Psalm 120

A Cry for Truth and Peace

A song of ascents.

The Promised Rest

4 Therefore, since the promise to enter his rest remains, let us beware^[a] that none of you be found to have fallen short.^{[b] 2} For we also have received the good news just as they did. But the message they heard did not benefit them, since they were not united with those who heard it in faith.^{[c](A) 3} For we who have believed enter the rest, in keeping with what^[d] he has said,

even though his works have been finished since the foundation of the world. ⁴ For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in this way: And on the seventh day God rested from all his works.^{[f](C) 5} Again, in that passage he says, They will never enter my rest.^{[g] 6} Therefore, since it remains for some to enter it, and those who formerly received the good news did not enter because of disobedience,^{(D) 7} he again specifies a certain day—today. He specified this speaking through David after such a long time:

⁸ For if Joshua^(F) had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. ⁹ Therefore, a Sabbath rest remains for God’s people. ¹⁰ For the person who has entered his rest has rested from his own works, just as God did from his.^{(G) 11} Let us, then, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall into the same pattern of disobedience.

¹² For the word of God is living and effective^(H) and sharper than any double-edged sword,^(I) penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.^{(J) 13} No creature is hidden from him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom^(K) we must give an account.

The Folly of Human Wisdom

¹⁸ Let no one deceive^(A) himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age,^(B) let him become a fool^(C) so that he can become wise.^{(D) 19} For the wisdom of this world is foolishness^(E) with God, since it is written,^(F) He catches the wise in their craftiness;^{[a](G) 20} and again, The Lord knows that the reasonings^(H) of the wise are futile.^{[b](I) 21} So let no one boast in human leaders, for everything is yours^(J)— ²² whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas^(K) or the world or life^(L) or death^(M) or things present or things to come^(N)—everything is yours, ²³ and you belong to Christ,^(O) and Christ belongs to God.

The Faithful Manager

4 A person should think of us in this way: as servants^(P) of Christ and managers^(Q) of the mysteries of God.^{(R) 2} In this regard, it is required that managers be found faithful.^{(S) 3} It is of little^(T) importance to me that I should be judged^(U) by you or by any human court.^[c] In fact, I don’t even judge myself. ⁴ For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified^(V) by this. It is the Lord who judges me. ⁵ So don’t judge^(W) anything prematurely, before the Lord comes,^(X) who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God.^(Y)