Armory for Victory

I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way. (KJV)

I esteem right all Your precepts concerning everything. I hate every false way. (NASB)

Therefore all Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way. (NKJV)

"I esteem all ... concerning all ... and I hate every ...."Accepting God's words all-inclusively armors against every attacking possibility. But dismissing even a word opens a potentially fatal chink.

~ Mark Minnick

God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? (KJV)

God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? (NASB)

God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? (NKJV)

"Men change their minds because they did not forsee trouble, are unfaithful, are easily drawn into unrighteousness, or lack power to perform their purposes. God has none of these weaknesses."

~ Stephen Charnock

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (KJV)

Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God. (NASB)

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. (NKJV)

"No necessity can make any sin excusable. It is necessary not to sin. It is not necessary to borrow more than you can pay, or to use any wrong way to get your sustenance."

~ Thomas Manton, Christ's Temptation

he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? (KJV)

He does according to His will in the host of heaven And among the inhabitants of earth; And no one can ward off His hand Or say to Him, 'What have You done?' (NASB)

He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?" (NKJV)

"One cog of the wheel of providence disarranged, or left to Satan, or to man's absolute freedom apart from God, would spoil the whole machinery. I dare not believe even sin itself to be exempted from the control of providence."

~ C.H. Spurgeon

Whoever wishes to walk with God must be a keen observer of both the Word and the Providence of God. By these two the Lord manifests Himself to His people in a special manner. In the Word we see what He says. In providence we see what He does. These are the two books that every student of holiness must familiarize himself with. They are both written with the same hand. They should be studied together if we are to profit, for being taken together they enlighten on another. Therefore, as it is to our profit to read His Word, so also it is to our profit to observe His Work.

~ Thomas Boston

He performeth the thing that is appointed for me(KJV)

He performs what is appointed for me(NASB)

He performs what is appointed for me(NKJV)

"When adversity comes into our lives we tend to react in one of two ways. We may say that it is from a source other than God and He has no power to stop it; or we may say it is an evidence of God's anger against us. Either way we are guilty of casting aspersions on the character of our Father and consequently of perverting our attitude toward Him."

~ John J. Murray

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (KJV)

And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren. (NASB)

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. (NKJV)

"When we cannot trace God's hand we can trust God's heart."
~ C.H. Spurgeon

"Oh the blessed chemistry of Heaven to extract such mercies out of such miseries!"
~ John Flavel

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (KJV)

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you," so that we confidently say, "The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?" (NASB)

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" (NKJV)

"No carpet on the floor, no paper on the walls; no pictures, no furniture - the room mean and unsightly. Yes, but suppose God is there…?"

~ C.H. Spurgeon

When told that the Lord would no longer accompany Israel, Moses pled, "Wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? Is it not in that thou goest with us?" (Exodus 33:16) God's special presence distinguishes his own people … As long as they are favored with it, it produces a wide difference and separation between them and all other men."

~ Edward Payson

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (KJV)

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (NASB)

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (NKJV)

"It is a universal experience that fear departs when the appropriate person is near on whose love strength or wisdom we can rely. A child dreads to be alone in an empty house; but to be there along with his mother makes fear impossible. A boy lost in the crowd cries as if his heart would break; but, carried through the crowd on his father's shoulder, he is as happy as king."

~ James Stalker

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (KJV)

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body. (NASB)

Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. (NKJV)

"We are indwelt every day by either the grieved or ungrieved Holy Spirit of God."

~ Jesse L. Boyd

"Faith provides the wherewithal for all the other graces to work. A rich tradesman gives out his wool, some to this man and some to that, so that they all spin and work out of the stock he gives them. But when he ceases to provide so do they cease to work. Thus faith gives to every other grace what it must act upon. If faith does not provide, all else must cease to work."

~ William Gurnall

What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. (KJV)

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. (NASB)

Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You. (NKJV)

"Faith operates in the presence not the absence of fear, as an anchor is for storms, not calm. Our sould are often tossed by fears like ships by furious gales. But faith anchors them fast, though faithless souls are driven out to sea."

~ Mark Minnick

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV)

And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. (NASB)

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (NKJV)

"Though faith sometimes has a trembling hand, it must not have a withered hand--it must stretch."

