Good News [1976], GOOD NEWS BIBLE WITH DEUTEROCANONICALS / APOCRYPHA Today's English Version (AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY, New York) [word count] [B15000].
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The Misery of Human Life
1 Every person has been given
a great deal of work to do. A
heavy burden lies on all of us from
the day of our birth until the day we
go back to the earth, the mother of
us all.
2 We are confused and fearful,
dreading the day of our death—
3
4 all of us from the king on his
splendid throne wearing royal robes
and a crown, to the humblest person
dressed in burlap and living in poverty.
5 All through our lives we meet
anger, jealousy, and trouble. Things
disturb us; we live with furious conflicts
and with the fear of death.
Even when we go to bed, we think
up new troubles in our sleep.
6 We
get little rest, if any at all. When we
sleep, it is as if we were awake, disturbed
by our imaginations. If we
dream that we are running from an
enemy,
7 just as we are about to be
caught, note we wake up and are relieved
to find there is nothing to be afraid
of.
8 Here is what all creatures, both
human and animal, must face (but it
is seven times worse for sinners):
9 death, violence, conflict, murder,
disaster, famine, sickness, epidemic.
10 All these things were created because
of the wicked; they are the
ones who have caused destruction. note
11 Everything that comes from the
earth goes back to the earth, just as
all water flows into the sea.
The Results of Evil
12 Nothing that comes from bribery
or injustice will last, but the effects
of loyalty will remain forever.
13 Wealth that has been obtained dishonestly
is like a stream that runs
-- --
full during a thunderstorm,
14 tumbling
rocks along as it flows, but
then suddenly goes dry. note
15 The children
of ungodly people will not leave
large families; they are like plants
trying to take root on rock,
16 like
reeds along a river bank, withering note
before any other plant.
17 Acts of
kindness and charity are as lasting
as eternity. note
The Joys of Human Life
18 Being independently wealthy or
working for a living—both can make
life pleasant, but it is better to find a
treasure.
19 A man's name can be preserved
if he has children or if he establishes
a city, but finding Wisdom is a better
way.
19 Owning livestock and orchards
will make you famous, note but it is better
to have a wife you love. note
20 Wine and music can make you
happy, but a happy marriage note is
even better.
21 Flutes and harps make fine music,
but a pleasant voice is better
than either.
22 Gracefulness and beauty please
the eye, but not as much as new
growth in the spring.
23 You can't go wrong with a good
friend or neighbor, but an intelligent
wife is note better than either.
24 Brothers and helpers are good to
have in times of trouble, but it will
be an even greater help if you have
made a practice of giving to the
poor.
25 Gold and silver provide security,
but good advice is better.
26 Wealth and strength give confidence,
but the fear of the Lord can
give you even greater confidence.
When you fear the Lord you need
nothing more; it is all the support
you need.
27 The fear of the Lord is
like a rich garden of blessings; you
could not want a more glorious shelter.
Begging
28 Son, don't live the life of a beggar;
it is better to die than to beg.
29 If you have to depend on someone
else for your food, you are not really
living your own life. You pollute
yourself by accepting food from another.
Begging is torture to the soul
of any sensitive person. note
30 A shameless
person can make begging sound
sweet, but something inside him
burns.
Good News [1976], GOOD NEWS BIBLE WITH DEUTEROCANONICALS / APOCRYPHA Today's English Version (AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY, New York) [word count] [B15000].
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