discipline from Jehovah and do not lose heart when he corrects you. (Proverbs 3:11, 12)

A righteous person may strike me or correct me out of kindness. It is like lotion for my head. My head will not refuse it, because my prayer is directed against evil deeds.

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

A fool despises his father's instruction, but he who accepts discipline is prudent.

He who is often reprimanded and hardens his neck will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Correction is severe for the person who forsakes the way. He who hates reproof will die.

The world has no reason to hate you. But it hates me because I testify that its works are evil.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge. He that hates reproof is stupid.

You say: How I have hated instruction! My heart despised reproof.

John reproved Herod the tetrarch for all the evil things he had done for he took his brother Herodias' wife.

It is reported that there is sexual immorality among you. This type of fornication is not even found among the people of the nations (who do not know God). There is a man who has his father's wife. And you are proud! You should have been filled with sadness that he did this deed. And you should have ejected (expelled) (excommunicated) (disfellowshiped) him from your congregation. I am not there with you in person. But I am with you in spirit. I have already judged the man who did this. read more.
When you assemble in the name and with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, I will be with you in spirit. Deliver this one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

When Cephas came to Antioch, I openly resisted him because he was completely wrong.

If you have a dispute with another [Christian] do you dare to go to a law court before judges who are ungodly? Why not let the holy ones decide who is right? Do you not know that the holy ones will judge the world? And if you will judge the world, are you unworthy to judge these small matters? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the matters that pertain to this life? read more.
If you have judgments of things pertaining to this life, would you appoint as judges those who mean nothing to the congregation? I speak to shame you. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? Not one who would be able to judge between his brothers? But brother goes to court against brother, and this before unbelievers. It is already a defeat for you that you have lawsuits with one another. Why not let yourself be wronged? Why not let your selves be defrauded (cheated)? Instead you do wrong and defraud, and you do this to your brothers and sisters!

I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there are no divisions among you. You should be perfectly joined together (united) in the same mind and thought. The house of Chloe told me, my brothers, that there are disputes among you. Concerning that I say, that each one of you said, I follow Paul; and I follow Apollos; and I follow Cephas; and I follow Christ. read more.
Is Christ divided? Was Paul impaled for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead reprove (expose) (convict) them.

Those who rebuke the wicked are filled with delight. A good blessing will come upon them.

preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.

Reprove the sinner in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.

This testimony is true. For this cause reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,

You are just like your parents! You are a bunch of sinners trying to make Jehovah angry at Israel again.

Moses and Aaron assembled the congregation in front of the rock and said to them: Listen, you rebels, must we bring water out of this rock for you?

How can I alone bear your encumbrance, your burden, and your strife?

Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites: This evening you will know that it was Jehovah who brought you out of Egypt. In the morning you will see the glory of Jehovah's presence. He hears your complaints against him. But what are we that you complain against us?

Moses came close enough to the camp at the foot of the mountain to see the bull-calf and to see the people dancing. He became furious! He threw down the tablets he was carrying and broke them. He took the bull-calf that they had made, melted it, ground it into fine powder, and mixed it with water. Then he made the people of Israel drink it. Moses asked Aaron: What did these people do to harm you? Why did you make them sin in this terrible way? read more.
Aaron said, Do not be angry with me. You know the people as well as I do. They are determined to do evil. They said to me: 'That man Moses led us out of Egypt, but now we do not know what has happened to him. Make us a god to lead us.' Then I asked them to bring me their gold earrings. They took them off and gave them to me. I threw the gold into a fire, and out came this bull. Moses saw that the people were naked. Aaron had made them naked to their shame among their enemies. Moses stood in the gate of the camp and said: Who is on Jehovah's side? Come to me. All the sons of Levi came to him. He said to them, Jehovah, the God of Israel says: 'Each man put his sword by his side. Go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp. Kill each one his brother, and each one his neighbor, and each one his kindred.' The sons of Levi did according to the word of Moses. About three thousand men died that day. Moses said: Today you are ordained as Jehovah's. God gave you a blessing today. Each of you fought with your own sons and brothers. The next day Moses said to the people: You have committed a serious sin. Now I will go up the mountain to Jehovah. Maybe I will be able to make a payment for your sin and make atonement with Jehovah for your sin.

I will be his father. He will be my son. When he does wrong I will correct him just as parents correct children.

Blessed is the person whom God corrects. Do not despise discipline from the Almighty.

I know, O Jehovah, that your judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.

Jehovah, how happy are those you instruct, the ones to whom you teach your law!

There are many unruly (rebellious) men, vain talkers, and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision.

Then Peter said: How is it that you have agreed together to put Jehovah's Spirit to the test? Look, those who buried your husband are at the door to carry you out.

Reprove the sinner in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.

This testimony is true. For this cause reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,

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.

He taught them with illustrations: A man had a vineyard planted. He built a wall around it. He prepared a place for crushing out the wine and put up a tower. Then he rented it out to field workers, and went into another country. During the season he sent a servant to the field workers that he might receive the fruits of the vineyard. They beat him and sent him away empty. read more.
Again he sent another servant and they treated him shamefully and wounded him in the head. He sent another and they killed him. He sent many others and some were beaten and some were killed. Last of all he sent his son saying: 'They will respect my son.' But those field workers said among themselves: This is the heir let us kill him and the inheritance shall be ours. They captured him and killed him. Then they cast his body out of the vineyard. What will the lord of the vineyard do? He will destroy the field workers and give the vineyard to others. Have you not read this Scripture: 'The stone the builders rejected was made the chief corner stone.' (Psalm 118:22, 23) This was from Jehovah and it is marvelous in our eyes? (Psalm 118:23) They tried to capture him but feared the crowd. They perceived that he spoke the illustration against them. So they left him and went away.