~ Thomas Watson

This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. (KJV)

This is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. (NASB)

And this is the victory that has overcome the world-our faith. (NKJV)

"We believe in the existence of unseen objects. God, heaven, judgment, eternity, crowns, rewards are not mere words to us, but vast and substantial realities in which we believe. That belief counteracts and conquers the world!"

~ Mark Minnick

"God commands nothing but what is beneficial. 'O Israel, what doth the Lord require of thee, but to fear the Lord thy God, and to keep His statutes, which I command thee this day, for thy good?' To obey God is not so much our duty as our privilege."

~ Thomas Watson

Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (KJV)

Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. (NASB)

Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams. (NKJV)

"To engage in public worship without having hearts right with God constitutes superstition, if not magic."

~ Andrew Blackwood

For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. (KJV)

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome. (NASB)

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. (NKJV)

"'But they are grievous!' someone protests. 'My reply is that the law is easy if we are endued with heavenly power to overcome our flesh'"

~ John Calvin

I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart. (KJV)

I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your Law is within my heart. (NASB)

I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart. (NKJV)

"The very best Christians find little delight in the easy, sweet, and spiritual duties of obedience, whereas Christ undertook the most difficult task for them with such cheerfulness and readiness."

~ John Flavel

"The tongue of man is his glory; by which expressively he excelleth the brutes…So it is the office of the tongue to be excellently serviceable to the good of others, and to be the glory of mankind."

~ Richard Baxter

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. (KJV)

He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles. (NASB)

Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles. (NKJV)

"Learn to be silent till you have learned to speak. We oftener repent of speaking than of being silent."

~ Richard Baxter

By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone. (KJV)

By forbearance a ruler may be persuaded, And a soft tongue breaks the bone. (NASB)

By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks a bone. (NKJV)

The soft member breaking the hard bone may seem to be a paradox. In reproof Jehovah showed what he could do in 'the strong wind and the earthquake.' But his effective rebuke was in the 'still small voice.'"

~ Charles Bridges

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. (KJV)

She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (NASB)

She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. (NKJV)

“Even if a thought is true, if it isn’t kind, she holds her tongue. She tries to say a compassionate or kind word for everyone..”

~John Phillips

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (KJV)

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. (NASB)

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things. (NKJV)

"Here is a vast and authorized circle of subjects for thought. Let us go about on journeys of exploration and seek for these lovely things. Everywhere our eyes will be surprised by gracious discoveries."

~ Adapted from John Henry Jowett

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. (KJV)

The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. (NASB)

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. (NKJV)

"'Perfect peace' is inward peace, outward peace, peace with God, peace of conscience, peace at all times, under all events."
~Matthew Henry

"This is an operation of God upon the human mind, mysterious and inscrutable."
~C.H. Spurgeon

"A student can rule his thoughts all day; he can appoint them what they shall meditate on, and in what order, and how long; so can a lawyer, a physician, and all sorts of men about the matters of their arts and callings. And so can a Christian about the matters of his mind."

~adapted from Richard Baxter

A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (KJV)

Being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (NASB)

He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (NKJV)

"He has two souls-one disposed to lean on himself, the other disposed to look to God. Inconsistency of life results necessarily from the divided heart. . . . Hesitation, inconsistency, varying purpose and effort, exhibit themselves therefore everywhere in his life."

~Robert Johnstone

Be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. (KJV)

Clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. (NASB)

Be clothed with humility, for "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." (NKJV)

"Pride is a sinner's torment, but humility is a saint's ornament."
~ William Secker

"God's Choicest acquaintances are humble men."
~Robert Leighton

By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life. (KJV)

The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches, honor and life. (NASB)

By humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches and honor and life. (NKJV)

"If you lay yourself at Christ's feet He will take you into His arms."

~ William Bridge

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (KJV)

Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. (NASB)

And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." (NKJV)

If thou canst not excuse a brother's doing, excuse his intent, which may be good; or if the deed be evil, think it might have been done in ignorance; if thou canst no way excuse him, think some great temptation befell him, and that thou shouldst be worse if the like temptation befell thee; and give God thanks that the like as yet hath not befallen thee.

