Psalm 130

A song of ascents.

²⁵ In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the top of his head to the sole of his foot there was no blemish in him. ²⁶ Whenever he cut the hair of his head^(A)—he used to cut his hair once a year because it became too heavy for him—he would weigh it, and its weight was two hundred shekels^[a] by the royal standard.

²⁷ Three sons^(B) and a daughter were born to Absalom. His daughter’s name was Tamar,^(C) and she became a beautiful woman.

²⁸ Absalom lived two years in Jerusalem without seeing the king’s face. ²⁹ Then Absalom sent for Joab in order to send him to the king, but Joab refused to come to him. So he sent a second time, but he refused to come. ³⁰ Then he said to his servants, “Look, Joab’s field is next to mine, and he has barley^(D) there. Go and set it on fire.” So Absalom’s servants set the field on fire.

³¹ Then Joab did go to Absalom’s house, and he said to him, “Why have your servants set my field on fire?^(E)”

³² Absalom said to Joab, “Look, I sent word to you and said, ‘Come here so I can send you to the king to ask, “Why have I come from Geshur?^(F) It would be better for me if I were still there!”’ Now then, I want to see the king’s face, and if I am guilty of anything, let him put me to death.”^(G)

³³ So Joab went to the king and told him this. Then the king summoned Absalom, and he came in and bowed down with his face to the ground before the king. And the king kissed^(H) Absalom.

Doing Good to All

6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit^(A) should restore^(B) that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. ² Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.^{(C) 3} If anyone thinks they are something^(D) when they are not, they deceive themselves.^{(E) 4} Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone,^(F) without comparing themselves to someone else,^{(G) 5} for each one should carry their own load.^{(H) 6} Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.^(I)

⁷ Do not be deceived:^(J) God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.^{(K) 8} Whoever sows to please their flesh,^(L) from the flesh will reap destruction;^(M) whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.^{(N) 9} Let us not become weary in doing good,^(O) for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.^{(P) 10} Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good^(Q) to all people, especially to those who belong to the family^(R) of believers.