29 The Lord is far from the wicked,(A)
but he hears the prayer of the righteous.(B)

30 Bright eyes cheer the heart;
good news strengthens[a] the bones.(C)

31 One who[b] listens to life-giving rebukes(D)
will be at home among the wise.

32 Anyone who ignores discipline despises himself,(E)
but whoever listens to correction acquires good sense.[c](F)

33 The fear of the Lord is what wisdom teaches,
and humility comes before honor.(G)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 15:30 Lit makes fat
  2. 15:31 Lit An ear that
  3. 15:32 Lit acquires a heart

A Call to Repentance

Gather yourselves together;
gather together, undesirable[a] nation,
before the decree(A) takes effect
and the day passes like chaff,
before the burning of the Lord’s anger(B) overtakes you,
before the day of the Lord’s anger overtakes you.(C)
Seek the Lord,(D) all you humble(E) of the earth,
who carry out what he commands.
Seek righteousness, seek humility;
perhaps you will be concealed(F)
on the day of the Lord’s anger.

Judgment against the Nations

For Gaza will be abandoned,
and Ashkelon will become a ruin.
Ashdod will be driven out at noon,
and Ekron will be uprooted.(G)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2:1 Or shameless

Gabriel Predicts Jesus’s Birth

26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel(A) was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,(B) 27 to a virgin engaged[a](C) to a man named Joseph, of the house of David.(D) The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.”[b] 29 But she was deeply troubled(E) by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. 30 Then the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary,(F) for you have found favor with God.(G) 31 Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.(H) 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High,(I) and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.(J) 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob(K) forever, and his kingdom will have no end.” (L)

34 Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?” [c]

35 The angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you,(M) and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.(N) 36 And consider your relative Elizabeth—even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called childless. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”(O)

38 “See, I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 1:27 Lit betrothed
  2. 1:28 Other mss add Blessed are you among women.
  3. 1:34 Lit since I do not know a man

Bible Gateway Recommends

CSB Tony Evans Study Bible, hardcover
CSB Tony Evans Study Bible, hardcover
Retail: $49.99
Our Price: $36.99
Save: $13.00 (26%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Tony Evans Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Index
CSB Tony Evans Study Bible, Black Bonded Leather, Index
Retail: $89.99
Our Price: $30.49
Save: $59.50 (66%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Military Bible, Green LeatherTouch for Soldiers
CSB Military Bible, Green LeatherTouch for Soldiers
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $18.99
Save: $6.00 (24%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
CSB Thinline Bible, Value Edition--LeatherTouch, teal
CSB Thinline Bible, Value Edition--LeatherTouch, teal
Retail: $14.99
Our Price: $10.99
Save: $4.00 (27%)
CSB Emergency Medical Services Bible, Navy LeatherTouch
CSB Emergency Medical Services Bible, Navy LeatherTouch
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $18.99
Save: $6.00 (24%)
CSB Share Jesus Without Fear New Testament, Black LeatherTouch
CSB Share Jesus Without Fear New Testament, Black LeatherTouch
Retail: $12.99
Our Price: $9.99
Save: $3.00 (23%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars