Biblical Living

Being a son or daughter

How can I honor my parents, receive their teaching, and carry my own responsibilities before God as I grow?

Treat your father and mother with respect, take their faithful teaching seriously, and act for their good. Scripture calls children to obey their parents as they are brought up, and it calls grown sons and daughters to continue honoring them. As your responsibilities change, your own faithfulness to God and your care for family belong together.

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The same person can be a child receiving instruction, an adult establishing a household, and a son or daughter caring for an aging parent. Scripture speaks to each of these relationships. Its commands, wisdom, and recorded family histories show how continuing honor takes different forms through life.

Give both parents a place of honor in your life

Honor your father and your mother by treating them as people whose place in your life matters. Exodus 20:12 names both parents in the command to honor them. It belongs to God’s address to Israel after he brought the people out of slavery, beginning with his claim to be their God in verses 1–2. Respect for parents is therefore part of answering God faithfully. It includes the way you speak to them, the attention you give their instruction, and the concern you show for their welfare.

This regard belongs to both parents. Leviticus 19:1–4 begins its call to Israel’s holiness by telling each person to reverence mother and father, alongside keeping the LORD’s sabbaths and turning from idols. The KJV’s “fear” in verse 3 expresses reverent regard in this setting. A mother’s instruction and needs deserve serious attention just as a father’s do. Proverbs 23:22 makes the continuing responsibility especially clear: listen to your father and keep your regard for your mother when she is old.

God joins the command with a promise of life and well-being. In Deuteronomy 5:16, that promise concerns Israel’s life in the land the LORD is giving them. Ephesians 6:2–3 brings the command and promise into instruction for Christian children. Receive this as encouragement to follow a way God blesses and to seek the good his command intends. The promise supplies no fixed lifespan for an individual child. First Peter 3:10–14 likewise speaks of loving life and seeing good days, then recognizes that doing right can bring suffering. Honor your parents in trust toward God, whose care remains sure even when obedience is costly.

Further study: S. M. Baugh · Thorsten Moritz

Listen in order to understand and become wise

Receive good instruction with the intention of understanding it and putting it into practice. Proverbs 1:7–9 places the father’s instruction and the mother’s teaching under the fear of the LORD. The “law” of the mother here is her instruction. The passage pictures this teaching as an ornament of grace: something valuable that becomes part of the learner’s life. A teachable son or daughter gives careful attention to what is being taught and asks how it accords with reverence for God.

The next verses show why listening matters. In Proverbs 1:10–19, companions invite the son to join them in violence and share the stolen wealth. The father exposes what their invitation conceals: their greed endangers their own lives. He is helping the son judge an attractive offer by the conduct it requires and the end toward which it leads. Receive instruction at that level. Learn to recognize honesty, justice, and faithful conduct, and let that understanding guide whom you follow and what you agree to do.

Your part in learning is active. Proverbs 2:1–9 calls the son to receive words, apply his heart, ask for understanding, and seek wisdom as people search for treasure. The reason for that search is that the LORD gives wisdom and teaches his people to understand right judgment and good paths. Proverbs 4:20–27 then joins attentive hearing with guarding the heart, speaking rightly, and considering the path of one’s feet. Wisdom reaches the desires and decisions from which conduct grows. Keep returning to sound instruction until you can recognize and pursue the good it teaches.

Instruction also deserves to be remembered when the teacher is absent. Proverbs 6:20–23 describes a father’s and mother’s teaching as guidance along the way, protection through the night, and light for life. Verses 24–35 apply that guidance to resisting adultery, using fire and burning coals to explain the harm involved. The son is being prepared for choices he must make himself. Carry faithful counsel with you, understand its reasons, and act on it when a decision becomes your responsibility.

Asking a sincere question belongs within this learning. In Deuteronomy 6:20–25, a son asks what God’s commands mean. The answer recounts Israel’s slavery, the LORD’s deliverance, the promised land, and his commands for the people’s good. The child is given reasons for trust and obedience. Seek that kind of understanding as you hear Scripture. Proverbs 23:15–25 describes the joy a parent takes in a child’s wise heart and truthful words; becoming wise is one substantial way to honor the care invested in your instruction.

Further study: Biblical Studies Press

Practice obedience while you are being brought up

For a child being raised by parents, honor includes doing what they instruct. Ephesians 6:1 says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.” Paul speaks to the children themselves, giving them a real part in the household’s life before Christ. In verse 4 he tells fathers to bring them up in the Lord’s training and instruction. The relationship is one in which children receive guidance and parents take responsibility for their growth. Listen carefully, take ordinary responsibilities seriously, and follow through on the instruction you receive.

Colossians 3:20 gives obedience a willing and comprehensive character: children are to obey their parents in all things because this pleases the Lord. The surrounding verses join family life to kindness, patience, forgiveness, love, and doing everything in Jesus’ name; verse 21 charges fathers to treat children in a way that does not discourage them. Your obedience is part of your service to Christ. His authority gives it its purpose and governs its limits: Matthew 10:37 places even love for parents under allegiance to him. A parent’s instruction to do wrong calls for faithfulness to God, while ordinary difficulty or dislike is a reason to practice patient obedience.

Luke 2:41–52 places Jesus’ childhood within his family’s annual Passover visit to Jerusalem. At twelve he remains in the temple, listening to the teachers, asking questions, and giving answers that astonish those who hear. When Mary and Joseph find him, he speaks of the necessity of being about his Father’s business in verse 49. This reveals his particular relation to God and his mission. Luke then says that he returned to Nazareth and was subject to them in verse 51, and that he grew in wisdom and stature. His obedience at home belongs alongside his devotion to his heavenly Father.

Give your growing understanding expression in your words and actions. James 1:19–22 tells believers to be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, and doers of the word. These are shared Christian duties that apply within family life. When you need an explanation, ask with readiness to listen. When you recognize that instruction is right, act on it. Obedience practiced this way helps you learn to carry responsibility willingly before the Lord.

Further study: S. M. Baugh · Biblical Studies Press · Ronald J. Allen · Biblical Studies Press

Respond to God for yourself

Faithful parents can teach you God’s Word and help you learn to trust him. Their teaching calls for your own response. In 2 Timothy 1:3–7, Paul remembers the sincere faith of Timothy’s grandmother Lois and mother Eunice and says he is persuaded that this faith lives in Timothy too. He then urges Timothy to use the gift entrusted to him. Timothy is called to live out the faith Paul recognizes in him through active service. Value the faithfulness of those who taught you by personally trusting God and answering his call.

Second Timothy 3:14–17 explains what this response rests on. Timothy is to continue in what he has learned, remembering his teachers and the Scriptures he has known from childhood. Those Scriptures make him wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus and equip God’s servant for good works through teaching, reproof, correction, and training. Value faithful instruction by continuing to learn from Scripture, trusting Christ, and allowing the truth to correct and prepare you. Growing older gives you further occasions to live out what you have received.

