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28 The wicked run away when no one is chasing them,
    but the godly are as bold as lions.

When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily.
    But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.

A poor person who oppresses the poor
    is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.

To reject the law is to praise the wicked;
    to obey the law is to fight them.

Evil people don’t understand justice,
    but those who follow the Lord understand completely.

Better to be poor and honest
    than to be dishonest and rich.

Young people who obey the law are wise;
    those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.[a]

Income from charging high interest rates
    will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.

God detests the prayers
    of a person who ignores the law.

10 Those who lead good people along an evil path
    will fall into their own trap,
    but the honest will inherit good things.

11 Rich people may think they are wise,
    but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.

12 When the godly succeed, everyone is glad.
    When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.

13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper,
    but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

14 Blessed are those who fear to do wrong,[b]
    but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

15 A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor
    as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.

16 A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people,
    but one who hates corruption will have a long life.

17 A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave.
    Don’t protect him!

18 The blameless will be rescued from harm,
    but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.

19 A hard worker has plenty of food,
    but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.

20 The trustworthy person will get a rich reward,
    but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.

21 Showing partiality is never good,
    yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.

22 Greedy people try to get rich quick
    but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.

23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism
    far more than flattery.

24 Anyone who steals from his father and mother
    and says, “What’s wrong with that?”
    is no better than a murderer.

25 Greed causes fighting;
    trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.

26 Those who trust their own insight are foolish,
    but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,
    but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

28 When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.
    When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.

29 Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism
    will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.

When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice.
    But when the wicked are in power, they groan.

The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,
    but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted.

A just king gives stability to his nation,
    but one who demands bribes destroys it.

To flatter friends
    is to lay a trap for their feet.

Evil people are trapped by sin,
    but the righteous escape, shouting for joy.

The godly care about the rights of the poor;
    the wicked don’t care at all.

Mockers can get a whole town agitated,
    but the wise will calm anger.

If a wise person takes a fool to court,
    there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.

10 The bloodthirsty hate blameless people,
    but the upright seek to help them.[c]

11 Fools vent their anger,
    but the wise quietly hold it back.

12 If a ruler pays attention to liars,
    all his advisers will be wicked.

13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common—
    the Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.

14 If a king judges the poor fairly,
    his throne will last forever.

15 To discipline a child produces wisdom,
    but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.

16 When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes,
    but the godly will live to see their downfall.

17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind
    and will make your heart glad.

18 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.
    But whoever obeys the law is joyful.

19 Words alone will not discipline a servant;
    the words may be understood, but they are not heeded.

20 There is more hope for a fool
    than for someone who speaks without thinking.

21 A servant pampered from childhood
    will become a rebel.

22 An angry person starts fights;
    a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin.

23 Pride ends in humiliation,
    while humility brings honor.

24 If you assist a thief, you only hurt yourself.
    You are sworn to tell the truth, but you dare not testify.

25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap,
    but trusting the Lord means safety.

26 Many seek the ruler’s favor,
    but justice comes from the Lord.

27 The righteous despise the unjust;
    the wicked despise the godly.

Footnotes

  1. 28:7 Hebrew their father.
  2. 28:14 Or those who fear the Lord; Hebrew reads those who fear.
  3. 29:10 Or The bloodthirsty hate blameless people, / and they seek to kill the upright; Hebrew reads The bloodthirsty hate blameless people; / as for the upright, they seek their life.

