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

1 When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, it was as if we were dreaming.

2 Then our mouths were filled with laughter and our tongues with joyful songs. Then the nations said, "The LORD has done spectacular things for them."

3 The LORD has done spectacular things for us. We are overjoyed.

4 Restore our fortunes, O LORD, as you restore streams [to dry riverbeds] in the Negev.

5 Those who cry while they plant will joyfully sing while they harvest.

6 The person who goes out weeping, carrying his bag of seed, will come home singing, carrying his bundles of grain.

1 If the LORD does not build the house, it is useless for the builders to work on it. If the LORD does not protect a city, it is useless for the guard to stay alert.

2 It is useless to work hard for the food you eat by getting up early and going to bed late. The LORD gives [food] to those he loves while they sleep.

3 Children are an inheritance from the LORD. They are a reward from him.

4 The children born to a man when he is young are like arrows in the hand of a warrior.

5 Blessed is the man who has filled his quiver with them. He will not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the city gate.

1 Blessed are all who fear the LORD and live his way.

2 You will certainly eat what your own hands have provided. Blessings to you! May things go well for you!

3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine inside your home. Your children will be like young olive trees around your table.

4 This is how the LORD will bless the person who fears him.

5 May the LORD bless you from Zion so that you may see Jerusalem prospering all the days of your life.

6 May you live to see your children's children. Let there be peace in Israel!

19 Do I mean that an offering made to a false god is anything, or that a false god itself is anything?

20 Hardly! What I am saying is that these sacrifices which people make are made to demons and not to God. I don't want you to be partners with demons.

21 You cannot drink the Lord's cup and the cup of demons. You cannot participate at the table of the Lord and at the table of demons.

22 Are we trying to make the Lord jealous? Are we stronger than he is?

23 Someone may say, "I'm allowed to do anything," but not everything is helpful. I'm allowed to do anything, but not everything encourages growth.

24 People should be concerned about others and not just about themselves.

25 Eat anything that is sold in the market without letting your conscience trouble you.

26 Certainly, "The earth is the Lord's and everything it contains is his."

27 If an unbeliever invites you [to his house for dinner], and you wish to go, eat anything he serves you without letting your conscience trouble you.

28 However, if someone says to you, "This was sacrificed to a god," don't eat it because of the one who informed you and because of conscience.

29 I'm not talking about your conscience but the other person's conscience. Why should my freedom be judged by someone else's conscience?

30 If I give thanks to God for the food I eat, why am I condemned for that?

31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything to the glory of God.

32 Don't cause others to stumble, whether they are Jewish, Greek, or members of God's church.

33 I try to please everyone in every way. I don't think about what would be good for me but about what would be good for many people so that they might be saved.