Your family’s history does not settle your standing before God. Ezekiel 18:1–20 answers an Israelite complaint expressed through a proverb: fathers eat sour grapes while their children’s teeth are set on edge. The people are complaining about suffering for the previous generation’s sin. God answers with three generations—a righteous man, his violent son, and a grandson who sees the wrongdoing and chooses a different course. Each answers for his own conduct. The grandson’s response includes feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and keeping God’s statutes in verses 14–17. The chapter concludes by calling Israel to repent and live in verses 30–32. Receive what is faithful in your upbringing, turn from what is sinful, and seek the life God calls you to pursue.

Youth can already be a time of useful faithfulness. First Timothy 4:12–16 tells Timothy to be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity and to persevere in his teaching. The older word “conversation” in verse 12 means conduct or manner of life. Timothy receives this particular charge as a young minister. The character expected of him shows how youth can be joined to responsible service to God. Begin now to become dependable in the work, words, and conduct entrusted to you.

Further study: Donna Petter

Carry adult responsibilities while remaining teachable

Maturity brings responsibility to act wisely before God while continuing to value your parents. Ephesians 6:1–4 addresses children within their upbringing, but Scripture also speaks of the adult’s marriage, work, service, and care for relatives. It gives no single birthday at which all these relationships change. Discern your actual responsibilities and carry them faithfully. Continuing honor includes a serious hearing for your parents’ counsel, joined to responsibility for the decisions you make.

Marriage establishes a new bond of responsibility. Genesis 2:18–25 culminates in the man leaving father and mother, cleaving to his wife, and becoming one flesh with her. “Cleave” means to hold fast or remain joined. In Matthew 19:4–6, Jesus uses this passage to explain that God joins husband and wife and that people must honor that union. If you marry, give your spouse the faithful commitment this joining requires. The passage establishes the marriage bond; it gives no universal rule about how far away to live. Regard for parents continues alongside the responsibilities of this new household.

Marriage is one form of adult responsibility. First Corinthians 7:25–35 also recognizes unmarried men and women who give sustained attention to pleasing the Lord. Paul writes in view of a present distress and the passing character of this world, affirming that marriage is not sin while explaining the opportunities of undivided service. An unmarried son or daughter has a meaningful life of faith, work, and service. Receive your present responsibilities before God and use the opportunities they give you; marriage is not the measure of whether your life has become useful or faithful.

Take a willing part in the work that supports life. Second Thessalonians 3:6–15 addresses believers who are living disorderly lives and refusing to work. Paul recalls his own labor and tells them to work quietly and eat their own bread. The issue in verse 10 is unwillingness to work. Apply that instruction according to the ability and work God has given you: become dependable, contribute to the needs you share, and keep doing good. This is a responsibility shared by adult believers, rather than a test that treats illness or inability as idleness.

Being responsible also includes recognizing good counsel. In Exodus 18:13–26, Moses’ father-in-law Jethro sees the burden of judging the people alone and proposes sharing the work with trustworthy men. He expressly places the counsel under God’s command in verse 23, and Moses acts on it. Moses is already a husband, father, and leader; receiving help strengthens his work. Jeremiah 35:6–19 likewise commends the Rechabites for keeping their ancestor’s instructions and uses their faithfulness to expose Judah’s failure to listen to God. These accounts give family teaching continuing value. They call for faithful attentiveness without making every family custom an obligation for every household.

Further study: Biblical Studies Press · Biblical Studies Press · Biblical Studies Press

Let honor become practical care as your parents need it

Attend to your parents’ needs as well as their words, especially as age changes what they can do. Proverbs 23:22 specifically joins listening to a father with continuing regard for an aging mother. In Mark 7:9–13, Jesus makes the material side of honor unmistakable. He recalls the command to honor father and mother and condemns a tradition that allowed someone to withhold help by declaring the resource Corban—a gift dedicated to God. The parents were deprived of what could benefit them. Jesus calls this making God’s word ineffective through tradition. Caring for parents belongs within obedience to God.

First Timothy 5:3–8 gives that care a clear place in the church’s life. When a widow has children or grandchildren, they are to show devotion at home and make some return to their parents for the care they have received. The KJV’s “nephews” in verse 4 refers here to grandchildren; “requite” means to repay or make a return. Paul calls this pleasing to God and treats provision for one’s own household as a serious expression of faith. Give attention to actual need and use the help you can provide to meet it.

Family care and church care belong together. First Timothy 5:16 directs relatives to help so that the church can support widows who are left without that support. The chapter also discusses a widow’s way of life and enrollment in verses 9–15; it is giving Timothy instructions for an ordered ministry of care. Its purpose is that vulnerable people receive help. Sons, daughters, and other relatives should take their responsibility seriously, while the congregation remains responsible for people who are truly left alone. Arrange the help with attention to the person’s needs and the responsibility shared by family and church.

Jesus’ care for his mother gives this responsibility a personal expression. In John 19:25–27, while he is being crucified, he speaks to Mary and the disciple he loves, placing them in a mother-and-son relationship. John immediately records that the disciple received her into his own home. The account shows concern for Mary’s continuing care at the very time of Jesus’ death. This recorded act of care encourages sons and daughters to seek dependable help for a parent, including help shared with others.

Ruth shows how such kindness can extend through marriage relationships. After both women have been widowed, Ruth commits herself to Naomi and to Naomi’s people and God in Ruth 1:16–17. In Ruth 2:11–12, Boaz recognizes what she has done for her mother-in-law. In verses 17–18 she brings home the grain she has gleaned and shares the food she has kept from her meal. Her chosen loyalty becomes work and provision. This history shows a daughter-in-law willingly taking an active part in a bereaved relative’s care; receive its commendation of kindness and seek fitting ways to help.

Receive parental generosity gratefully and be ready to give care in return. In 2 Corinthians 12:14–15, Paul compares his giving to the Corinthians with parents laying up for children. He is explaining why he seeks their good and will gladly give himself for them, within the defense of his ministry in verses 11–21. The comparison honors a parent’s generosity. The direct instruction about supporting widowed relatives in 1 Timothy 5:4 still calls grown children to help when help is needed. These passages describe care moving in different directions as responsibilities and needs change.

Further study: Biblical Studies Press · Biblical Studies Press · Jey J. Kanagaraj

Follow Christ with faithful love for your family

Give God the first claim on your obedience and love. Matthew 10:16–39 prepares Jesus’ disciples for opposition as they bear witness to him, including division within families. In verses 37–39 he says that love for father or mother, son or daughter, must yield to allegiance to him, and that following him includes taking up the cross. The cross makes the cost serious: loyalty to Christ can entail rejection, suffering, and the loss of life. Honor your parents as part of serving him, and remain faithful to him when that faithfulness is opposed.

Luke 14:25–33 addresses the crowds with equally demanding language. Jesus speaks of hating family and even one’s own life, bearing the cross, and renouncing possessions. The tower builder and the king weighing a battle show why a disciple must reckon with the commitment involved. Read alongside Matthew 10:37 and Jesus’ command to love enemies in Luke 6:27–36, this is a demand for allegiance that surpasses every competing attachment. It can require choices that bring real loss or separation. Respond by following Christ through that cost while continuing to desire and seek your family’s good.

Luke 9:57–62 also makes the urgency of Jesus’ call plain. One man asks to bury his father before following; another asks to say farewell at home. Jesus directs the first to proclaim God’s kingdom and tells the second that a person who begins plowing and looks back is unfit for the kingdom. These encounters concern the claim of Jesus’ summons on would-be followers. Answering him calls for wholehearted commitment to the kingdom he proclaims. His words deserve that seriousness together with his own insistence on honoring parents in Mark 7:9–13.

Faithfulness to God also governs a response to sinful instruction. In 1 Samuel 19:1–7, Saul tells Jonathan and his servants to kill David. Jonathan warns David and appeals to his father by naming David’s good service and the wrong of shedding innocent blood. He seeks to turn Saul away from sin while protecting the threatened man. This is a particular royal conflict, but its moral reason is stated: David must not be killed without cause. Where a parent directs wrongdoing, act truthfully, protect the person being wronged, and seek the good God commands.

Let love shape the way you bear a costly disagreement. Luke 6:27–36 calls Jesus’ hearers to do good, bless, and pray even for those who mistreat them, grounding that conduct in the Father’s mercy. These shared duties remain relevant when opposition comes from relatives. Continue truthful speech, prayer, and appropriate acts of care while following Christ. His claim on your life directs both your conviction and the way you treat the people who disagree with it.

Further study: Jeannine K. Brown · Christopher M. Hays · Biblical Studies Press

Keep growing in truth, kindness, and hope

Continue honoring your parents through the character of your relationship with them. Ephesians 4:25–32 calls believers to truthful words, constructive speech, kindness, tenderheartedness, and forgiveness grounded in God’s forgiveness through Christ. Ephesians 5:1–2 then calls them to walk in the love Christ has shown. These are duties shared by the whole church, and they give family honor daily substance. Speak truthfully, attend to the effect of your words, acknowledge wrong, and seek the other person’s good.

When you have sinned, turn honestly toward God and acknowledge what you have done. Luke 15:1–2 begins with objections to Jesus receiving sinners. In the story of the two sons, the younger son returns and confesses that he has sinned against heaven and before his father; the father receives him with compassion and celebrates his return in verses 20–24. The elder son is then invited to share the joy of a brother restored in verses 25–32. Jesus is explaining the welcome of sinners and calling his hearers to rejoice in it. Receive that encouragement to repent, show mercy, and rejoice in restoration. First John 1:9–2:2 directs our confidence to God’s forgiveness and to Jesus Christ, our advocate.

Your hope can rest in God even when parental care is absent. Psalm 27:7–14 joins a plea for God’s presence with confidence that, even when father and mother forsake the psalmist, the LORD receives him. He therefore asks to be taught God’s way and waits with courage for God’s goodness. Receive the psalm’s words for trust and prayer. Seek the Lord and learn his way, whatever care your family has or has not provided.

Take your place among the people who belong to Christ. In Mark 3:31–35, Jesus identifies those who do God’s will as his brother, sister, and mother. Family language expresses the belonging shared by his disciples. Romans 8:12–17 explains that believers are led by God’s Spirit, receive adoption, and cry to God as Father; it also includes suffering with Christ and the hope of glory. As you honor earthly parents and grow in your responsibilities, draw strength from this life with God. Keep receiving his Word, walking in his love, and giving the care that your present responsibilities require.

Continue reading: Handling money and possessions

Read the passages

Scripture in context

43 contextual selections for this subject, including the passages cited above and further related reading. Every selected range is reproduced in full from the KJV. Context notes identify the setting and kind of evidence.

Creation narrative 1 selections
Genesis 2:18–25 KJV · In this guide

Context: The creation of the woman and the man’s recognition of her culminate in the narrator’s account of leaving, cleaving, and one flesh.

2:18 And the LORD God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

2:19 And out of the ground the LORD God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.

2:20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found an help meet for him.

2:21 And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof;

2:22 And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.

2:23 And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

Historical narrative 4 selections
Exodus 18:1–27 KJV · In this guide

Context: Jethro reunites with Moses, praises God’s deliverance, observes the burden of judging Israel, and offers counsel that Moses implements.

18:1 When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt;

18:2 Then Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back,

18:3 And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:

18:4 And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh:

18:5 And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God:

18:6 And he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.

18:7 And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.

18:8 And Moses told his father in law all that the LORD had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the LORD delivered them.

18:9 And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.

18:10 And Jethro said, Blessed be the LORD, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.

18:11 Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.

18:12 And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses’ father in law before God.

18:13 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.

18:14 And when Moses’ father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?

18:15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:

18:16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.

18:17 And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.

18:18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.

18:19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:

18:20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

18:21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

18:22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.

18:23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.

18:24 So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.

18:25 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

18:26 And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.

18:27 And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.

Ruth 1:1–22 KJV · In this guide

Context: Famine, migration, and bereavement lead Naomi to return to Judah and Ruth to commit herself to Naomi, her people, and her God.

1:1 Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled, that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Beth-lehem-judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he, and his wife, and his two sons.

1:2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Beth-lehem-judah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.

1:3 And Elimelech Naomi’s husband died; and she was left, and her two sons.

1:4 And they took them wives of the women of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they dwelled there about ten years.

1:5 And Mahlon and Chilion died also both of them; and the woman was left of her two sons and her husband.

1:6 Then she arose with her daughters in law, that she might return from the country of Moab: for she had heard in the country of Moab how that the LORD had visited his people in giving them bread.

1:7 Wherefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters in law with her; and they went on the way to return unto the land of Judah.

1:8 And Naomi said unto her two daughters in law, Go, return each to her mother’s house: the LORD deal kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me.

1:9 The LORD grant you that ye may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband. Then she kissed them; and they lifted up their voice, and wept.

1:10 And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people.

1:11 And Naomi said, Turn again, my daughters: why will ye go with me? are there yet any more sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands?

1:12 Turn again, my daughters, go your way; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, if I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons;

1:13 Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.

1:14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her.

1:15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law.

1:16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:

1:17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.

1:18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.

1:19 So they two went until they came to Beth-lehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Beth-lehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, Is this Naomi?

1:20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.

1:21 I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why then call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?

1:22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter in law, with her, which returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Beth-lehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

Ruth 2:1–23 KJV · In this guide

Context: Ruth gleans in Boaz’s field, receives protection and generosity, and brings food back to Naomi.

2:1 And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband’s, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech; and his name was Boaz.

2:2 And Ruth the Moabitess said unto Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn after him in whose sight I shall find grace. And she said unto her, Go, my daughter.

2:3 And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and her hap was to light on a part of the field belonging unto Boaz, who was of the kindred of Elimelech.

2:4 And, behold, Boaz came from Beth-lehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee.

2:5 Then said Boaz unto his servant that was set over the reapers, Whose damsel is this?

2:6 And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:

2:7 And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house.

2:8 Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence, but abide here fast by my maidens:

2:9 Let thine eyes be on the field that they do reap, and go thou after them: have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch thee? and when thou art athirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the young men have drawn.

2:10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him, Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?

2:11 And Boaz answered and said unto her, It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.

2:12 The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust.

2:13 Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.

2:14 And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left.

2:15 And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:

2:16 And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.

2:17 So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.

2:18 And she took it up, and went into the city: and her mother in law saw what she had gleaned: and she brought forth, and gave to her that she had reserved after she was sufficed.

2:19 And her mother in law said unto her, Where hast thou gleaned to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that did take knowledge of thee. And she shewed her mother in law with whom she had wrought, and said, The man’s name with whom I wrought to day is Boaz.

2:20 And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the LORD, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.

2:21 And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.

2:22 And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.

2:23 So she kept fast by the maidens of Boaz to glean unto the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and dwelt with her mother in law.

1 Samuel 19:1–7 KJV · In this guide

Context: Saul orders David’s death; Jonathan warns David and persuades his father by appealing to David’s service and the wrong of innocent bloodshed.

19:1 And Saul spake to Jonathan his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David.

19:2 But Jonathan Saul’s son delighted much in David: and Jonathan told David, saying, Saul my father seeketh to kill thee: now therefore, I pray thee, take heed to thyself until the morning, and abide in a secret place, and hide thyself:

19:3 And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where thou art, and I will commune with my father of thee; and what I see, that I will tell thee.

19:4 And Jonathan spake good of David unto Saul his father, and said unto him, Let not the king sin against his servant, against David; because he hath not sinned against thee, and because his works have been to thee-ward very good:

19:5 For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?

19:6 And Saul hearkened unto the voice of Jonathan: and Saul sware, As the LORD liveth, he shall not be slain.

19:7 And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan shewed him all those things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence, as in times past.

Covenant law 3 selections
Exodus 20:1–21 KJV · In this guide

Context: God addresses the people delivered from Egypt, gives the commandments, and the people respond to his presence at Sinai.

20:1 And God spake all these words, saying,

20:2 I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

20:6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

20:9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

20:10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

20:11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

20:13 Thou shalt not kill.

20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.

20:15 Thou shalt not steal.

20:16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.

20:18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.

20:19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

20:20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

20:21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.

Leviticus 19:1–4 KJV · In this guide

Context: The opening call to holiness joins reverence for mother and father, sabbaths, and allegiance to the LORD.

19:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

19:2 Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy.

19:3 Ye shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the LORD your God.

19:4 Turn ye not unto idols, nor make to yourselves molten gods: I am the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 5:1–22 KJV · In this guide

Context: Moses summons Israel to hear and keep the covenant commands and recounts the words spoken at Horeb.

5:1 And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them.

5:2 The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb.

5:3 The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day.

5:4 The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire,

5:5 (I stood between the LORD and you at that time, to shew you the word of the LORD: for ye were afraid by reason of the fire, and went not up into the mount;) saying,

5:6 I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

5:7 Thou shalt have none other gods before me.

5:8 Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth:

5:9 Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,

5:10 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

5:11 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

5:12 Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.

5:13 Six days thou shalt labour, and do all thy work:

5:14 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox, nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.

5:15 And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the LORD thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.

5:16 Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

5:17 Thou shalt not kill.

5:18 Neither shalt thou commit adultery.

5:19 Neither shalt thou steal.

5:20 Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.

5:21 Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour’s wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour’s house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour’s.

5:22 These words the LORD spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me.

Covenant household law 1 selections
Numbers 30:1–16 KJV

Context: Moses gives Israel laws about vows, distinguishing a young daughter in her father’s house, marriage, and the binding vows of a widow or divorced woman.

30:1 And Moses spake unto the heads of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the LORD hath commanded.

30:2 If a man vow a vow unto the LORD, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.

30:3 If a woman also vow a vow unto the LORD, and bind herself by a bond, being in her father’s house in her youth;

30:4 And her father hear her vow, and her bond wherewith she hath bound her soul, and her father shall hold his peace at her: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she hath bound her soul shall stand.

30:5 But if her father disallow her in the day that he heareth; not any of her vows, or of her bonds wherewith she hath bound her soul, shall stand: and the LORD shall forgive her, because her father disallowed her.

30:6 And if she had at all an husband, when she vowed, or uttered ought out of her lips, wherewith she bound her soul;

30:7 And her husband heard it, and held his peace at her in the day that he heard it: then her vows shall stand, and her bonds wherewith she bound her soul shall stand.

30:8 But if her husband disallowed her on the day that he heard it; then he shall make her vow which she vowed, and that which she uttered with her lips, wherewith she bound her soul, of none effect: and the LORD shall forgive her.

30:9 But every vow of a widow, and of her that is divorced, wherewith they have bound their souls, shall stand against her.

30:10 And if she vowed in her husband’s house, or bound her soul by a bond with an oath;

30:11 And her husband heard it, and held his peace at her, and disallowed her not: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she bound her soul shall stand.

30:12 But if her husband hath utterly made them void on the day he heard them; then whatsoever proceeded out of her lips concerning her vows, or concerning the bond of her soul, shall not stand: her husband hath made them void; and the LORD shall forgive her.

30:13 Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.

30:14 But if her husband altogether hold his peace at her from day to day; then he establisheth all her vows, or all her bonds, which are upon her: he confirmeth them, because he held his peace at her in the day that he heard them.

30:15 But if he shall any ways make them void after that he hath heard them; then he shall bear her iniquity.

30:16 These are the statutes, which the LORD commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between the father and his daughter, being yet in her youth in her father’s house.

Covenant teaching 1 selections
Deuteronomy 6:4–25 KJV · In this guide

Context: Wholehearted love, daily teaching, remembrance of deliverance, and a son’s question frame Moses’ instruction to Israel.

6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

6:5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

6:6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

6:7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

6:8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

6:9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

6:10 And it shall be, when the LORD thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not,

6:11 And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full;

6:12 Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

6:13 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

6:14 Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;

6:15 (For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

6:16 Ye shall not tempt the LORD your God, as ye tempted him in Massah.

6:17 Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.

6:18 And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers,

6:19 To cast out all thine enemies from before thee, as the LORD hath spoken.

6:20 And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD our God hath commanded you?

6:21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt; and the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand:

6:22 And the LORD shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes:

6:23 And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers.

6:24 And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day.