Warnings and Instructions

28 The wicked (A)flee when no one is pursuing,
But the righteous are [a]bold as a lion.
Due to a [b]wrongdoing of [c]a land its leaders are (B)many,
But (C)by a person of understanding and knowledge, so it endures.
A (D)poor man who oppresses the helpless
Is like a driving rain [d]which leaves no food.
Those who abandon the Law (E)praise the wicked,
But those who keep the Law (F)strive against them.
Evil people (G)do not understand justice,
But those who seek the Lord (H)understand everything.
(I)Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity,
Than a person who is [e]crooked, though he is rich.
He who keeps the Law is a discerning son,
But he who is a companion of (J)gluttons humiliates his father.
One who increases his wealth by [f](K)interest of any kind,
Collects it (L)for one who is gracious to the poor.
One who turns his ear away from listening to the Law,
Even his (M)prayer is an abomination.
10 One who leads the upright astray in an evil way
Will (N)himself fall into his own pit,
But the (O)blameless will inherit good.
11 The rich person is (P)wise in his own eyes,
But the poor who has understanding [g]sees through him.
12 When the (Q)righteous triumph, there is great glory,
But (R)when the wicked rise, people [h]hide themselves.
13 One who (S)conceals his wrongdoings will not prosper,
But one who (T)confesses and abandons them will find compassion.
14 How blessed is the person who (U)fears always,
But one who (V)hardens his heart will fall into disaster.
15 Like a (W)roaring lion and a rushing bear
Is a (X)wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 A (Y)leader who is a great oppressor lacks understanding,
But a person who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
17 A person who is (Z)burdened with the guilt of human blood
Will [i]be a fugitive until death; no one is to support him!
18 One who walks blamelessly will receive help,
But one who is [j](AA)crooked will fall all at once.
19 (AB)One who works his land will (AC)have plenty of food,
But one who follows empty pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
20 A (AD)faithful person will abound with blessings,
But one who (AE)hurries to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 To [k](AF)show partiality is not good,
(AG)Because for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
22 A person with an (AH)evil eye (AI)hurries after wealth
And does not know that poverty will come upon him.
23 One who (AJ)rebukes a person will afterward find more favor
Than one who (AK)flatters with the tongue.
24 He who (AL)robs his father or his mother
And says, “There is no wrong done,”
Is the (AM)companion of a person who destroys.
25 An [l]arrogant person (AN)stirs up strife,
But one who (AO)trusts in the Lord (AP)will [m]prosper.
26 One who (AQ)trusts in his own heart is a fool,
But one who walks wisely will flee to safety.
27 One who (AR)gives to the poor will never lack anything,
But one who [n]shuts his eyes will have many curses.
28 When the wicked rise, people hide themselves;
But when they perish, the righteous increase.

Warnings and Instructions

29 A person [o]often (AS)rebuked who [p]becomes obstinate
Will (AT)suddenly be broken [q]beyond remedy.
When the (AU)righteous [r]increase, the people rejoice,
But when a wicked person rules, people groan.
A man who (AV)loves wisdom makes his father glad,
But he who (AW)involves himself with prostitutes wastes his wealth.
The (AX)king gives stability to the land by justice,
But a person who takes bribes ruins it.
A man who (AY)flatters his neighbor
Is spreading a net for his steps.
By wrongdoing an evil person is (AZ)ensnared,
But the righteous (BA)sings and rejoices.
The (BB)righteous [s]is concerned for the rights of the poor;
The wicked does not understand such [t]concern.
Arrogant people (BC)inflame a city,
But (BD)wise people turn away anger.
When a wise person has a controversy with a foolish person,
[u]The foolish person either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.
10 People of (BE)bloodshed hate the blameless person,
But the upright [v]are concerned for his life.
11 A (BF)fool [w]always loses his temper,
But a (BG)wise person holds it back.
12 If a (BH)ruler pays attention to falsehood,
All his ministers become wicked.
13 The (BI)poor person and the oppressor [x]have this in common:
The Lord gives (BJ)light to the eyes of both.
14 If a (BK)king judges the poor with truth,
His (BL)throne will be established forever.
15 The (BM)rod and a rebuke give wisdom,
But a child [y]who gets his own way (BN)brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked [z]increase, wrongdoing increases;
But the (BO)righteous will see their downfall.
17 (BP)Correct your son, and he will give you comfort;
He will also [aa](BQ)delight your soul.
18 Where there is (BR)no [ab]vision, the people (BS)are unrestrained,
But (BT)happy is one who keeps the Law.
19 A slave will not be instructed by words alone;
For though he understands, there will be no response.
20 Do you see a person who is (BU)hasty with his words?
There is (BV)more hope for a fool than for him.
21 One who pampers his slave from childhood
Will in the end find him to be rebellious.
22 An (BW)angry person stirs up strife,
And a hot-tempered person abounds in wrongdoing.
23 A person’s (BX)pride will bring him low,
But a (BY)humble spirit will obtain honor.
24 One who is a partner with a thief hates his own life;
He (BZ)hears the oath but tells nothing.
25 The (CA)fear of man [ac]brings a snare,
But one who (CB)trusts in the Lord will be protected.
26 (CC)Many seek the ruler’s [ad]favor,
But (CD)justice for mankind comes from the Lord.
27 An (CE)unjust person is an abomination to the righteous,
And one who is (CF)upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked.

