11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, (A)to be content: 12 (B)I know how to [a]be abased, and I know how to [b]abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things (C)through [c]Christ who strengthens me.

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Footnotes

  1. Philippians 4:12 live humbly
  2. Philippians 4:12 live in prosperity
  3. Philippians 4:13 NU Him who

Pressing Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already (A)attained,[a] or am already (B)perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have [b]apprehended; but one thing I do, (C)forgetting those things which are behind and (D)reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 (E)I press toward the goal for the prize of (F)the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

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Footnotes

  1. Philippians 3:12 obtained it
  2. Philippians 3:13 laid hold of it

Now godliness with (A)contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, [a]and it is (B)certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be (C)content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

The Good Confession

11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus (D)who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate,

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Timothy 6:7 NU omits and it is certain

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, (A)“I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

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BOOK THREE

Psalms 73–89

The Tragedy of the Wicked, and the Blessedness of Trust in God

A Psalm of (A)Asaph.

73 Truly God is good to Israel,
To such as are pure in heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled;
My steps had nearly (B)slipped.
(C)For I was envious of the boastful,
When I saw the prosperity of the (D)wicked.

For there are no [a]pangs in their death,
But their strength is firm.
(E)They are not in trouble as other men,
Nor are they plagued like other men.
Therefore pride serves as their necklace;
Violence covers them (F)like a garment.
(G)Their [b]eyes bulge with abundance;
They have more than heart could wish.
(H)They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression;
They (I)speak [c]loftily.
They set their mouth (J)against the heavens,
And their tongue walks through the earth.

10 Therefore his people return here,
(K)And waters of a full cup are drained by them.
11 And they say, (L)“How does God know?
And is there knowledge in the Most High?”
12 Behold, these are the ungodly,
Who are always at ease;
They increase in riches.
13 Surely I have [d]cleansed my heart in (M)vain,
And washed my hands in innocence.
14 For all day long I have been plagued,
And chastened every morning.

15 If I had said, “I will speak thus,”
Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children.
16 When I thought how to understand this,
It was [e]too painful for me—
17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God;
Then I understood their (N)end.

18 Surely (O)You set them in slippery places;
You cast them down to destruction.
19 Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment!
They are utterly consumed with terrors.
20 As a dream when one awakes,
So, Lord, when You awake,
You shall despise their image.

21 Thus my heart was grieved,
And I was [f]vexed in my mind.
22 (P)I was so foolish and ignorant;
I was like a beast before You.
23 Nevertheless I am continually with You;
You hold me by my right hand.
24 (Q)You will guide me with Your counsel,
And afterward receive me to glory.

25 (R)Whom have I in heaven but You?
And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You.
26 (S)My flesh and my heart fail;
But God is the [g]strength of my heart and my (T)portion forever.

27 For indeed, (U)those who are far from You shall perish;
You have destroyed all those who [h]desert You for harlotry.
28 But it is good for me to (V)draw near to God;
I have put my trust in the Lord God,
That I may (W)declare all Your works.

Footnotes

  1. Psalm 73:4 pains
  2. Psalm 73:7 Tg. face bulges; LXX, Syr., Vg. iniquity bulges
  3. Psalm 73:8 Proudly
  4. Psalm 73:13 kept my heart pure in vain
  5. Psalm 73:16 troublesome in my eyes
  6. Psalm 73:21 Lit. pierced in my kidneys
  7. Psalm 73:26 Lit. rock
  8. Psalm 73:27 Are unfaithful to You

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