6:25 And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our God, as he hath commanded us.

Prayer and poetry 1 selections
Psalms 27:1–14 KJV · In this guide

Context: Confidence in the LORD leads into prayer for his presence, instruction, deliverance, and courage to wait.

27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

27:2 When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

27:3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

27:4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

27:5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

27:6 And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

27:7 Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

27:8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

27:9 Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

27:10 When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up.

27:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

27:12 Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

27:14 Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Wisdom instruction 4 selections
Proverbs 1:1–19 KJV · In this guide

Context: The book states its educational purpose, grounds wisdom in reverence for the LORD, and presents parents warning a son against violent gain.

1:1 The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;

1:2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;

1:3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

1:4 To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.

1:5 A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

1:6 To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.

1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

1:8 My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

1:9 For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.

1:10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.

1:11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:

1:12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit:

1:13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil:

1:14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:

1:15 My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:

1:16 For their feet run to evil, and make haste to shed blood.

1:17 Surely in vain the net is spread in the sight of any bird.

1:18 And they lay wait for their own blood; they lurk privily for their own lives.

1:19 So are the ways of every one that is greedy of gain; which taketh away the life of the owners thereof.

Proverbs 2:1–22 KJV · In this guide

Context: An extended conditional instruction moves from seeking wisdom to understanding good paths and deliverance from destructive companions and adultery.

2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

2:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

2:3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

2:4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;

2:5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

2:8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.

2:9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.

2:10 When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul;

2:11 Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:

2:12 To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things;

2:13 Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;

2:14 Who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked;

2:15 Whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths:

2:16 To deliver thee from the strange woman, even from the stranger which flattereth with her words;

2:17 Which forsaketh the guide of her youth, and forgetteth the covenant of her God.

2:18 For her house inclineth unto death, and her paths unto the dead.

2:19 None that go unto her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life.

2:20 That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous.

2:21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.

2:22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be rooted out of it.

Proverbs 4:1–27 KJV · In this guide

Context: A father recalls his own instruction and urges children to pursue wisdom, reject evil paths, and guard heart, speech, sight, and conduct.

4:1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.

4:2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.

4:3 For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.

4:4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

4:5 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.

4:6 Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.

4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

4:8 Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her.

4:9 She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

4:10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.

4:11 I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.

4:12 When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble.

4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

4:14 Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.

4:15 Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away.

4:16 For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.

4:17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.

4:18 But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.

4:19 The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

4:20 My son, attend to my words; incline thine ear unto my sayings.

4:21 Let them not depart from thine eyes; keep them in the midst of thine heart.

4:22 For they are life unto those that find them, and health to all their flesh.

4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.

4:24 Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.

4:25 Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee.

4:26 Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

4:27 Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.

Proverbs 6:20–35 KJV · In this guide

Context: Parents’ teaching is compared to guidance and light; the remainder explains its protection against adultery and its consequences.

6:20 My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

6:21 Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.

6:22 When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.

6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

6:24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman.

6:25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.

6:26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.

6:27 Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?

6:28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?

6:29 So he that goeth in to his neighbour’s wife; whosoever toucheth her shall not be innocent.

6:30 Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry;

6:31 But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house.

6:32 But whoso committeth adultery with a woman lacketh understanding: he that doeth it destroyeth his own soul.

6:33 A wound and dishonour shall he get; and his reproach shall not be wiped away.

6:34 For jealousy is the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance.

6:35 He will not regard any ransom; neither will he rest content, though thou givest many gifts.

Wisdom sayings 1 selections
Proverbs 23:15–25 KJV · In this guide

Context: Related sayings join a parent’s joy, reverence for the LORD, sober conduct, regard for an aging mother, and the pursuit of truth.

23:15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

23:16 Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things.

23:17 Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.

23:18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

23:19 Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.

23:20 Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:

23:21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.

23:22 Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old.

23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

23:24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

23:25 Thy father and thy mother shall be glad, and she that bare thee shall rejoice.

Prophetic sign and family narrative 1 selections
Jeremiah 35:1–19 KJV · In this guide

Context: The Rechabites keep Jonadab’s ancestral instructions; the LORD contrasts their loyalty with Judah’s failure to heed his prophets.

35:1 The word which came unto Jeremiah from the LORD in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah king of Judah, saying,

35:2 Go unto the house of the Rechabites, and speak unto them, and bring them into the house of the LORD, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink.

35:3 Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, the son of Habaziniah, and his brethren, and all his sons, and the whole house of the Rechabites;

35:4 And I brought them into the house of the LORD, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan, the son of Igdaliah, a man of God, which was by the chamber of the princes, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the keeper of the door:

35:5 And I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites pots full of wine, and cups, and I said unto them, Drink ye wine.

35:6 But they said, We will drink no wine: for Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever:

35:7 Neither shall ye build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have any: but all your days ye shall dwell in tents; that ye may live many days in the land where ye be strangers.

35:8 Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters;

35:9 Nor to build houses for us to dwell in: neither have we vineyard, nor field, nor seed:

35:10 But we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed, and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us.

35:11 But it came to pass, when Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians: so we dwell at Jerusalem.

35:12 Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,

35:13 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will ye not receive instruction to hearken to my words? saith the LORD.

35:14 The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, that he commanded his sons not to drink wine, are performed; for unto this day they drink none, but obey their father’s commandment: notwithstanding I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye hearkened not unto me.

35:15 I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me.

35:16 Because the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the commandment of their father, which he commanded them; but this people hath not hearkened unto me:

35:17 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will bring upon Judah and upon all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them: because I have spoken unto them, but they have not heard; and I have called unto them, but they have not answered.

35:18 And Jeremiah said unto the house of the Rechabites, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Because ye have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your father, and kept all his precepts, and done according unto all that he hath commanded you:

35:19 Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not want a man to stand before me for ever.

Prophetic argument 1 selections
Ezekiel 18:1–32 KJV · In this guide

Context: Israel’s complaint about inherited consequences is answered through three generations, changed conduct, God’s justice, and a concluding call to repent.

18:1 The word of the LORD came unto me again, saying,

18:2 What mean ye, that ye use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge?

18:3 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, ye shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.

18:4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sinneth, it shall die.

18:5 But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,

18:6 And hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither hath defiled his neighbour’s wife, neither hath come near to a menstruous woman,

18:7 And hath not oppressed any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment;

18:8 He that hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any increase, that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, hath executed true judgment between man and man,

18:9 Hath walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to deal truly; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord GOD.

18:10 If he beget a son that is a robber, a shedder of blood, and that doeth the like to any one of these things,

18:11 And that doeth not any of those duties, but even hath eaten upon the mountains, and defiled his neighbour’s wife,

18:12 Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination,

18:13 Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.

18:14 Now, lo, if he beget a son, that seeth all his father’s sins which he hath done, and considereth, and doeth not such like,

18:15 That hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither hath lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, hath not defiled his neighbour’s wife,

18:16 Neither hath oppressed any, hath not withholden the pledge, neither hath spoiled by violence, but hath given his bread to the hungry, and hath covered the naked with a garment,

18:17 That hath taken off his hand from the poor, that hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.

18:18 As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, spoiled his brother by violence, and did that which is not good among his people, lo, even he shall die in his iniquity.

18:19 Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.

18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

18:21 But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

18:22 All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.

18:23 Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord GOD: and not that he should return from his ways, and live?

18:24 But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.

18:25 Yet ye say, The way of the Lord is not equal. Hear now, O house of Israel; Is not my way equal? are not your ways unequal?

18:26 When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die.

18:27 Again, when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive.

18:28 Because he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgressions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.

18:29 Yet saith the house of Israel, The way of the Lord is not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?

18:30 Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

18:31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

18:32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.

Mission instruction 1 selections
Matthew 10:16–39 KJV · In this guide

Context: Jesus prepares his sent disciples for hostility, household division, confession of him, and costly loyalty.

10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

10:17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;

10:18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

10:19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.

10:20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

10:21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

10:22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

10:23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come.

10:24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

10:25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?

10:26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.

10:27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

10:28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

10:30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

10:31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

10:32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

10:33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

10:35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

10:36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.

10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

10:38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

10:39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Gospel parallel 1 selections
Matthew 15:1–20 KJV · In this guide

Context: Matthew’s parallel keeps the parental command, the dedication of a gift, and the contrast between outward ritual and the heart.

15:1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,

15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.

15:5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;

15:6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

15:7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,

15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

15:10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:

15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

15:12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?

15:13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

15:15 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.

15:16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?

15:17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?

15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.

15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:

15:20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

Gospel teaching 1 selections
Matthew 19:1–12 KJV · In this guide

Context: A dispute about divorce leads Jesus to the creation texts, the disciples’ response, and a saying about unmarried life for the kingdom.

19:1 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and came into the coasts of Judaea beyond Jordan;

19:2 And great multitudes followed him; and he healed them there.

19:3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?

19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,

19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?

19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

19:7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?

19:8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.

19:9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

19:10 His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry.

19:11 But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given.

19:12 For there are some eunuchs, which were so born from their mother’s womb: and there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: and there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it.

Gospel narrative 3 selections
Mark 3:20–35 KJV · In this guide

Context: The report about Jesus’ associates, controversy over his authority, and arrival of his mother and brothers frame his identification of those who do God’s will as family.

3:20 And the multitude cometh together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.

3:21 And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.

3:22 And the scribes which came down from Jerusalem said, He hath Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils casteth he out devils.

3:23 And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables, How can Satan cast out Satan?

3:24 And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

3:25 And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

3:26 And if Satan rise up against himself, and be divided, he cannot stand, but hath an end.

3:27 No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.

3:28 Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith soever they shall blaspheme:

3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:

3:30 Because they said, He hath an unclean spirit.

3:31 There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him.

3:32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee.

3:33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren?

3:34 And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

3:35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

Luke 2:41–52 KJV · In this guide

Context: The Passover journey leads to Jesus being found among the temple teachers, his statement about his Father, and his return to Nazareth in submission.

2:41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

2:42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

2:43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

2:44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

2:45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

2:46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

2:47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

2:48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

2:49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

2:50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

2:51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

John 19:16–30 KJV · In this guide

Context: The crucifixion account includes the charge to Mary and the beloved disciple before Jesus’ final words and death.

19:16 Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away.

19:17 And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:

19:18 Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.

19:19 And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS.

19:20 This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.

19:21 Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.

19:22 Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.

19:23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

19:24 They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did.

19:25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

19:26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!

19:27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.

19:28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst.

19:29 Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth.

19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Gospel controversy 1 selections
Mark 7:1–23 KJV · In this guide

Context: A dispute over ritual handwashing prompts Jesus’ criticism of traditions that nullify God’s command, followed by teaching about the heart and defilement.

7:1 Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem.

7:2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.

7:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders.

7:4 And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables.

7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

7:10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:

7:11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.

7:12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;

7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

7:14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:

7:15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.

7:16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

7:17 And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.

7:18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;

7:19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?

7:20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.

7:21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

7:23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

Shared discipleship 7 selections
Luke 6:27–36 KJV · In this guide

Context: Jesus directs his hearers to do good beyond reciprocal affection, ending with the Father’s mercy as their pattern.

6:27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

6:28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

6:29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not to take thy coat also.

6:30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.

6:31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

6:32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

6:33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.

6:34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

6:36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

Romans 8:12–17 KJV · In this guide

Context: Life by the Spirit leads into adoption, calling God Father, inheritance with Christ, and suffering with him.

8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

8:13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

8:16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Ephesians 4:25–5:2 KJV · In this guide

Context: Specific commands about truth, anger, labor, speech, kindness, and forgiveness culminate in walking in Christ’s love.

4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

4:28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

5:1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 KJV · In this guide

Context: Paul addresses disorderly believers refusing work, recalls his labor, and directs the church to admonish them as brothers.

3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

3:7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

3:8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

3:12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

3:14 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.

3:15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

James 1:19–27 KJV · In this guide

Context: Receiving the word with meekness must become action, restrained speech, and care for the vulnerable.

1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

1 Peter 3:8–17 KJV · In this guide

Context: A shared call to compassion and blessing includes the promise of good days and the possibility of suffering for righteousness.

3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.

3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:

3:11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.

3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

3:13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?

3:14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;

3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

3:17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

1 John 1:5–2:2 KJV · In this guide

Context: Walking in the light includes truthful acknowledgment of sin, cleansing, and dependence on Jesus as advocate.

1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:

1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

Discipleship encounters 1 selections
Luke 9:57–62 KJV · In this guide

Context: Three encounters on the journey expose the cost, urgency, and wholeheartedness required in following Jesus.

9:57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.

9:58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

9:59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father.

9:60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

9:61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.

9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Discipleship teaching 1 selections
Luke 14:25–35 KJV · In this guide

Context: Jesus addresses traveling crowds with the cost of discipleship, the tower and king comparisons, renunciation, and the saying about salt.

14:25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,

14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.

14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.

14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,

14:30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

14:32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

14:34 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?

14:35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Parables 1 selections
Luke 15:1–32 KJV · In this guide

Context: Complaints about Jesus receiving sinners prompt the lost sheep, lost coin, and two sons accounts, each developing recovery and joy.

15:1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him.

15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.

15:3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,

15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?

15:5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

15:6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

15:8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

15:9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

15:11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:

15:12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.

15:13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.

15:14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

15:15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

15:16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

15:17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!

15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,

15:19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.

15:20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

15:21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.

15:22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:

15:23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:

15:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

15:25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.

15:26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

15:27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.

15:28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

15:29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:

15:30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.

15:31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

Pastoral instruction 1 selections
1 Corinthians 7:25–40 KJV · In this guide

Context: Paul gives counsel amid present distress concerning marriage, unmarried devotion, a disputed virgin relationship, and widowhood.

7:25 Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

7:26 I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.

7:27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

7:28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

7:29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;

7:30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;

7:31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

7:32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

7:33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.

7:34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

7:35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

7:36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

7:37 Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

7:38 So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

7:39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

Ministerial parental analogy 1 selections
2 Corinthians 12:11–21 KJV · In this guide

Context: Paul defends the integrity of his ministry, his refusal to burden Corinth, and his purpose of building up the believers.

12:11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

12:13 For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong.

12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and I will not be burdensome to you: for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

12:15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

12:16 But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.

12:17 Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?

12:18 I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?

12:19 Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.

12:20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and that I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest there be debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:

12:21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

Household instruction 1 selections
Ephesians 6:1–4 KJV · In this guide

Context: The household instructions address children directly with obedience and honor, followed by the father’s duty of upbringing in the Lord.

6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

6:2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

6:3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Shared discipleship and household instruction 1 selections
Colossians 3:12–21 KJV · In this guide

Context: Christian compassion, forgiveness, love, worship, and conduct in Jesus’ name precede the paired instructions for spouses and for children and fathers.

3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

3:17 And what soever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

3:18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

3:21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

Ministerial exhortation 2 selections
1 Timothy 4:6–16 KJV · In this guide

Context: Timothy is charged to train in godliness, model faithful conduct, and persevere in his particular teaching ministry.

4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

4:7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

4:8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

4:9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

4:10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

4:11 These things command and teach.

4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

2 Timothy 3:10–17 KJV · In this guide

Context: Paul contrasts his teaching and endurance with deception, then calls Timothy to continue in the Scriptures he has known from childhood.

3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Church and household instruction 1 selections
1 Timothy 5:1–16 KJV · In this guide

Context: Respect across generations precedes instructions about relatives, unsupported widows, enrollment, and the church’s care.

5:1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;

5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed.

5:4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.

5:5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.

5:6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.

5:7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.

5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,

5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

5:11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;

5:12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.

5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.

5:15 For some are already turned aside after Satan.

5:16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

Personal exhortation 1 selections
2 Timothy 1:3–7 KJV · In this guide

Context: Paul’s prayerful remembrance of Timothy leads from the faith of Lois and Eunice to Timothy’s gift and courage.

1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

1:4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;

1:5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

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Sources & interpretation

The teaching starts with the cited Scripture. These consulted works inform wording, context, and interpretive questions. No qualified human review has been recorded for this guide.

How do childhood obedience and adult honor relate?

Ephesians connects children’s obedience with being brought up; marriage creates a distinct bond; old-age honor and family support continue. Numbers 30:3–5 gives a father authority concerning the vows of a daughter in his house in her youth, while verse 9 treats widows and divorced women differently. These texts require attention to actual relationships and covenant setting; they give no universal modern age cutoff.

  • One approach extends parental direction broadly through dependence or residence in the household; another distinguishes upbringing from adult moral and household responsibility. Both must explain continuing honor and the real authority specified in Numbers 30 without silently transferring every Mosaic legal detail.
  • First Corinthians 7:36–38 can concern a father or guardian and a daughter, or an engaged man and his fiancée. The NET notes present grammatical considerations on both sides.

STRONG_INFERENCE, STRONG for continuing honor and personally carried adult duties; PROBABLE for their precise boundary in disputed household situations. Do not derive a universal marriage-approval policy from disputed participants. Read Numbers 30 as a law about specified vows and households; the extension of those legal arrangements into Christian households requires further argument. Jeremiah 35 commends a particular clan’s loyalty and rebukes Judah’s disobedience to God; it does not make every ancestor’s rules universal.

Further study: Biblical Studies Press · Biblical Studies Press · Biblical Studies Press · S. M. Baugh

Further examination: How do Ephesians 6, Numbers 30, Genesis 2, and the alternative readings of 1 Corinthians 7 relate? Identify what each actually requires before explaining both adult responsibility and lasting honor.

What does the promise attached to parental honor assure?

Deuteronomy 5:16 speaks of well-being and long life in Israel’s land. Ephesians 6:2–3 retains the promise in addressing Christian children.

  • A present-life reading receives it as God’s blessing on an ordinarily life-preserving course, with suffering still possible.
  • Moritz’s published thesis summary reads the quotation as emphasizing the command’s importance rather than literally reapplying its longevity promise. A fuller theological reading may relate blessing to final life with God, but that is not the explicit wording of verse 3.

PROBABLE: retain the promise as encouragement toward the good God intends, without guaranteeing each child a particular lifespan. First Peter 3:10–14 itself combines good-days language with righteous suffering. Moritz’s full dissertation was not available in the inspected material, so his summary cannot settle the issue.

Further study: Thorsten Moritz · Biblical Studies Press

Further examination: How does Paul’s use of the promise function in this exhortation, and how does your explanation account for the original covenant setting and the New Testament’s teaching about righteous suffering?

How costly is Jesus’ priority over family?

Luke 14:26 puts family and one’s own life under the demand of following Jesus. Cross-bearing and renunciation follow. Luke 9:59–62 includes burial and farewell requests, without specifying whether the father is living or dead.

  • Brown explains the language through hyperbole and primary allegiance; the NET note uses a relative scale.
  • Hays resists reducing the word to a mild preference and emphasizes conduct costly enough to be perceived as hatred, while distinguishing it from emotional hostility.

STRONG_INFERENCE, STRONG: the shared core is supreme, costly allegiance. Preserve the possibility of real separation and loss alongside Jesus’ commands to love and provide care. PROBABLE: the saying’s rhetoric is clarified by that larger context. Leave the timing and precise burial circumstance in Luke 9 uncertain.

Further study: Jeannine K. Brown · Christopher M. Hays · Biblical Studies Press

Further examination: Does your explanation retain the cost demanded by Luke while accounting for Matthew 10:37, love for enemies, and Jesus’ rejection of devotion used to evade care?

Who is responsible for the care described in 1 Timothy 5?

Verse 4 names children and grandchildren, verse 8 the wider household, and verse 16 relates family relief to church support. The KJV includes a believing man or woman in verse 16; the NET prints a believing woman and explains its textual preference.

  • The longer reading expressly names both men and women at verse 16.
  • The shorter reading addresses a believing woman there, while verses 4 and 8 already establish the broader family duty. The enrollment in verse 9 is variously understood as a support list or a smaller service group.

EXPLICIT, VERY_STRONG for family support in verses 4 and 8 and church provision in verse 16. Preserve the KJV without claiming the verse-16 variant changes those duties. The exact enrollment system is not required to teach the shared care. Paul’s parental-giving comparison at 2 Corinthians 12:14 belongs to his ministry defense.