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 28:1 Lit confident
  2. Proverbs 28:2 Or rebellion
  3. Proverbs 28:2 I.e., the people of a land
  4. Proverbs 28:3 Lit and there is no bread
  5. Proverbs 28:6 Lit perverse of two ways
  6. Proverbs 28:8 Possibly interest on money and food loans
  7. Proverbs 28:11 Lit examines him
  8. Proverbs 28:12 Lit will be searched for
  9. Proverbs 28:17 Lit flee to the pit
  10. Proverbs 28:18 Lit perverse of two ways
  11. Proverbs 28:21 Lit regard the face
  12. Proverbs 28:25 Lit broad soul
  13. Proverbs 28:25 Lit be made fat
  14. Proverbs 28:27 Lit hides
  15. Proverbs 29:1 Lit of rebukes who
  16. Proverbs 29:1 Lit hardens his neck
  17. Proverbs 29:1 Lit and there is no remedy
  18. Proverbs 29:2 Or become great
  19. Proverbs 29:7 Lit knows the cause
  20. Proverbs 29:7 Lit knowledge
  21. Proverbs 29:9 Lit He
  22. Proverbs 29:10 Lit seek his soul
  23. Proverbs 29:11 Lit sends forth all his spirit
  24. Proverbs 29:13 Lit meet together
  25. Proverbs 29:15 Lit left to himself
  26. Proverbs 29:16 Or become great
  27. Proverbs 29:17 Lit give delight to
  28. Proverbs 29:18 Or revelation
  29. Proverbs 29:25 Lit gives
  30. Proverbs 29:26 Lit face

28 The wicked flee(A) though no one pursues,(B)
    but the righteous are as bold as a lion.(C)

When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,
    but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.

A ruler[a] who oppresses the poor
    is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.

Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked,
    but those who heed it resist them.

Evildoers do not understand what is right,
    but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.

Better the poor whose walk is blameless
    than the rich whose ways are perverse.(D)

A discerning son heeds instruction,
    but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father.(E)

Whoever increases wealth by taking interest(F) or profit from the poor
    amasses it for another,(G) who will be kind to the poor.(H)

If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction,
    even their prayers are detestable.(I)

10 Whoever leads the upright along an evil path
    will fall into their own trap,(J)
    but the blameless will receive a good inheritance.

11 The rich are wise in their own eyes;
    one who is poor and discerning sees how deluded they are.

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great elation;(K)
    but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding.(L)

13 Whoever conceals their sins(M) does not prosper,
    but the one who confesses(N) and renounces them finds mercy.(O)

14 Blessed is the one who always trembles before God,
    but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.

15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear
    is a wicked ruler over a helpless people.

16 A tyrannical ruler practices extortion,
    but one who hates ill-gotten gain will enjoy a long reign.

17 Anyone tormented by the guilt of murder
    will seek refuge(P) in the grave;
    let no one hold them back.

18 The one whose walk is blameless is kept safe,(Q)
    but the one whose ways are perverse will fall(R) into the pit.[b]

19 Those who work their land will have abundant food,
    but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.(S)

20 A faithful person will be richly blessed,
    but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.(T)

21 To show partiality(U) is not good(V)
    yet a person will do wrong for a piece of bread.(W)

22 The stingy are eager to get rich
    and are unaware that poverty awaits them.(X)

23 Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor
    rather than one who has a flattering tongue.(Y)

24 Whoever robs their father or mother(Z)
    and says, “It’s not wrong,”
    is partner to one who destroys.(AA)

25 The greedy stir up conflict,(AB)
    but those who trust in the Lord(AC) will prosper.

26 Those who trust in themselves are fools,(AD)
    but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.(AE)

27 Those who give to the poor will lack nothing,(AF)
    but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.(AG)

28 When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding;(AH)
    but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive.

29 Whoever remains stiff-necked(AI) after many rebukes
    will suddenly be destroyed(AJ)—without remedy.(AK)

When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;(AL)
    when the wicked rule,(AM) the people groan.(AN)

A man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father,(AO)
    but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.(AP)

By justice a king gives a country stability,(AQ)
    but those who are greedy for[c] bribes tear it down.

Those who flatter their neighbors
    are spreading nets for their feet.(AR)

Evildoers are snared by their own sin,(AS)
    but the righteous shout for joy and are glad.

The righteous care about justice for the poor,(AT)
    but the wicked have no such concern.