Listen to another illustration. A master of a house made a vineyard, and put a wall around it. He made a wine press and built a tower. Then he rented it to workers and traveled to another country. When the time for the fruit came near, he sent his servants to the workmen, to get the fruit. The workmen attacked his servants, striking one with a stone and killing the other. read more.
He sent other servants more in number than the first. They did the same to them. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, 'Certainly they will respect my son.' When the workmen saw the son, they said, 'Let us put him to death and take his heritage, for someday he will own this property.' They took him out of the vineyard and killed him. When the lord of the vineyard returns, what will he do to the workmen? They all said: He will put those cruel men to death. Then he will find other workmen who are worthy and who will give him fruit when it is ready. Jesus said to them: Have you read the Scriptures, 'The stone the builders rejected has been made the chief cornerstone of the building. This was Jehovah's doing, and it is wonderful in our eyes.' (Isaiah 28:16) For this reason I tell you, The kingdom of God will be taken away from you. It will be given to a nation producing fruit. Any man falling on this stone will be broken. Any man having this stone fall on him will be crushed to dust. When the chief priests and Pharisees heard his illustrations they realized he was talking about them. They wanted to seize him, but feared the people, because the people saw Jesus as a prophet.

He told the people an illustration: A man planted a vineyard. He rented it to tenants and went to another country for a long time. At harvest time he sent a servant to the renters to collect fruit of the vineyard. The renters beat him, and sent him away empty. He sent another servant who was also treated shamefully, beaten and sent away empty. read more.
A third servant was sent. They wounded him and threw him out. The owner of the vineyard said, what should I do? I will send my beloved son. Maybe they will respect him. When the renters saw him they reasoned that this is the heir, let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours. They threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What will the owner of the vineyard do to them? He will come and destroy the renters and will give the vineyard to others. When they heard it, they said, God forbid! He looked at them and asked what does the scripture mean: The stone that the builders rejected the same was made the head of the corner? Every one that falls on that stone shall be broken to pieces. Every one the stone falls on will be scattered as dust. The scribes and the chief priests attempted to capture him in that very hour. They feared the people. They perceived that he spoke this illustration against them. They watched him and sent out spies, who pretended to be righteous. The spies listened for something in his speech to deliver him up to the authority of the governor.

John reproved Herod the tetrarch for all the evil things he had done for he took his brother Herodias' wife.

He told those who sold doves: Take these things away. Do not make my Father's house a house of merchandise.

He told them: It is written, 'My house is to be named a house of prayer,' but you are making it a hiding place of thieves.

Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead reprove (expose) (convict) them.

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.

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise.

God inspired all Scripture! It is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. (Greek: theopneustos: God-breathed)

The law of Jehovah is perfect. It gives new life. The testimony of Jehovah is dependable. It makes the simple wise. The statutes of Jehovah are correct. They make the heart rejoice. The commandments of Jehovah are radiant. They make the eyes shine. The reverence of Jehovah is pure. It endures forever. The decisions of Jehovah are true. They are completely fair. read more.
They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even the drippings from a honeycomb. They warn your servant. There is a great reward in following them.

He who is often reprimanded and hardens his neck will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

Correction is severe for the person who forsakes the way. He who hates reproof will die.

Herod locked John in prison to please Herodias, his brother Philip's wife.

For Herod captured John and locked him in prison for the sake of Herodias his wife. She was his brother Philip's wife before he married her.

John reproved Herod the tetrarch for all the evil things he had done for he took his brother Herodias' wife. He added this also to them all. He locked up John in prison.

Jesus answered: You unbelieving and perverted generation, how long will I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring him to me.

He told them: It was because of your lack of faith: Truly I say to you, if you have faith as small as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, move and it will move. Nothing will be impossible to you.

Correct a scoffer (mocker) (scorner) and he will hate you. Reprove a wise man and he will love you.

A scoffer hates the one who reproves him. He will not go to the wise.

Why do you not understand I was not talking about bread? Instead, about keeping away from the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees?

Do you still not see or remember the five cakes of bread of the five thousand, and the number of baskets you took up?

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You close the kingdom of heaven to people. You do not invite others to enter nor do you enter.

You hypocrites (liars)! Isaiah's prophecy was right about you.

I kept sending you my servants the prophets, who told you not to do this terrible thing that I hate.

Son of man, I have made you a watchman over the people of Israel. Listen to what I say, and warn them for me.

I reprove and discipline those whom I love: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Jesus therefore replied: Let her alone that she may preserve it for the day of my burial.

Joab answered reluctantly: Your Majesty, may Jehovah your God make the people of Israel a hundred times more numerous than they are now. May you live to see him do it. But why does Your Majesty want to do this?

Joab answered: May Jehovah make the people of Israel a hundred times more numerous than they are now! They are all your servants, Your Majesty. Why do you want to do this and make the whole nation guilty?

They brought Joab word. They said: The king weeps and mourns for Absalom. David's army found out he was crying because his son died. Suddenly their day of victory turned into a day of sadness. The troops returned to Mahanaim without celebration. It was as if they ran away from battle and were ashamed. read more.
David held his hands over his face and kept on crying loudly. My son, Absalom! Absalom, my son, my son! Joab went to the house where David was staying and told him: You have made your soldiers ashamed! They saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and wives as well. You are more loyal to your enemies than to your friends. You show your officers and soldiers that they do not mean a thing to you. You would be happy if Absalom was still alive even if the rest of us were dead. Now stand up! Go out there and thank them for what they did. If you do not, I swear by Jehovah you will not even have one man left on your side tomorrow morning. You may have had a lot of troubles in the past. But this will be the worst thing that has ever happened to you!

Your sons have fainted. They lie at the head of every street. They are like antelope caught in a net. They are filled with the rage of Jehovah and the rebuke of your God.

When you did these things, I remained silent. That made you think I was like you. I will argue my point with you and lay it all out for you to see.

