Add parallel Print Page Options

The heartfelt counsel of a friend
    is as sweet as perfume and incense.

Read full chapter

23 From a wise mind comes wise speech;
    the words of the wise are persuasive.

24 Kind words are like honey—
    sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

Read full chapter

21 The wise are known for their understanding,
    and pleasant words are persuasive.

Read full chapter

15     wine to make them glad,
olive oil to soothe their skin,
    and bread to give them strength.

Read full chapter

23 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply;
    it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!

Read full chapter

You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.

Read full chapter

15 Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. 16 To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this?

Read full chapter

You love justice and hate evil.
    Therefore God, your God, has anointed you,
    pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.
Myrrh, aloes, and cassia perfume your robes.
    In ivory palaces the music of strings entertains you.

Read full chapter

Then Mary took a twelve-ounce jar[a] of expensive perfume made from essence of nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet with it, wiping his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 12:3 Greek took 1 litra [327 grams].

For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil
    that was poured over Aaron’s head,
    that ran down his beard
    and onto the border of his robe.

Read full chapter

But the olive tree refused, saying,
‘Should I quit producing the olive oil
    that blesses both God and people,
    just to wave back and forth over the trees?’

Read full chapter

15 The brothers and sisters[a] in Rome had heard we were coming, and they came to meet us at the Forum[b] on the Appian Way. Others joined us at The Three Taverns.[c] When Paul saw them, he was encouraged and thanked God.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 28:15a Greek brothers.
  2. 28:15b The Forum was about 43 miles (70 kilometers) from Rome.
  3. 28:15c The Three Taverns was about 35 miles (57 kilometers) from Rome.

17 I’ve perfumed my bed
    with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

Read full chapter

Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel, a descendant of Elam, said to Ezra, “We have been unfaithful to our God, for we have married these pagan women of the land. But in spite of this there is hope for Israel. Let us now make a covenant with our God to divorce our pagan wives and to send them away with their children. We will follow the advice given by you and by the others who respect the commands of our God. Let it be done according to the Law of God. Get up, for it is your duty to tell us how to proceed in setting things straight. We are behind you, so be strong and take action.”

Read full chapter

16 Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God. 17 “Don’t be afraid,” Jonathan reassured him. “My father will never find you! You are going to be the king of Israel, and I will be next to you, as my father, Saul, is well aware.”

Read full chapter

17 “This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. 18 “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. 19 Now listen to me, and let me give you a word of advice, and may God be with you. You should continue to be the people’s representative before God, bringing their disputes to him. 20 Teach them God’s decrees, and give them his instructions. Show them how to conduct their lives. 21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. 22 They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. 23 If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.”

24 Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions.

Read full chapter

Bible Gateway Recommends