Mockers stir up a city,
    but the wise turn away anger.(AU)

If a wise person goes to court with a fool,
    the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.

10 The bloodthirsty hate a person of integrity
    and seek to kill the upright.(AV)

11 Fools give full vent to their rage,(AW)
    but the wise bring calm in the end.(AX)

12 If a ruler(AY) listens to lies,
    all his officials become wicked.(AZ)

13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common:
    The Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.(BA)

14 If a king judges the poor with fairness,
    his throne will be established forever.(BB)

15 A rod and a reprimand impart wisdom,
    but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.(BC)

16 When the wicked thrive, so does sin,
    but the righteous will see their downfall.(BD)

17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;
    they will bring you the delights you desire.(BE)

18 Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint;
    but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.(BF)

19 Servants cannot be corrected by mere words;
    though they understand, they will not respond.

20 Do you see someone who speaks in haste?
    There is more hope for a fool than for them.(BG)

21 A servant pampered from youth
    will turn out to be insolent.

22 An angry person stirs up conflict,
    and a hot-tempered person commits many sins.(BH)

23 Pride brings a person low,(BI)
    but the lowly in spirit gain honor.(BJ)

24 The accomplices of thieves are their own enemies;
    they are put under oath and dare not testify.(BK)

25 Fear(BL) of man will prove to be a snare,
    but whoever trusts in the Lord(BM) is kept safe.(BN)

26 Many seek an audience with a ruler,(BO)
    but it is from the Lord that one gets justice.(BP)

27 The righteous detest the dishonest;
    the wicked detest the upright.(BQ)

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 28:3 Or A poor person
  2. Proverbs 28:18 Syriac (see Septuagint); Hebrew into one
  3. Proverbs 29:4 Or who give

Psalm 60

For the choir director: A psalm[a] of David useful for teaching, regarding the time David fought Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned and killed 12,000 Edomites in the Valley of Salt. To be sung to the tune “Lily of the Testimony.”

You have rejected us, O God, and broken our defenses.
    You have been angry with us; now restore us to your favor.
You have shaken our land and split it open.
    Seal the cracks, for the land trembles.
You have been very hard on us,
    making us drink wine that sent us reeling.
But you have raised a banner for those who fear you—
    a rallying point in the face of attack. Interlude

Now rescue your beloved people.
    Answer and save us by your power.
God has promised this by his holiness[b]:
“I will divide up Shechem with joy.
    I will measure out the valley of Succoth.
Gilead is mine,
    and Manasseh, too.
Ephraim, my helmet, will produce my warriors,
    and Judah, my scepter, will produce my kings.
But Moab, my washbasin, will become my servant,
    and I will wipe my feet on Edom
    and shout in triumph over Philistia.”

Who will bring me into the fortified city?
    Who will bring me victory over Edom?
10 Have you rejected us, O God?
    Will you no longer march with our armies?
11 Oh, please help us against our enemies,
    for all human help is useless.
12 With God’s help we will do mighty things,
    for he will trample down our foes.

Footnotes

  1. 60:Title Hebrew miktam. This may be a literary or musical term.
  2. 60:6 Or in his sanctuary.

Grieving over Defeat in Battle, and Prayer for Help.

For the music director; according to [a]Shushan Eduth. A [b]Mikhtam of David, to teach; [c]when he fought with Aram-naharaim and Aram-zobah, and Joab returned, and killed twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt.

60 God, (A)You have rejected us. You have [d](B)broken us;
You have been (C)angry; (D)restore us!
You have made the [e](E)land quake, You have split it open;
(F)Heal its cracks, for it sways.
You have [f](G)made Your people experience hardship;
You have given us [g]wine to (H)drink that makes us stagger.
You have given a (I)banner to those who fear You,
That it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah
(J)That Your (K)beloved may be rescued,
(L)Save us with Your right hand, and answer [h]us!

God has spoken in His [i](M)holiness:
“I will triumph, I will divide up (N)Shechem, and measure out the Valley of (O)Succoth.
(P)Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine;
(Q)Ephraim also is the [j]helmet of My head;
Judah is My (R)scepter.
(S)Moab is My washbowl;
I will throw My sandal over (T)Edom;
Shout loud, (U)Philistia, because of Me!”