A man of God from Judah went to Bethel. He arrived there while Jeroboam was at the altar ready to offer a sacrifice. He actually spoke against the altar: O altar, altar, this is what Jehovah says: 'A child, whose name will be Josiah, will be born to the family of David. He will slaughter the priests serving at the pagan altars who offer sacrifices on you. He will burn human bones on you.' The prophet went on to say: This altar will fall apart. The ashes on it will be scattered. Then you will know that Jehovah has spoken through me. read more.
King Jeroboam heard this. He pointed his outstretched hand at him and ordered: Seize that man! At once the king's arm became paralyzed so that he could not pull it back. The altar suddenly fell apart and the ashes spilled to the ground. This is what the prophet predicted in the name of Jehovah. King Jeroboam said to the prophet: Please pray to Jehovah your God for me, and ask him to heal my arm! The prophet prayed to Jehovah and the king's arm was healed. Then the king said to the prophet: Come home with me and have something to eat. I will reward you for what you have done. The prophet answered: Even if you gave me half of your wealth, I would not go with you or eat or drink anything with you. I was ordered by the word of Jehovah, he said: You are not to take food or a drink of water, and you are not to go back the way you came. So he went another way, and not by the way he came to Bethel.

Now you plan to fight against the royal authority Jehovah gave to David's descendants. You have a huge army! You have with you the golden calves that Jeroboam made to be your gods. You drove out Jehovah's priests! You evicted the descendants of Aaron and the Levites. In their place you appointed priests in the same way that other nations do. Anybody who comes along with a bull or seven sheep can get himself consecrated as a priest of those so-called gods of yours. We still serve Jehovah our God! We have not abandoned him. Priests descended from Aaron perform their duties, and Levites assist them. read more.
Every morning and every evening they offer him incense and animal sacrifices burned whole. They present the offerings of bread on a table that is ritually clean, and every evening they light the lamps on the gold lamp stand. We do what Jehovah has commanded! But you have abandoned him!

The next day they left Bethany. He was hungry. He saw a fig tree far off. When he got closer he found nothing but leaves for it was not the season of figs. He spoke about the tree that no man would ever eat fruit from it from that day forward.

He left them and went out of the town to Bethany where he stayed for the night. He was hungry in the morning when he returned to the town. He saw a fig tree along the side of the road. He went to it and saw nothing on it but leaves. He told it: You will not bare fruit from this time forward, forever. Immediately the fig tree became dry and dead. read more.
The disciples were surprised when they saw it. They asked how the fig tree became dry so quickly?

He said: Why are you full of fear? Do you have no faith?

But they were afraid and supposed that they saw a spirit. He said to them, Why are you troubled? And why do you question in your hearts?

Then he will judge disputes between nations and settle matters between many people. They will beat (hammer) their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nations will not fight against each other, and they will not learn war anymore.

He will delight in the reverence of Jehovah. He will not judge by what his eyes see, nor make a decision by what his ears hear.

Then he said in answer: I have not made trouble for Israel. You and your family have. You have disobeyed Jehovah's commands and have gone after the Baals. Now gather all Israel together before me at Mount Carmel. Also gather the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal who get their food at Jezebel's table. So Ahab sent for all the children of Israel, and assembled the prophets together at Mount Carmel. read more.
Elijah came near to all the people and said: How long will you balance (bounce back and forth) between two opinions? If Jehovah is God, then give worship to him. If Baal is, give worship to him. The people did not answer him.

Ahab said to Elijah: Have you come face to face with me, O my enemy? Elijah said: I have come to you because you have given yourself up to do evil in the eyes of Jehovah. Jehovah says to you: I will bring disaster on you. I will do away with you and get rid of every male in your family, young and old alike. Your family will become like the family of King Jeroboam son of Nebat and like the family of King Baasha son of Ahijah. This is because you have stirred up my anger by leading Israel into sin. read more.
Concerning Jezebel, Jehovah says: Dogs will eat her body in the city of Jezreel. Dogs will eat your relatives dying in the city. Vultures will eat your dead relatives in the country.

Ahab said to Elijah: Have you come face to face with me, O my enemy? Elijah said: I have come to you because you have given yourself up to do evil in the eyes of Jehovah.

Ahab answered: There is one more, Micaiah son of Imlah. But I hate him because he never prophesies anything good for me, always something bad. The king should not say such things! Jehoshaphat replied.

Ahab saw Elijah. He said: Is it you, Israel's troublemaker?

Correct a scoffer and get dishonor for yourself. Rebuke a wicked man and receive insults. Correct a scoffer (mocker) (scorner) and he will hate you. Reprove a wise man and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will become even wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning (insight). read more.
Respect for Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the holy One is understanding (discernment) (truth) (wisdom).

A scoffer hates the one who reproves him. He will not go to the wise.

He said to them: You are foolish men. You are slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!

Jesus answered: O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and put up with you? Bring your son to me.

The Pharisees and Sadducees tested Jesus by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. He said to them, At nightfall you say the weather will be good, for the sky is red. And in the morning, the weather will be bad today for the sky is red and angry. You are able to see the face of heaven, but not the signs of the time. read more.
An evil and false generation is searching after a sign. However, no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah. Then he left them.

The Pharisees came to question him. They were testing him and seeking a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply in his spirit and said: Why does this generation seek a sign? I tell you truly no sign will be given to this generation.

Afterward he was revealed to the eleven as they sat at the table. He rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

Hearing this Jesus said: Why do you reason about having no bread? Do you not understand? Are your hearts dull of understanding?

The priests and the prophets said to the leaders and to the people: This man deserves to be sentenced to death because he has spoken against our city. You heard him with your own ears.

Do not rebel against Jehovah. Do not be afraid of the people who live there. We will conquer them easily. Jehovah is with us and has defeated the gods who protected them. Do not be afraid. The whole congregation threatened to stone them to death. Then suddenly the people saw the dazzling light of Jehovah's presence (glory) (splendor) appear over the tent.

