Psalms 126; Psalms 127; Psalms 128; 1 Corinthians 10:19-33

Psalms 126

1 When the Lord brought the prisoners back to Jerusalem, it seemed as if we were dreaming.

2 Then we were filled with laughter, and we sang happy songs. Then the other nations said, "The Lord has done great things for them."

3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are very glad.

4 Lord, return our prisoners again, as you bring streams to the desert.

5 Those who cry as they plant crops will sing at harvest time.

6 Those who cry as they carry out the seeds will return singing and carrying bundles of grain. A song for going up to worship. Of Solomon.

Psalms 127

1 If the Lord doesn't build the house, the builders are working for nothing. If the Lord doesn't guard the city, the guards are watching for nothing.

2 It is no use for you to get up early and stay up late, working for a living. The Lord gives sleep to those he loves.

3 Children are a gift from the Lord; babies are a reward.

4 Children who are born to a young man are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.

5 Happy is the man who has his bag full of arrows. They will not be defeated when they fight their enemies at the city gate. A song for going up to worship.

Psalms 128

1 Happy are those who respect the Lord and obey him.

2 You will enjoy what you work for, and you will be blessed with good things.

3 Your wife will give you many children, like a vine that produces much fruit. Your children will bring you much good, like olive branches that produce many olives.

4 This is how the man who respects the Lord will be blessed.

5 May the Lord bless you from Mount Zion; may you enjoy the good things of Jerusalem all your life.

6 May you see your grandchildren. Let there be peace in Israel. A song for going up to worship.

1 Corinthians 10:19-33

19 I do not mean that the food sacrificed to an idol is important. I do not mean that an idol is anything at all.

20 But I say that what is sacrificed to idols is offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to share anything with demons.

21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons also. You cannot share in the Lord's table and the table of demons.

22 Are we trying to make the Lord jealous? We are not stronger than he is, are we?

23 "We are allowed to do all things," but all things are not good for us to do. "We are allowed to do all things," but not all things help others grow stronger.

24 Do not look out only for yourselves. Look out for the good of others also.

25 Eat any meat that is sold in the meat market. Do not ask questions to see if it is meat you think is wrong to eat.

26 You may eat it, "because the earth belongs to the Lord, and everything in it."

27 Those who are not believers may invite you to eat with them. If you want to go, eat anything that is put before you. Do not ask questions to see if you think it might be wrong to eat.

28 But if anyone says to you, "That food was offered to idols," do not eat it. Do not eat it because of that person who told you and because eating it might be thought to be wrong.

29 I don't mean you think it is wrong, but the other person might. But why, you ask, should my freedom be judged by someone else's conscience?

30 If I eat the meal with thankfulness, why am I criticized because of something for which I thank God?

31 The answer is, if you eat or drink, or if you do anything, do it all for the glory of God.

32 Never do anything that might hurt others -- Jews, Greeks, or God's church --

33 just as I, also, try to please everybody in every way. I am not trying to do what is good for me but what is good for most people so they can be saved.