Who will bring me into the besieged city?
Who [k]will lead me to Edom?
10 Have You Yourself not (V)rejected us, God?
And (W)will You not go out with our armies, God?
11 Oh give us help against the enemy,
For (X)rescue [l]by man is worthless.
12 [m]Through God we will (Y)do valiantly,
And it is He who will (Z)trample down our enemies.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 60 Title Lit The lily of testimony
  2. Psalm 60 Title Possibly, Epigrammatic Poem or Atonement Psalm
  3. Psalm 60 Title 2 Sam 8:3, 13; 1 Chr 18:3, 12
  4. Psalm 60:1 Or broken out upon us
  5. Psalm 60:2 Or earth
  6. Psalm 60:3 Lit caused Your people to see
  7. Psalm 60:3 Lit wine of staggering
  8. Psalm 60:5 Some authorities me
  9. Psalm 60:6 Or sanctuary
  10. Psalm 60:7 Lit protection
  11. Psalm 60:9 Or has led
  12. Psalm 60:11 Lit of
  13. Psalm 60:12 Or In; or With

Psalm 60[a](A)

For the director of music. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A miktam[b] of David. For teaching. When he fought Aram Naharaim[c] and Aram Zobah,[d] and when Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt.(B)

You have rejected us,(C) God, and burst upon us;
    you have been angry(D)—now restore us!(E)
You have shaken the land(F) and torn it open;
    mend its fractures,(G) for it is quaking.
You have shown your people desperate times;(H)
    you have given us wine that makes us stagger.(I)
But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner(J)
    to be unfurled against the bow.[e]

Save us and help us with your right hand,(K)
    that those you love(L) may be delivered.
God has spoken from his sanctuary:
    “In triumph I will parcel out Shechem(M)
    and measure off the Valley of Sukkoth.(N)
Gilead(O) is mine, and Manasseh is mine;
    Ephraim(P) is my helmet,
    Judah(Q) is my scepter.(R)
Moab is my washbasin,
    on Edom I toss my sandal;
    over Philistia I shout in triumph.(S)

Who will bring me to the fortified city?
    Who will lead me to Edom?
10 Is it not you, God, you who have now rejected us
    and no longer go out with our armies?(T)
11 Give us aid against the enemy,
    for human help is worthless.(U)
12 With God we will gain the victory,
    and he will trample down our enemies.(V)

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 60:1 In Hebrew texts 60:1-12 is numbered 60:3-14.
  2. Psalm 60:1 Title: Probably a literary or musical term
  3. Psalm 60:1 Title: That is, Arameans of Northwest Mesopotamia
  4. Psalm 60:1 Title: That is, Arameans of central Syria
  5. Psalm 60:4 The Hebrew has Selah (a word of uncertain meaning) here.

Paul Greets His Friends

16 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.

Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home.

Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ. Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit. Greet Andronicus and Junia,[a] my fellow Jews,[b] who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did. Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.

10 Greet Apelles, a good man whom Christ approves. And give my greetings to the believers from the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew.[c] Greet the Lord’s people from the household of Narcissus. 12 Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, the Lord’s workers, and to dear Persis, who has worked so hard for the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, whom the Lord picked out to be his very own; and also his dear mother, who has been a mother to me.

14 Give my greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters[d] who meet with them. 15 Give my greetings to Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and to Olympas and all the believers[e] who meet with them. 16 Greet each other with a sacred kiss. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings.

Paul’s Final Instructions

17 And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. 18 Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. 19 But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus[f] be with you.

21 Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you his greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.

22 I, Tertius, the one writing this letter for Paul, send my greetings, too, as one of the Lord’s followers.

23 Gaius says hello to you. He is my host and also serves as host to the whole church. Erastus, the city treasurer, sends you his greetings, and so does our brother Quartus.[g]

25 Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. This message about Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you Gentiles, a plan kept secret from the beginning of time. 26 But now as the prophets[h] foretold and as the eternal God has commanded, this message is made known to all Gentiles everywhere, so that they too might believe and obey him. 27 All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen.[i]

Footnotes

  1. 16:7a Junia is a feminine name. Some late manuscripts accent the word so it reads Junias, a masculine name; still others read Julia (feminine).
  2. 16:7b Or compatriots; also in 16:21.
  3. 16:11 Or compatriot.
  4. 16:14 Greek brothers; also in 16:17.
  5. 16:15 Greek all of God’s holy people.
  6. 16:20 Some manuscripts read Lord Jesus Christ.
  7. 16:23 Some manuscripts add verse 24, May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Still others add this sentence after verse 27.
  8. 16:26 Greek the prophetic writings.
  9. 16:25-27 Various manuscripts place the doxology (shown here as 16:25-27) after 14:23 or after 15:33 or after 16:23.