Strike a scoffer and the simple will be wary. Reprove someone who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.

Correct a scoffer (mocker) (scorner) and he will hate you. Reprove a wise man and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will become even wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning (insight).

Do not regard him as an enemy. Admonish him as a brother.

We ask you brothers to warn the unruly and comfort the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all men.

He who is often reprimanded and hardens his neck will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.

He who regards instruction is in the way of life. He who refuses reproof goes (mentally and morally) astray.

A fool despises his father's instruction, but he who accepts discipline is prudent.

Poverty and shame come to all who reject discipline. He who accepts reproof will be honored.

Listen, my people, and I will speak. Hear O Israel, while I testify against you: I am God, your God! I do not reprove you for your sacrifices or burnt offerings, which are constantly (always) in front of me.

Correction is severe for the person who forsakes the way. He who hates reproof will die.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge. He that hates reproof is stupid.

He told the crowds that came to be baptized by him: You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Produce fruit that is worthy of repentance. Do not say we have Abraham for our father. I tell you, that God is able to make these stones into children for Abraham. The axe is now at the root of the trees. Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown in to the fire.

He saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism. You offspring of vipers, he said, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance! Do not presume that Abraham is your father. I tell you that God can make descendants for Abraham from these stones! read more.
The ax is ready to cut down the trees at the roots. Every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I baptize you with water because of your repentance. He that comes after me is mightier than I. He will baptize you with Holy Spirit and fire. I am not even good enough to carry his sandals. His winnowing shovel is in his hand. He will clean his threshing floor and gather his wheat into a barn. He will then burn the husks in a fire that cannot be put out.

As he spoke a Pharisee invited him to dine with him. He accepted the invitation and went to eat. The Pharisee wondered about Jesus not bathing before dinner. The Lord said: You Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter. Yet your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness. read more.
You foolish ones. Did he that made the outside also make the inside? Give that which is within as charity. Then all things are clean for you. Woe to you Pharisees! You tithe mint and rue and every herb, and pass over justice and the love of God. You should have done these but you leave them undone. Woe to you Pharisees! You love the prominent seats in the synagogues, and the greetings in the marketplaces. Woe to you! You are as the tombs that do not appear and men walk over them and do not know it. One of the lawyers said to him: Teacher, you also insult us by saying this. Jesus said: Woe to you lawyers also! For you load men with burdens that are difficult to bear. And you will not even touch the burdens with one of your fingers. Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. Therefore you are witnesses and consent to the works of your fathers. They killed them and you build their tombs. It is for this reason the wisdom of God said, 'I send to them prophets and apostles and they will persecute and kill some of them.' The blood of all the prophets shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation. This includes the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary. I tell you it will be required of this generation. Woe to you lawyers, for you took away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves and you hindered those entering. When he left there the scribes and the Pharisees became hostile with him. They tried to quarrel with him about many things. They plotted against him and tried to catch him in something he might say.

God's Spirit spoke to Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. Zechariah told everyone that God was saying: Why are you disobeying me and my Laws? This will only bring punishment! You have deserted me, so now I will desert you.

Shemaiah the prophet approached Rehoboam and the princes of Judah who had gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak. He said to them: Jehovah says: 'You have forsaken me, so I also have forsaken you to Shishak.'

Then the prophet Hanani went to King Asa. He said: Because you relied on the king of Syria instead of relying on Jehovah your God, the army of the king of Israel has escaped from you.

Joab answered: May Jehovah make the people of Israel a hundred times more numerous than they are now! They are all your servants, Your Majesty. Why do you want to do this and make the whole nation guilty?

God inspired all Scripture! It is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. (Greek: theopneustos: God-breathed) Thus the man of God may be completely equipped for every good work.

But all things become visible when the light exposes them, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says: Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.

The ear that hears the reproof of life abides among the wise. He who refuses instruction (discipline) despises his own life. But he who listens to reproof understands.

Do not be afraid! Samuel answered. Even though you have done such an evil thing, do not turn away from Jehovah. Serve him with all your heart. Do not go after false gods and empty things. They cannot help you or save you. They are useless. Jehovah made a solemn promise. He will not abandon you. You are his people for his great name's sake. read more.
As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Jehovah by no longer praying for you. Instead, I will teach you what is good and right for you to do. Reverence Jehovah and serve him in truth with all your heart. Remember the great things he has done for you. If you continue to sin, you and your king will be destroyed.

It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.

That way you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. You are seen as lights in the world.

Then he denounced the cities where most of his mighty works were done, because they did not repent. Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon that were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. I say to you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the Day of Judgment than for you. read more.
Will you, Capernaum, be exalted into heaven? You will go down into the grave. If the mighty works had been done in Sodom, which were done in you, it would have remained until this day. But I say to you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the Day of Judgment, than for you.

Wisdom calls you! She raises her voice in the streets and marketplaces. She calls in the streets, in the opening of the gates: in the city she utters her words. She says: How long, you simple (stupid) (foolish) ones, will you love simplicity (foolishness) (stupidity)? The scoffers delight in scoffing. Fools hate knowledge! read more.
Listen when I reprove you. I will pour out my spirit on you. I will make my words known to you. I called you! I stretched out my hand to you. You paid no attention to me. You have ignored all my counsel. You accept no correction. I also will laugh at your trouble. I will mock when your fear comes. Trouble and distress will surround you like a whirlwind, like a great storm. You will ask for my help, but I will not listen. You will search, but you will not find me. You have no use for knowledge and you refuse to respect Jehovah. You rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you.

