Through the Bible – Day 248

Bible text(s)

Proverbs 16

The LORD has the final word

1We humans make plans,

but the LORD

has the final word.

2We may think we know

what is right,

but the LORD is the judge

of our motives.

3Share your plans with the LORD,

and you will succeed.

4The LORD has a reason

for everything he does,

and he lets evil people live

only to be punished.

5The LORD doesn't like

anyone who is conceited—

you can be sure

they will be punished.

6If we truly love God,

our sins will be forgiven;

if we show him respect,

we will keep away from sin.

7When we please the LORD,

even our enemies

make friends with us.

8It's better to be honest

and poor

than to be dishonest

and rich.

9We make our own plans,

but the LORD decides

where we will go.

10Rulers speak with authority

and are never wrong.

11The LORD doesn't like it

when we cheat in business.

12Justice makes rulers powerful.

They should hate evil

13and like honesty and truth.

14An angry ruler

can put you to death.

So be wise!

Don't make one angry.

15When a ruler is happy

and pleased with you,

it's like refreshing rain,

and you will live.

16It's much better to be wise

and sensible

than to be rich.

17God's people avoid evil ways,

and they protect themselves

by watching where they go.

18Too much pride

will destroy you.

19You are better off

being humble and poor

than getting rich

from what you take by force.

20If you know what you're doing,

you will prosper.

God blesses everyone

who trusts him.

21Good judgment proves

that you are wise,

and if you speak kindly,

you can teach others.

22Good sense is a fountain

that gives life,

but fools are punished

by their foolishness.

23You can persuade others

if you are wise

and speak sensibly.

24Kind words are like honey—

they cheer you up

and make you feel strong.

25Sometimes what seems right

is really a road to death.

26The hungrier you are,

the harder you work.

27Worthless people plan trouble.

Even their words burn

like a flaming fire.

28Gossip is no good!

It causes hard feelings

and comes between friends.

29Don't trust violent people.

They will mislead you

to do the wrong thing.

30When someone winks

or grins behind your back,

trouble is on the way.

31Grey hair is a glorious crown

worn by those

who have lived right.

32Controlling your temper

is better than being a hero

who captures a city.

33We make our own decisions,

but the LORD alone

determines what happens.

Proverbs 16:1-33CEVOpen in Bible reader

1 Corinthians 15

What our bodies will be like

35Some of you have asked, “How will the dead be raised to life? What kind of bodies will they have?” 36Don't be foolish. A seed must die before it can sprout from the ground. 37Wheat seeds and all other seeds look different from the sprouts that come up. 38This is because God gives everything the kind of body he wants it to have. 39People, animals, birds, and fish are each made of flesh, but none of them are alike. 40Everything in the heavens has a body, and so does everything on earth. But each one is very different from all the others. 41The sun isn't like the moon, the moon isn't like the stars, and each star is different.

42That's how it will be when our bodies are raised to life. These bodies will die, but the bodies that are raised will live for ever. 43These ugly and weak bodies will become beautiful and strong. 44As there are physical bodies, there are spiritual bodies. And our physical bodies will be changed into spiritual bodies.

45The first man was named Adam, and the Scriptures tell us that he was a living person. But Jesus, who may be called the last Adam, is a life-giving spirit. 46We see that the one with a spiritual body did not come first. He came after the one who had a physical body. 47The first man was made from the dust of the earth, but the second man came from heaven. 48Everyone on earth has a body like the body of the one who was made from the dust of the earth. And everyone in heaven has a body like the body of the one who came from heaven. 49Just as we are like the one who was made out of earth, we will be like the one who came from heaven.

50My friends, I want you to know that our bodies of flesh and blood will decay. This means that they cannot share in God's kingdom, which lasts for ever. 51I will explain a mystery to you. Not every one of us will die, but we will all be changed. 52It will happen suddenly, quicker than the blink of an eye. At the sound of the last trumpet the dead will be raised. We will all be changed, so that we will never die again. 53Our dead and decaying bodies will be changed into bodies that won't die or decay. 54The bodies we now have are weak and can die. But they will be changed into bodies that are eternal. Then the Scriptures will come true,

“Death has lost the battle!

55Where is its victory?

Where is its sting?”

56Sin is what gives death its sting, and the Law is the power behind sin. 57But thank God for letting our Lord Jesus Christ give us the victory!

58My dear friends, stand firm and don't be shaken. Always keep busy working for the Lord. You know that everything you do for him is worthwhile.

1 Corinthians 15:35-58CEVOpen in Bible reader
Canadian Bible Societyv.4.23.1
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