Greetings and Love Expressed

16 I (A)recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a [a]servant of the church which is at (B)Cenchrea, that you (C)receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the [b](D)saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, [c]and of myself as well.

Greet (E)Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers (F)in (G)Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet (H)the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the (I)first convert to Christ from [d](J)Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and [e]Junia, my (K)kinsfolk and my (L)fellow prisoners, who are outstanding in the view of the apostles, who also [f]were (M)in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker (N)in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. 10 Greet Apelles, the approved (O)in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my (P)kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet (Q)Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all (R)the [g]saints who are with them. 16 (S)Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

17 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and [h]hindrances (T)contrary to the teaching which you learned, and (U)turn away from them. 18 For such people are (V)slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of (W)their own [i]appetites; and by their (X)smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. 19 For the report of your obedience (Y)has reached everyone; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but (Z)I want you to be wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil. 20 (AA)The God of peace will soon crush (AB)Satan under your feet.

(AC)The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

21 (AD)Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you, and so do (AE)Lucius, (AF)Jason, and (AG)Sosipater, my (AH)kinsmen.

22 I, Tertius, who have (AI)written this letter, greet you in the Lord.

23 (AJ)Gaius, host to me and to the whole church, greets you. (AK)Erastus, the city treasurer, greets you, and Quartus, the brother.[j]

25 (AL)Now to Him who is able to establish you (AM)according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of (AN)the mystery which has been kept secret for (AO)long ages past, 26 but now has been disclosed, and through (AP)the Scriptures of the prophets, in accordance with the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to (AQ)obedience of faith; 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, (AR)be the glory forever. Amen.

Footnotes

  1. Romans 16:1 Or deaconess
  2. Romans 16:2 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  3. Romans 16:2 Lit and of me, myself
  4. Romans 16:5 I.e., west coast province of Asia Minor
  5. Romans 16:7 Or possibly Junias (masc)
  6. Romans 16:7 Lit have become
  7. Romans 16:15 See note 1 v 2
  8. Romans 16:17 Lit occasions of stumbling
  9. Romans 16:18 Lit belly
  10. Romans 16:23 Late mss add as v 24: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Personal Greetings

16 I commend(A) to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon[a][b] of the church in Cenchreae.(B) I ask you to receive her in the Lord(C) in a way worthy of his people(D) and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.

Greet Priscilla[c] and Aquila,(E) my co-workers(F) in Christ Jesus.(G) They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

Greet also the church that meets at their house.(H)

Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert(I) to Christ in the province of Asia.(J)

Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews(K) who have been in prison with me.(L) They are outstanding among[d] the apostles, and they were in Christ(M) before I was.

Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.

Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ,(N) and my dear friend Stachys.

10 Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test.(O)

Greet those who belong to the household(P) of Aristobulus.

11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew.(Q)

Greet those in the household(R) of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord.

Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.

13 Greet Rufus,(S) chosen(T) in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.

14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.

15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people(U) who are with them.(V)

16 Greet one another with a holy kiss.(W)

All the churches of Christ send greetings.

17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.(X) Keep away from them.(Y) 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ,(Z) but their own appetites.(AA) By smooth talk and flattery they deceive(AB) the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard(AC) about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.(AD)

20 The God of peace(AE) will soon crush(AF) Satan(AG) under your feet.

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.(AH)

21 Timothy,(AI) my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius,(AJ) Jason(AK) and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.(AL)

22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.

23 Gaius,(AM) whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings.

Erastus,(AN) who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. [24] [e]

25 Now to him who is able(AO) to establish you in accordance with my gospel,(AP) the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery(AQ) hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings(AR) by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from[f] faith(AS) 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.(AT)

Footnotes

  1. Romans 16:1 Or servant
  2. Romans 16:1 The word deacon refers here to a Christian designated to serve with the overseers/elders of the church in a variety of ways; similarly in Phil. 1:1 and 1 Tim. 3:8,12.
  3. Romans 16:3 Greek Prisca, a variant of Priscilla
  4. Romans 16:7 Or are esteemed by
  5. Romans 16:24 Some manuscripts include here May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. Amen.
  6. Romans 16:26 Or that is