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New International Version (NIV) |
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4 I am a laughingstock to my friends; I, who called upon God and he answered me, a just and blameless man, am a laughingstock.
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4 "I have become a laughingstock to my friends, though I called upon God and he answered-- a mere laughingstock, though righteous and blameless!
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5 In the thought of one who is at ease there is contempt for misfortune; it is ready for those whose feet slip.
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5 Men at ease have contempt for misfortune as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.
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6 The tents of robbers are at peace, and those who provoke God are secure, who bring their god in their hand.
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6 The tents of marauders are undisturbed, and those who provoke God are secure-- those who carry their god in their hands.
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7 "But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
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7 "But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;
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8 or the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you.
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8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you.
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9 Who among all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?
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9 Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this?
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10 In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.
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10 In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.
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11 Does not the ear try words as the palate tastes food?
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11 Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes food?
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12 Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days.
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12 Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?
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13 "With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding.
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13 "To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.
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14 If he tears down, none can rebuild; if he shuts a man in, none can open.
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14 What he tears down cannot be rebuilt; the man he imprisons cannot be released.
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| Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. (Revised Standard Version - Holy Bible) |
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide. (New International Version Bible Online) |
