Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

²² But Samuel replied:

²⁴ Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned.^(D) I violated^(E) the Lord’s command and your instructions. I was afraid^(F) of the men and so I gave in to them. ²⁵ Now I beg you, forgive^(G) my sin and come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord.”

²⁶ But Samuel said to him, “I will not go back with you. You have rejected^(H) the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you as king over Israel!”

²⁷ As Samuel turned to leave, Saul caught hold of the hem of his robe,^(I) and it tore.^{(J) 28} Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn^(K) the kingdom^(L) of Israel from you today and has given it to one of your neighbors—to one better than you.^{(M) 29} He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie^(N) or change^(O) his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind.”

³⁰ Saul replied, “I have sinned.^(P) But please honor^(Q) me before the elders of my people and before Israel; come back with me, so that I may worship the Lord your God.” ³¹ So Samuel went back with Saul, and Saul worshiped the Lord.

5 ¹ Follow God’s example,^(A) therefore, as dearly loved children^{(B) 2} and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us^(C) and gave himself up for us^(D) as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.^(E)

³ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality,^(F) or of any kind of impurity, or of greed,^(G) because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk^(H) or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.^{(I) 5} For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater^(J)—has any inheritance^(K) in the kingdom of Christ and of God.^{[a](L) 6} Let no one deceive you^(M) with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath^(N) comes on those who are disobedient.^{(O) 7} Therefore do not be partners with them.

⁸ For you were once^(P) darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light^{(Q) 9} (for the fruit^(R) of the light consists in all goodness,^(S) righteousness and truth)