¹⁰ For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching^(A) its decrees and laws in Israel.

Judges

¹⁸ Appoint judges^(A) and officials for each of your tribes in every town the Lord your God is giving you, and they shall judge the people fairly.^(B)

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,^(A) who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.^(B)

¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven^(A) is first of all pure; then peace-loving,^(B) considerate, submissive, full of mercy^(C) and good fruit, impartial and sincere.^{(D) 18} Peacemakers^(E) who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.^(F)

⁷ “For the lips of a priest^(A) ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger^(B) of the Lord Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth.^(C)

¹⁴ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? ¹⁵ And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”^[a](A)

¹⁶ But not all the Israelites accepted the good news.^(B) For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”^{[b](C) 17} Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message,^(D) and the message is heard through the word about Christ.^(E)

³⁴ When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.^(A) So he began teaching them many things.