Contemporary English Version We Cannot Understand God's Power 1The Lord, who lives forever, created all things, 2and he alone is always faithful. He is the only true God; 3one signal from his hand and the universe obeys. The Lord, its mighty King, decides what we are allowed to use, and what he will keep for himself alone. 4We cannot understand or tell other people what God's power has done, 5because we cannot measure it or count the times he has shown us mercy. 6Nor can we make that number larger or smaller. We just stand in amazement at the things he has done, 7and at the end of a lifetime of studying them, we are still confused. 8As for us humans, what are we? Do we have any purpose? What is good for us and what is bad? 9Few of us live a hundred years, 10which is a very short time when compared to forever, like a drop of ocean water or a grain of sand along a beach. 11That's why the Lord patiently shows us mercy, time after time. 12He is eager to forgive, because he knows that we are condemned to die. 13We show mercy to our friends, but the Lord has mercy on everyone. He corrects and disciplines and teaches us, and leads us back to him like a shepherd leading a flock of sheep. 14If we pay attention when he corrects us, and if we study his laws, he will be merciful. Don't Ruin a Gift 15Students, be careful not to ruin a gift by criticizing the person you give it to. 16Like a refreshing dew in the heat of summer, saying the right thing can mean more than giving 17even a generous gift. But a truly gracious person will be ready with both. 18So don't be a fool. People's eyes will sparkle, if your generosity is sincere and you speak with kindness. Now Is the Time 19Know what you're talking about before you start speaking and look after your health before it fails. 20If you turn from sin now-- before you are judged-- you will find forgiveness. 21Be humble and show that you have turned from sin, and you won't be punished with illness. 22If you promise the Lord a gift, give it now. Don't wait until you are dying to keep your promise, 23and don't make promises to him unless you are ready to keep them. Don't test the Lord's patience. 24When your time comes to die and face him as judge, if he is angry, he will refuse to even look at you. 25If you have grown wealthy and have plenty of food, remember when you yourself were poor and hungry. 26Between sunrise and sunset is plenty of time for the Lord to turn everything around. 27The wise are always careful, and they make sure to do right when others are sinning. 28Smart people recognize Wisdom, and they praise everyone who finds her. 29If you study the writings of the wise, you will learn enough Wisdom to share with others. Self-Control 30Control your desires; don't let them control you. 31If you allow yourself to enjoy everything you want, you will look like a fool, and your enemies will laugh. 32Do not live in luxury that you cannot afford, or you will become poor. 33If you have nothing, don't borrow money to give a banquet. Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®) © 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. Bible text from the Contemporary English Version 2nd Edition (CEV®) is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by American Bible Society, 101 North Independence Mall East, Floor 8, Philadelphia, PA 19106-2155 (www.americanbible.org). Learn more at www.cev.bible. Discover .BIBLE resources for your ministry at www.get.bible/cev. |