“·Don’t continue bragging [Talk/Boast no more so proudly/haughtily], ·don’t speak proud words [don’t let such arrogance come out of your mouth]. The Lord is a God who ·knows everything [is wise], and he ·judges [weighs] what people do.

If you sin against someone, God can ·help [intercede/mediate/arbitrate for] you. But if you sin against the Lord himself, ·no one [who…?] can ·help [intercede/mediate/arbitrate for] you!” But Eli’s sons would not listen to ·him [^Lthe voice/words/rebuke of their father], because the Lord ·had decided [desired; wanted] to put them to death.

God Calls Samuel

The boy Samuel ·served [ministered before] the Lord under Eli. In those days ·the Lord did not speak directly to people very often [^Lthe word from the Lord was rare]; there were very few visions.

As Saul, his servant, and Samuel were getting near the edge of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us, but you stay, ·because I have a message from [so I may give/proclaim the word of] God for you.”

·You must [If you…] ·honor [fear] the Lord and ·serve [worship] him. You must ·obey [listen to] his ·word [voice] and not ·turn [rebel] against ·his commands [^Lthe mouth of the Lord]. Both you and the king ·ruling [reigning] over you must follow the Lord your God. If you do, it will be well with you.

Jonathan said to David, “·I promise this before [^LBy] the Lord, the God of Israel: ·At [By] this same time ·the day after tomorrow [or tomorrow or the next day], I will ·find out how my father feels [sound out my father]. If he feels good toward you, I will send word to you and let you know.