Paul’s Testimony

¹² I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened^(A) me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry— ¹³ even though I was formerly a blasphemer,^(B) a persecutor,^(C) and an arrogant man.^(D) But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, ¹⁴ and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ This saying is trustworthy^(E) and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world^(F) to save sinners”^(G)—and I am the worst of them.^{(H) 16} But I received mercy^(I) for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience^(J) as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.^{(K) 17} Now to the King^(L) eternal,^(M) immortal,^(N) invisible, the only^[a] God,^(O) be honor^(P) and glory^(Q) forever and ever. Amen.^(R)

⁷ But have nothing to do with pointless and silly myths.^(A) Rather, train yourself in godliness.^{(B) 8} For the training of the body has limited benefit,^(C) but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.^{(D) 9} This saying is trustworthy and deserves full acceptance.^{(E) 10} For this reason we labor and strive,^[a] because we have put our hope in the living God,^(F) who is the Savior^(G) of all people,^(H) especially of those who believe.

David’s Prayer

¹⁰ Then David blessed the Lord in the sight of all the assembly. David said,

May you be blessed, Lord God of our father Israel, from eternity to eternity. ¹¹ Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the splendor and the majesty, for everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to you. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom, and you are exalted as head over all.^{(A) 12} Riches and honor come from you, and you are the ruler of everything.^(B) Power and might are in your hand, and it is in your hand to make great and to give strength to all.^{(C) 13} Now therefore, our God, we give you thanks and praise your glorious name.

¹⁴ But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? For everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your own hand.^{[a] 15} For we are aliens and temporary residents in your presence as were all our ancestors.^(D) Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.^{(E) 16} Lord our God, all this wealth that we’ve provided for building you a house for your holy name comes from your hand; everything belongs to you. ¹⁷ I know, my God, that you test the heart^(F) and that you are pleased with what is right.^(G) I have willingly given all these things with an upright heart, and now I have seen your people who are present^[b] here giving joyfully and^[c] willingly to you. ¹⁸ Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, our ancestors, keep this desire forever in the thoughts of the hearts of your people, and confirm their hearts toward you. ¹⁹ Give my son Solomon an undivided heart to keep and to carry out all your commands, your decrees, and your statutes,^(H) and to build the building for which I have made provision.^(I)

Teachings on Humility

⁷ He told a parable^(A) to those who were invited, when he noticed how they would choose the best places^(B) for themselves: ⁸ “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, don’t sit in the place of honor, because a more distinguished person^(C) than you may have been invited by your host. ⁹ The one who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then in humiliation, you will proceed to take the lowest place.

¹⁰ “But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when the one who invited you comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ You will then be honored^(D) in the presence of all the other guests.^{(E) 11} For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”^(F)

⁵ In the same way, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. All of you clothe yourselves with^[a] humility toward one another, because

Conclusion

⁶ Humble^(B) yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand^(C) of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, ⁷ casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.^(D)