Go and tell Jeroboam that this is what Jehovah, the God of Israel, says to him: I chose you from among the people and made you the ruler of my people Israel. I took the kingdom away from David's descendants and gave it to you. You have not been like my servant David. He was completely loyal to me. He obeyed my commands, and did only what I approve of. You have committed far greater sins than those who ruled before you. You have rejected me and have aroused my anger by making idols and metal images to worship. read more.
I will bring disaster on the house of Jeroboam. I will kill all your male descendants, young and old alike. I will get rid of your family. They will be swept away like dung. Dogs will eat members of your family who die in the city. Vultures will eat any who die in the open country. I, Jehovah, have spoken!

You are that man! Nathan said to David. And this is what the Lord Jehovah the God of Israel says: 'I made you king of Israel and rescued you from Saul. I gave you his kingdom and his wives. Then I made you king over Israel and Judah. If this had not been enough, I would have given you twice as much. Why have you disobeyed my commands? Why did you do this evil thing? You had Uriah killed in battle! You let the Ammonites kill him. Then you took his wife!

preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure the sound doctrine. Having their ears tickled, they will accumulate teachers who follow after their own lusts.

I reprove and discipline those whom I love: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Reprove the sinner in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.

All these your servants will come down to me and bow themselves before me. They will say: Go out, you and all the people who follow you. Then I will go out. He went out from Pharaoh in hot anger.

You have spoken it! Moses answered. You will never see me again.

Reproof influences a wise man more than a hundred stripes does to a fool.

Those who rebuke the wicked are filled with delight. A good blessing will come upon them.

You did a foolish thing, Samuel told Saul. You did not follow the command of Jehovah your God. If you had, Jehovah would have established your kingdom over Israel from generation to generation (for a very long time).

You his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you know all this. You lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of his house before you and your lords, wives and concubines. They drank wine from them. You praise the gods of silver and gold, of copper, iron, wood, and stone, which you do not see, nor hear, nor know. You have not glorified the God whose hand holds your breath and life.

Strike a scoffer and the simple will be wary. Reprove someone who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.

He who refuses instruction (discipline) despises his own life. But he who listens to reproof understands.

Poverty and shame come to all who reject discipline. He who accepts reproof will be honored.

As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise provider to a listening ear.

Reproof influences a wise man more than a hundred stripes does to a fool.

The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead reprove (expose) (convict) them.

He who reproves a man later find more favor than he who flatters with the tongue.

He who regards instruction is in the way of life. He who refuses reproof goes (mentally and morally) astray.

preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and teaching.

He said: Son of man, I am sending you to the people of Israel. They are people from a nation that has rebelled against me. They and their ancestors have transgressed against me to this day. I am sending you to these defiant and stubborn children. Tell them: 'This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: Whether these rebellious people listen or not, they will realize that a prophet has been among them. read more.
Son of man, do not be afraid of them or the things they say. Do not be afraid, even though thorns and thistles are around you and you live among scorpions. Do not let the things they say frighten you. Do not be terrified in their presence even though they are rebellious people. Speak my words to them whether they listen or not, because they are rebellious.

Open rebuke is better than secret love.

You rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you.

Ahab said to Elijah: Have you come face to face with me, O my enemy? Elijah said: I have come to you because you have given yourself up to do evil in the eyes of Jehovah.

When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart. They gnashed their teeth at him.

When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to kill them.

For the commandment is a lamp. The law is light. Reproofs for instruction are the way of life.

For the commandment is a lamp. The law is light. Reproofs for instruction are the way of life.

Your own wickedness will correct you. Your apostasies (unfaithful ways) will punish you! You should know and see how evil and bitter it is for you when you abandon Jehovah your God! You do not respect (reverence) me, says the Sovereign Lord Jehovah of Hosts.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge. He that hates reproof is stupid.

A fool despises his father's instruction, but he who accepts discipline is prudent.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

You say: How I have hated instruction! My heart despised reproof.

They came to the land of Gilead, to the people of Reuben, Gad, and East Manasseh, Speaking for the whole assembly of Jehovah's people they said: Why have you done this evil thing against the God of Israel? You have rebelled against Jehovah by building this altar for yourselves! You are no longer following him! Do you remember our sin at Peor, when Jehovah punished his own people with an epidemic? We are still suffering because of that. Was that not enough sin? read more.
Are you going to refuse to follow him now? If you rebel against Jehovah now, he will be angry with everyone in Israel. If your land is not fit to worship in, come over into Jehovah's land, where his Tabernacle is. Claim some land among us. But do not rebel against Jehovah or make rebels out of us by building an altar in addition to the altar of Jehovah our God. Remember how Achan son of Zerah would not obey the command about the things condemned to destruction. The whole assembly of Israel was punished for that. Achan was not the only one who died because of his sin.

Azariah the priest went in after him with eighty of Jehovah's courageous priests. They opposed King Uzziah. They said to him: Uzziah, you have no right to burn incense as an offering to Jehovah. That right belongs to the priests, Aaron's descendants, who have been given the holy task of burning incense. Get out of the holy place because you have been unfaithful. Jehovah God will not honor you for this.

Micaiah answered: By the living God Jehovah I promise that I will say what he tells me to say! He appeared before King Ahab. The king asked him: Micaiah, should King Jehoshaphat and I go and attack Ramoth, or not? Attack! Micaiah answered. You will win. Jehovah will give you victory. But Ahab replied: Tell the truth when you speak to me in the name of Jehovah! How many times do I have to tell you that? read more.
Micaiah answered: I can see the army of Israel scattered over the hills like sheep without a shepherd. Jehovah said: These men have no leader. Let them go home in peace. Israel's king said to Jehoshaphat: Did I not say to you, He will prophesy about me? It is always something bad! Micaiah continued: Now listen to what Jehovah says! I saw Jehovah sitting on his throne in heaven, with all his angels standing beside him. Jehovah asked: Who will deceive Ahab so that he will go and be killed at Ramoth? Some of the angels said one thing, and others said something else, until a spirit stepped forward, approached Jehovah, and said: I will deceive him. How will you deceive him? Jehovah asked. The spirit replied: I will make all of Ahab's prophets tell lies. Jehovah said: Go and deceive him. You will succeed. Micaiah concluded: This is what has happened. Jehovah made these prophets of yours lie to you. He has decreed that you will meet with disaster! The prophet Zedekiah went to Micaiah and slapped his face. He asked: Since when did Jehovah's spirit leave me and speak to you? You will see when you go into an inner chamber to hide. Micaiah replied. The king of Israel said: Take Micaiah and send him back to Amon, the ruler of the town, and to Joash, the king's son. Tell them: 'It is the king's order that this man is to be put in prison and given prison food till I come again in peace.' Micaiah said: If you come back at all in peace, Jehovah has not sent his word by me.