~ William Perkins

Neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength. (KJV)

Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (NASB)

Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." (NKJV)

Christ takes no more delight to dwell in a sad heart, than we do to live in a dark house.

~William Gurnall

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. (KJV)

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! (NASB)

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! (NKJV)

The Lord gives us liberty to be cheerful Shew that it is daylight in you soul; that you really believe His ways to be "pleasantness and peace;" that you believe in His joys, not because you have read and heard of them, but because you have tasted them. "Lie not against the truth" by suffering your countenance to display gloom.

adapted from Charles Bridges

Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; (KJV)

Strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously. (NASB)

Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; (NKJV)

To lengthen my patience is the best way to shorten my troubles.
~ George Swinnock

Patience must not be an inch shorter than affliction.
~ Thomas Adams

Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (KJV)

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. (NASB)

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (NKJV)

There may be genuine grievances; but what makes us bitter is that we ponder them and meditate upon them and stay with them; in other words, we nurse our grievances, we dwell on them, we pay great attention to them, and if we are tending to forget them we deliberately bring them back and allow them to work us up again into a state of bitterness.

~David Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Let the peace of God rule (umpire) in your hearts. (KJV)

Let the peace of Christ rule (umpire) in your hearts. (NASB)

Let the peace of God rule (umpire) in your hearts. (NKJV)

Peace is such a precious jewel that I would give anything for it but truth.

~ Matthew Henry

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD. (KJV)

Wait for the LORD; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the LORD. (NASB)

Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! (NKJV)

The believer's response - to wait; his state of heart - good courage; his perseverance - to wait yet more; his promised experience - more than he can ask or think (Eph. 3:20).

The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. (KJV)

A man's discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to overlook a transgression. (NASB)

The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression. (NKJV)

"Discretion" is "the prudence that acts wisely." Anger, on the other hand, is a "temporary madness."
~ Charles Bridges

The word for "glory" is sometimes translated "beauty:" it suggests adornment, and so brings out here the glowing colors of a virtue which in practive may look drably unassertive.
~ Derek Kidner

Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long (KJV)

Do not let your heart envy sinners, But live in the fear of the LORD always. (NASB)

Do not let your heart envy sinners, But be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day; (NKJV)

Psalm 73 is almost shockingly transparent testimony to one saint's struggle against this temptation. Read the next verse (23:18). The LORD (Whom you choose to fear) will without fail balance the scales. Just wait.

The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing. (KJV)

The sluggard does not plow after the autumn, So he begs during the harvest and has nothing. (NASB)

The lazy man will not plow because of winter;He will beg during harvest and have nothing. (NKJV)

The sluggard comes to believe his own excuses (perhaps there is a lion out there, 22:13), and to rationalize his laziness, for he is "wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason" (26:16). Because he makes a habit of the soft choice (he "will not plow by reason of the cold", 20:4) his character suffers as much as his business, so that he is implied in 15:19 to be fundamentally dishonest.

~Derek Kidner

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (KJV)

No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. (NASB)

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (NKJV)

The cause why temptation prevails so frequently against us is because we trust too much in ourselves. We lean too much on our own inventions. We oppose subtlety with subtlety. We match one evil device with another. We confront evil policy with another of the same sort. Instead, we must commit our cause to God and make a faithful use of only what He provides for escaping the power of a temptation.

(Adapted from Abraham Wright)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (KJV)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (NASB)

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (NKJV)

"No child of God sins to that degree as to make himself incapable of forgiveness."
~ John Bunyan

"Sins are so remitted, as if they had never been committed."
~ Thomas Adams

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (KJV)

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (NASB)

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (NKJV)

"Prayer obtains true wisdom; therefore, as believers grow in prayerfulness they grow in wisdom. No less certainly, as they grow in wisdom they continue to grow in prayerfulness."

~adapted from Robert Johnstone

Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV)

"Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (NASB)

"Therefore do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?' or "What shall we drink?' or "What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (NKJV)

Philip Henry, father of the famous commentator Matthew, told of a ministerial friend who was discouraged from taking a right stand with the argument that he had 11 good reasons not to - a wife and 10 children. When asked how he meant to feed them, he cheerfully replied, "they must all learn to live on the 6^th of Matthew, 'take no thought for your life...'"

