Contemporary English Version Advice for Daily Living 1If you don't do evil, then evil cannot harm you. 2Always be fair with others, and injustice will stay away from you. 3But those who farm the fields of injustice, will harvest seven times more than they plant. 4Don't ask the Lord to make you a leader, and don't ask the king to give you honor. 5Don't try to impress the Lord with your goodness, or to show off your wisdom in front of the king. 6Don't seek to be a judge unless you have the strength to do away with injustice. And if you don't have courage to stand up to the powerful, you will ruin your good name. 7Don't disgrace yourself by sinning against your community. 8You won't escape punishment if you commit a sin even once, much less twice. 9And do not think that God Most High will pardon you, just because you have offered a lot of sacrifices. 10Don't let anything discourage you from praying or giving to the poor. 11God can take away your success as easily as he gave it, so do not make fun of anyone who is bitter from suffering. 12Do not tell lies to a relative or a friend 13or anyone else. No good ever comes from telling lies. 14In a town council meeting, don't talk too much. And in your prayers, don't repeat the same things over and over again. 15Enjoy all kinds of hard work, especially farming, because God Most High created it. 16Do not join others in sinning-- just think of how quickly God can punish. 17So be as humble as you can, because those who are ungodly will be eaten by worms and burned by fire. 18Don't betray a friend for money or a relative for pure gold. Treat Others Properly 19If your wife is wise and good and gracious, she is more valuable than gold, so do not divorce her. 20If your workers or slaves work hard and well, don't mistreat them. 21 If you have wise slaves, love them as much as you love yourself and set them free when you are supposed to. 22If you have cattle, give them good care and keep them as long as they bring you a profit. 23While your children are young, teach them to obey you. 24Do not let a daughter always have her own way, but protect her from men. 25Finding a husband for her is important, but be certain to find one who is wise. 26Don't divorce your wife if she pleases you, but if you can't stand her, then don't trust her. 27 Honor your father with all your heart and remember that your birth gave your mother great pain. 28How can you ever repay them for the gift of life? 29Fear the Lord with all that you are, and respect his priests. 30Put all your strength into loving your Creator and be sure that his servants make a good living. 31Fear the Lord and honor his priests with what he has commanded. Bring them the first part of your harvest and the sacrifice to make things right. Give them the shoulders from other sacrifices and all offerings and holy food dedicated to the Lord. 32The Lord will give you complete success, if you give to the poor. 33So be generous to everyone, especially to those whose loved ones have died. 34Go to see them and weep as they mourn. 35If you visit the sick, everyone will love you. 36You can keep from sinning by always reminding yourself that you will someday die. 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. |