Luke 12:1-12 ▼

1 Meanwhile, the people had gathered by the thousands and were trampling on one another. Jesus began to speak first to his disciples. |Watch out for the yeast—that is, the hypocrisy—of the Pharisees!

2 There is nothing covered up that won't be exposed and nothing secret that won't be made known.

3 Therefore, what you have said in darkness will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in private rooms will be shouted from the housetops.|

4 |But I tell you, my friends, never be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can't do anything more.

5 I'll show you the one you should be afraid of. Be afraid of the one who has the authority to throw you into hell after killing you. Yes, I tell you, be afraid of him!

6 |Five sparrows are sold for two pennies, aren't they? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God.

7 Why, even all the hairs on your head have been counted! Stop being afraid. You are worth more than a bunch of sparrows.|

8 |But I tell you, the Son of Man will acknowledge before God's angels everyone who acknowledges me before people.

9 But whoever denies me before people will be denied before God's angels.

10 Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the person who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit won't be forgiven.

11 When people bring you before synagogue leaders, rulers, or authorities, don't worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say,

12 because at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you are to say.|