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. (KJV)

But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. (NASB)

But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. (NKJV)

"Ours is not the security of angels, which is safety in a world of safety. Ours is a safety though attacked, safety though assaulted, safety though hated, safety though libeled, maligned, parted from friends, plotted against, savaged, trampled, tempted and sore tried. It is security in a very fury of troubles. We shall be kept from all real evil. All else only works together for real good."

~ Mark Minnick

My heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. (KJV)

My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. (NASB)

My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (NKJV)

You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.

~Augustine

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (KJV)

Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. (NASB)

Faithful are the wounds of a friend, But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. (NKJV)

David shirked his duty to Adonijah his son ("He had not displeased him at any time in saying, 'Why has thou done so?'" I Kings 1:6), and it cost that son his life.

~Derek Kidner

Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away. (KJV)

Do not enter the path of the wicked And do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it;Turn away from it and pass on. (NASB)

Do not enter the path of the wicked, And do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on. (NKJV)

Those that have been well educated, and trained up in the way they should go, let them never turn aside into the way they should not go; let them not so much as enter into it, no, not to make trial of it, lest it prove a dangerous experiment and difficult to retreat with safety.

~Matthew Henry

And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. (KJV)

And have mercy on some, who are doubting; save others, snatching them out of the fire; and on some have mercy with fear, hating even the garment polluted by the flesh. (NASB)

And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. (NKJV)

Within their context these verses are directing our relations with people, even Christians, who have been influenced by the teaching of the mockers Jude has been warning about (vv 18-19). The instruction, however, is just as applicable to our relations with the unsaved.

~Mark Minnick

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (KJV)

Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. (NASB)

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them (NKJV)

To pursue union at the expense of truth is treason to the Lord Jesus . . . . It is our solemn conviction that where there can be no real spiritual communion there should be no pretense of fellowship. Fellowship with known and vital error is participation in sin

~C.H. Spurgeon

And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. (KJV)

If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. (NASB)

And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. (NKJV)

Love … of our offending brethren, even when we hate their vices, should be the motive of our withdrawing from them; and even those who are under the censures of the church must not be accounted as enemies.

~Matthew Henry

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (KJV)

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. (NASB)

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (NKJV)

A common organization is only a mechanical order, and is ever exposed to the corroding rust of time and to many a violent foe. And a common creed … can never constitute a family…. These are only phantom unions…. Christian union is vital spiritual kinship. It is not a common label; it is a common heart. Peace and concord are born in profound spiritual realities and can likewise be sustained in them alone.

~John Henry Jowett

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (KJV)

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you. (NASB)

Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. (NKJV)

It affords the purest satisfaction to a Christian minister to find that his labours among his people are “not in vain in the Lord;” that the thoughtless are becoming serious; that those alarmed about their spiritual interests are seeking and finding rest in the faith of the truth . . . that those who have believed through grace are growing up in all things to Him who is the Head, becoming more intelligent and active, more harmless and useful, more weaned from earth, more fit for heaven.

~John Brown

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. (KJV)

Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence. (NASB)

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance. (NKJV)

Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey towards it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us.

~Samuel Smiles

O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. (KJV)

O Lord, open my lips, That my mouth may declare Your praise. (NASB)

O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise. (NKJV)

David’s sin and its discovery had shut his lips. “Sin makes him stammer” in his praise. When this prayer is fully answered, “the tongue of the dumb begins to sing.”

~C.H. Spurgeon

And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (KJV)

The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (NASB)

And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! (NKJV)

With the certainty that Death was close by him, Paul lifts up this ringing song of triumph … He expected deliverance and saving into the Kingdom to be accomplished precisely by the fact of his death … If Jesus is standing by us, and strengthening us, we can look at the worst that Nero can do and tell even the executioner, “Do you know what you are doing? You think you are inflicting evil upon me. You are delivering me from every evil.”

~Alexander MacLaren

The integrity of the upright shall guide them: but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. (KJV)

The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them. (NASB)

The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them. (NKJV)

Integrity or righteousness is a most valuable guide in all perplexities. The single desire to know the will of God, so that we may do it, will always bring light upon our path.

~Charles Bridges