Samuel asked: Why do I hear the sound of cows and sheep? Saul answered: The army brought them from the Amalekites. They spared the best sheep and cows to sacrifice to Jehovah your God. But the rest they claimed for God and destroyed them. Be quiet, Samuel told Saul, Let me tell you what Jehovah told me last night. Speak, Saul replied. read more.
Samuel said to Saul: You are little in your own eyes. Even though you are a leader of all of the tribes of Israel that Jehovah anointed king over Israel. Jehovah sent you on a mission. He said: Go and destroy those sinners, the Amalekites. Fight against them until every one is dead. Why then did you not obey the voice of Jehovah? Why did you pounce on the plunder? Why did you do evil in the sight of Jehovah? Then Saul said to Samuel: I did obey the voice of Jehovah. I went on the mission Jehovah sent me. I brought back Agag the king of Amalek. I have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. The people took from the plunder of the flock the best of the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to Jehovah your God in Gilgal. Samuel said: What is more pleasing to Jehovah, burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Obeying is better than sacrifice. To pay attention is better than the fat of rams. The sin of divination is rebellion. Wickedness and idolatry are arrogance. They are evil. Because you rejected the word of Jehovah, he rejects you as king. Then Saul told Samuel: I have sinned by not following Jehovah's command or your instructions. I was afraid of the people and listened to them. But now I beg you, forgive my sin and return with me, so that I can worship Jehovah. I will not return with you, Samuel answered. You rejected Jehovah's command. He has rejected you as king of Israel. Samuel turned to leave, but Saul caught hold of his cloak, and it tore. Samuel said to him: Jehovah has torn the kingdom of Israel away from you today. He gave it to someone who is a better man than you. The Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind. He is not a mortal who changes his mind. Saul replied: I have sinned! Now please honor me in front of the elders of my people and in front of Israel. Come back with me. Let me worship Jehovah your God! Then Samuel turned and followed Saul. Saul worshiped Jehovah. Bring me King Agag of the Amalekites, Samuel said. Agag came to him trembling. Surely, the bitterness of death is past, Agag said. But Samuel said: As your sword made women childless, so your mother will be made childless among women. Samuel cut Agag in pieces in the presence of Jehovah at Gilgal. Samuel went to Ramah. Saul went up to his house in Gibeah, in the land of Saul. Samuel never saw Saul again until the day of his death. Samuel went into mourning for Saul. It was no longer Jehovah's pleasure for Saul to be king over Israel.

You have forgotten the exhortation that reasons with you as to sons: My son, do not despise (regard lightly) discipline from Jehovah and do not lose heart when he corrects you. (Proverbs 3:11, 12)

After giving it much thought, I made a protest to the chiefs and the rulers, and said to them: Everyone of you is collecting interest from his brothers. I organized a big meeting of protest.

Correct a scoffer (mocker) (scorner) and he will hate you. Reprove a wise man and he will love you.

Elisha said: Was I there in spirit when the man got out of his chariot to meet you? This is no time to accept money and clothes, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, or servants!

Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away. For if I do not go away the helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send it to you. (Greek: autos: it) 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. read more.
Second, of righteousness, because I go to the Father and you will not see me anymore. And third, of judgment because the prince of this world has been judged.

Cry aloud! Do not hold back! Raise your voice like a ram's horn. Tell my people about their rebellion and the descendants of Jacob about their sins.

Paul said to them: They have beaten us publicly uncondemned, men who are Romans, and have thrown us into prison. Do they now throw us out privately? No I say, but let them come in person to bring us out. The officers reported these words to the magistrates. They feared when they heard that they were Romans. They personally came to them and brought them out. They asked them to go away from the city. read more.
They left the prison and entered the house of Lydia. When they saw the brothers they comforted them and then left.

The tribes of Israel sent messengers through the territory of the tribe of Benjamin to say: What is this crime that you have committed? Hand over those perverts in Gibeah, so that we can kill them and remove this evil from Israel. But the people of Benjamin would not listen to their brothers.

As soon as I had finished saying all that Jehovah commanded me to say, they grabbed me and shouted: You ought to be killed for this! Why have you said in Jehovah's name that this Temple will become like Shiloh and that this city will be destroyed and no one will live in it?' Then the people crowded around me. When the leaders of Judah heard what had happened, they hurried from the royal palace to the Temple and took their places at the New Gate. read more.
The priests and the prophets said to the leaders and to the people: This man deserves to be sentenced to death because he has spoken against our city. You heard him with your own ears.

A prophet of Jehovah named Oded was there. He went to meet the army coming home to Samaria. He said: Jehovah the God of your ancestors handed Judah over to you in his anger. You killed them in a rage that reaches up to heaven. Now you intend to enslave the men and women of Judah and Jerusalem. But are you not also guilty of sinning against Jehovah your God? Listen to me. Return the prisoners you have captured from your relatives, because Jehovah is very angry with you.

Why should I have anything to do with you? Elisha said to the king of Israel. Go consult the prophets your father and mother consulted. No! Joram king of Israel replied. It is Jehovah who placed us three kings at the mercy of the king of Moab. Elisha answered: By the living God Jehovah, whom I serve, I swear that I would have nothing to do with you if I did not respect your ally, King Jehoshaphat of Judah.

Elisha stared at him in horror until Hazael became ill at ease. Suddenly Elisha burst into tears. Why are you crying? Hazael asked. Because I know the horrible things you will do against the people of Israel, Elisha answered. You will burn their fortresses, slaughter their finest young men, batter their children to death, and rip open their pregnant women. How could I ever be that powerful? Hazael asked. I am nobody, only a dog. Elisha replied: Jehovah has revealed to me that you will be king of Syria.

Jesus said: There was a man who gave a great feast to which he invited many people. He sent his servant to tell the guests that everything is ready. They all made excuses one after another. The first one told the servant: 'I bought a field and must go and look at it. Please accept my apologies.' read more.
Another said: 'I purchased five pairs of oxen and am on my way to try them out. Please accept my apologies.' Another explained: 'I am newly married and I cannot come.' The servant returned and conveyed this to his master. The master was furious. He commanded his servant to hurry into the streets and alleys of the town, and bring back the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame. The servant soon told his master, 'Your order has been carried out but there is still more room.' The master told the servant, 'Go to the country roads and lanes and make people come so my house will be full.' None of those who were invited will taste my dinner! He said.

What do you think? A man had two sons. He asked the first to work today in the vineyard. The first son said in answer, 'I will not.' Later he changed his mind and went to work. He said the same to the second son. That son answered, 'Yes, I will go,' but he did not go to work. read more.
Which of the two pleased his father? They replied: The first. Jesus said to them: I tell you, tax collectors and prostitutes will go into the kingdom of God before you. John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him. Even the tax collectors and prostitutes believed him. When you saw this, you did not regret your sins and did not have faith in him.

Moses asked about the goat for the sin offering and learned that it had already been burned. This made him angry with Eleazar and Ithamar. He demanded: Why did you not eat the sin offering in a sacred place? It is very holy! Jehovah gave it to you in order to take away the sin of the community. Since its blood was not brought into the sacred Tent, you should have eaten the sacrifice there, as I commanded.

A righteous person may strike me or correct me out of kindness. It is like lotion for my head. My head will not refuse it, because my prayer is directed against evil deeds.

With stern reproof you discipline people for their iniquity. Like a moth you consume what is dear to them. Certainly, everyone is like a breath of air.

A righteous person may strike me or correct me out of kindness. It is like lotion for my head. My head will not refuse it, because my prayer is directed against evil deeds.

You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye. Then you can see to remove the speck out of your brother's eye.

Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away. For if I do not go away the helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send it to you. (Greek: autos: it) Upon arrival this one will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.

Afterward he was revealed to the eleven as they sat at the table. He rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

This testimony is true. For this cause reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,

Speak and exhort and reprove these things with all authority. Let no man despise you.

Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, set his eyes on him, And said: You child of the devil, full of all subtlety and mischief, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of Jehovah? Look Jehovah's hand is on you. You will be blind and not see the sun for a season. Immediately there fell on him a mist and darkness. He went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

Peter said to him: Your money will perish with you, because you think that the gift of God may be purchased with money. You have no part or share in this matter for your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent of this wickedness, and pray to God, that the thought in your heart may be forgiven you. read more.
For I perceive that you are full of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.

You obstinate men who are uncircumcised in heart and ears. You always resist the Holy Spirit as your fathers did. Which of the prophets have your fathers not persecuted? They killed those who announced in advance the coming of the righteous one whom you have betrayed and murdered. You have received the law by the disposition of angels and have not obeyed it.

Amaziah said to Amos: Go, run away, you seer. Go into the land of Judah. Eat bread and prophesy there. Do not prophesy any more at Bethel for it is the king's sanctuary, and it is a royal house. Amos told Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son. I was a herdsman, and a grower of sycamore figs. read more.
Jehovah took me from following the flock, and Jehovah said to me: 'Go prophesy to my people Israel.' Now hear the word of Jehovah: You say, do not prophesy against Israel, and do not speak against the house of Isaac. Jehovah proclaims: Your wife will become a prostitute in the city, and your sons and daughters will fall by the sword. Your land will be divided by measuring line. You will die in a land that is unclean. Israel will surely be led away captive out of his land.

Daniel answered the king: Keep your gifts and give your rewards to another. I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation. O you king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father the kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and majesty. Because of the greatness he gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whom he chose he killed and whom he chose he kept alive. Whom he chose he raised up, and whom he chose he put down. read more.
But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened with pride he dealt proudly. He was deposed from his kingly throne and they took his glory from him: He was driven from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the beasts. His dwelling was with the wild donkeys. He was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven until he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and that he sets up over it whomever he will. You his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you know all this. You lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of his house before you and your lords, wives and concubines. They drank wine from them. You praise the gods of silver and gold, of copper, iron, wood, and stone, which you do not see, nor hear, nor know. You have not glorified the God whose hand holds your breath and life. Then the part of the hand was sent from before him, and this writing was inscribed.

Jonathan spoke well of David to his father Saul. You should not commit a sin against your servant David, he said. He has not sinned against you. He has in fact done some very fine things for you. He risked his life and killed the Philistine Goliath. Jehovah gave all Israel a great victory. You rejoiced when you saw it. Why should you sin by shedding David's innocent blood for no reason?

Jehovah sent Nathan to David. Nathan came to him and said: There were two men in a certain city. One was rich and the other was poor. The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle. But the poor man had only one little female lamb that he bought. He raised her, and she grew up in his home with his children. She would eat his food and drink from his cup. She rested in his arms and was like a daughter to him. read more.
Now, a visitor came to the rich man. The rich man thought it would be a pity to take one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler. So he took the poor man's lamb and prepared it for the traveler. David became very angry with the rich man. He said: I swear by the living God Jehovah that the man who did this should die! For doing such a cruel thing he should pay back four times for the lamb he took, for he had no compassion. You are that man! Nathan said to David. And this is what the Lord Jehovah the God of Israel says: 'I made you king of Israel and rescued you from Saul. I gave you his kingdom and his wives. Then I made you king over Israel and Judah. If this had not been enough, I would have given you twice as much. Why have you disobeyed my commands? Why did you do this evil thing? You had Uriah killed in battle! You let the Ammonites kill him. Then you took his wife!

Then the prophet Hanani went to King Asa. He said: Because you relied on the king of Syria instead of relying on Jehovah your God, the army of the king of Israel has escaped from you. The Ethiopians and the Libyans, did they have large armies with many chariots and cavalry troops? But because you relied on Jehovah he gave you victory over them. The eyes of Jehovah keep close watch over the entire world. He gives strength (shows His strength) to (in behalf of) those whose hearts are loyal to him. You have acted foolishly! Therefore from now on you will always be at war.

Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the rest of the congregation of Israel? Jehovah has brought you near to do the work for his tent and stand in front of the community to serve them. He brought you and all the other Levites near. But now you demand to be priests. You and all your followers have joined forces against Jehovah! Who is Aaron that you should complain about him?

The other rebuked him saying: Do you not respect God, seeing you are also condemned?

Jesus said: I tell you Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, until you deny that you know me three times.

Everyone in the synagogue was angry when they heard these things. They rose up to drive him out of the city. They led him to the top of the hill where their city was built to throw him down the hill.

John said to Herod: It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife. Herodias had a grudge against John and was determined to have him killed.

Jesus said: Truly I tell you, you seek me not because you saw miracles but because you ate of the loaves and were full.

He turned around and looked at his disciples. Then he rebuked Peter saying: Get behind me Satan for you do not pay attention to the things of God. You tend to the things of men.

Ezra the priest got to his feet and said to them: You have done wrong and taken strange women for your wives, thus increasing the sin of Israel.

God's Spirit spoke to Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. Zechariah told everyone that God was saying: Why are you disobeying me and my Laws? This will only bring punishment! You have deserted me, so now I will desert you.

Gad told David the three choices as follows: Seven years of famine could come to you and your land. You could flee from your enemies as they pursue you for three months. Or there could be a three-day plague in your land? Think it over, and decide what answer I should give the one who sent me.

On hearing their outcry and what they said I was very angry. After giving it much thought, I made a protest to the chiefs and the rulers, and said to them: Everyone of you is collecting interest from his brothers. I organized a big meeting of protest. I said to them: We have given whatever we were able to give, to make our brothers the Jews free. They were servants and prisoners of the nations. Would you now give up your brothers for a price? Are they to become our property? They said nothing. They answered not a word! read more.
I said: What you are doing is not good. Is it not necessary for you to walk out of respect for our God, because of the shame the nations put on us? Even I and my servants have been collecting interest (Usury) for the money and the grain we have let them have. So now, let us give this up. Give back to them this very day their fields, their vine-gardens, their olive-gardens, and their houses, as well as a hundredth part of the money and the grain and the wine and the oil that you have taken from them. They said: We will give them back, and take nothing for them. We will do as you say. Then I sent for the priests and made them take an oath that they would keep this agreement. Shaking out the folds of my robe, I said: So, may God send out from his house and his work every man who does not keep this agreement. Even so let him be sent out and made as nothing. All the people said: Amen! They praised Jehovah. The people did as they said.

Then the man of God was angry with him and said: If you had done it five or six times, then you would have overcome Aram completely. Now you will only overcome them three times.

Jehovah says: 'The time will come when everything in your palace, everything your ancestors have stored up to this day, will be taken away to Babylon. Nothing will be left.

Jesus told them an illustration: There was a man who had a fig tree growing in his vineyard. He looked for figs on it but found none. So he told his gardener, I have been coming here looking for figs on this tree for three years. I have not found any. So cut it down! Why should it continue using the soil? But the gardener said: Just give it one more year, sir. I will dig around it, fertilize it and leave it alone. read more.
If the tree bears figs next year it will be good. If it does not you can have it cut down.

([Psalm of David]) O Jehovah, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.

You obstinate men who are uncircumcised in heart and ears. You always resist the Holy Spirit as your fathers did.

Peter said to him: Your money will perish with you, because you think that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

Asa was so angry with the prophet that he had him put in chains. It was at this same time that Asa began treating some of the people cruelly.

Jehovah's Spirit fills me with power! I have judgment and mightiness to declare to Jacob, his evil behavior, to tell Israel about his sin!

Shemaiah the prophet approached Rehoboam and the princes of Judah who had gathered at Jerusalem because of Shishak. He said to them: Jehovah says: 'You have forsaken me, so I also have forsaken you to Shishak.'

A prophet, Jehu son of Hanani, went to meet the king. He said to him: Do you think it is right to help those who are wicked and to take the side of those who hate Jehovah? What you have done has brought Jehovah's anger upon you.

He called in Jehoiada and the other priests and asked them: Why are you not repairing the Temple? From now on you are not to keep the money you receive. You must hand it over, so that the repairs can be made.

Elisha said: Was I there in spirit when the man got out of his chariot to meet you? This is no time to accept money and clothes, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, or servants!

Azariah went to Asa and said: Listen to me Asa and all you men from Judah and Benjamin. Jehovah is with you when you are with him. If you will dedicate your lives to serve him, he will accept you. But if you abandon him, he will abandon you.

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Paul said to him: God will strike you, white washed wall! Do you sit judging me according to the Law, and against law command me to be struck?

Let my counsel be acceptable to you O King. Stop your sins by being righteous and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. May there be a lengthening of your prosperity.