Further study: Biblical Studies Press

Further examination: Which responsibilities are clear under either textual reading, and which details of household organization or church enrollment remain reconstructions?

What can Jesus’ family relationships teach without losing their particular setting?

Luke 2:49 identifies God as Jesus’ Father and verse 51 records submission at Nazareth. John 19:26–27 records the beloved disciple receiving Mary. Mark 3:35 describes the family of those doing God’s will.

  • Luke 2:49 can be rendered about the Father’s business or in the Father’s house; the NET discussion keeps both in view.
  • John 19 can be read for concrete provision and also for wider family symbolism. Concrete care is explicit; claims about an exclusive symbolic meaning or absent relatives require additional evidence.

STRONG: retain the narrated submission and care while explaining Jesus’ identity and passion. These events illuminate filial faithfulness; they are not universal instructions to reenact the temple absence or Mary’s exact living arrangement. Kanagaraj’s legal reconstruction is not necessary to this conclusion.

Further study: Ronald J. Allen · Biblical Studies Press · Jey J. Kanagaraj

Further examination: Which actions does each evangelist actually record, what do they reveal about Jesus, and which enduring response is supported without inventing motives or circumstances?

  1. Ephesians: To Children and Parents (6:1–4)

    S. M. Baugh · The Gospel Coalition Bible Commentary

    Connects the direct address to children with household discipleship, parental training, and Jesus’ submission in Luke 2:51.

    What was reviewed

    Complete subsection “To Children and Parents (6:1–4)”; surrounding household outline. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.

    The whole commentary was not read. Its broad comparison with ancient moralists and its particular covenant-community conclusions are not premises of this guide.

  2. The Use of Israel’s Scriptures in Ephesians

    Thorsten Moritz · Tyndale Bulletin 46.2, pp. 393–396; dissertation summary · 1995

    Argues that the quoted promise emphasizes the parental command without a literal reapplication of longevity.

    What was reviewed

    Opening identification on p. 393 and conclusions on pp. 395–396, especially the sixth conclusion on Ephesians 6:2–3. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.

    This is the author’s published thesis summary, not access to the dissertation’s full argument. Its conclusion is a material alternative, not a demonstrated consensus.

  3. NET Bible: Proverbs 1:8, translator notes

    Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible

    Explains “law” as instruction and discusses the son/learner address.

    What was reviewed

    Verse 8, notes 1–6, especially notes 2 and 5. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.

    The conjectured royal-court origin and cited rabbinic material were not independently verified and are not adopted as historical facts.

  4. NET Bible: Ephesians 6, translator notes

    Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible

    Identifies the Decalogue quotations, the textual evidence for “in the Lord,” and the parent/father wording question.

    What was reviewed

    Verses 1–4 and notes 1–8. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.

    Manuscripts and BDAG were not independently inspected; the guide retains the pinned KJV and does not settle lifelong authority from a word gloss.

  5. Commentary on Luke 2:41–52

    Ronald J. Allen · Working Preacher, Luther Seminary · 2015-12-27

    Emphasizes the narrative’s witness to Jesus and cautions against a simple one-to-one childhood model.

    What was reviewed

    Opening discussion of childhood models and the paragraphs on the Passover household, Jesus’ identity, and growth; not the related-commentary links. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.

    His reconstructed late-first-century audience situation and modern applications are not adopted. General literary comparisons were not independently investigated.

  6. NET Bible: Luke 2:49, translator notes

    Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible

    Presents Father’s business and Father’s house as renderings; its discussion preserves uncertainty about the idiom.

    What was reviewed

    Verse 49 and notes 1–4, especially note 4 on the elliptical expression. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.

    Used to keep the main point about Jesus’ relation to God clear; no exhaustive syntax or reception study was performed.

  7. Ezekiel: discussion of chapter 18

    Donna Petter · The Gospel Coalition Bible Commentary

    Locates personal accountability within the exiles’ complaint about divine justice.

    What was reviewed

    Section headed “Verifying Theological Constructs”, Introduction and Highlights covering 18:1–20, especially the three generations. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.

    The heading has an apparent range typo; the cited body expressly discusses chapter 18. Daniel Block’s commentary, cited there, was not independently read.

  8. NET Bible: Genesis 2:24, translator notes

    Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible

    Explains the narrator’s generalizing comment, the marital bond, and a new family relationship.

    What was reviewed

    Verse 24 and notes 1–4. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.

    Its categorical reconstruction excluding geographical separation goes beyond what this guide needs; the guide makes no universal residence rule.

  9. NET Bible: 1 Corinthians 7, translator notes

    Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible

    Sets out father/guardian and engaged-man interpretations, their grammar arguments, and limits on making arranged marriage universal.

    What was reviewed

    Verses 25–40; notes 26–29 on 7:36–38, including both proposed participants. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.

    The Greek evidence is accessed through the notes; neither interpretation is represented as settled by the owner.

  10. NET Bible: Numbers 30, translator and study notes

    Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible

    Explains the stated household qualifications and the legal force of a father’s response to his daughter’s vow.

    What was reviewed

    Entire chapter and notes 1–27, especially 9–15 on youth, the father’s house, and confirmation or cancellation of a vow. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.

    The cited de Vaux work was not read; placement conjectures and proposed kinds of vows are not treated as established facts. These notes do not settle Christian continuity of the law.

  11. NET Bible: Mark 7:11, study note

    Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible

    Explains Corban as a dedicated gift and relates the practice to withheld parental support.

    What was reviewed

    Verse 11 and note 1. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.

    The underlying Louw–Nida entry and ancient legal documents were not independently inspected. Detailed reconstructions of all Jewish practice are not asserted.

  12. NET Bible: 1 Timothy 5, translator and study notes

    Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible

    Clarifies honor and support, grandchildren and repayment, enrollment alternatives, and the 5:16 textual variant.

    What was reviewed

    Verses 1–16; notes 3–8, 12–13, and 26–28. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.

    The notes’ manuscript evaluation and proposed enrollment arrangements are attributed; the guide’s shared-family duty rests on verses 4 and 8.

  13. The Implied Ethics of the Fourth Gospel: A Reinterpretation of the Decalogue

    Jey J. Kanagaraj · Tyndale Bulletin 52.1, pp. 33–60 · 2001

    Reads John 19:26–27 as practical honor and care for Jesus’ mother.

    What was reviewed

    Section 5, “The Fifth Commandment”, pp. 48–50 (PDF pages 16–18). Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.

    His asserted legal background and dismissal of broader symbolic readings are not established here. The cited books and ancient law were not independently read.

  14. Commentary on Luke 14:25–33

    Jeannine K. Brown · Working Preacher, Luther Seminary · 2010-09-05

    Relates Luke’s family language to Matthew 10:37, hyperbole, and undivided allegiance.

    What was reviewed

    Exposition from the two discipleship sayings through the tower/king comparisons and the final paragraph on costly commitment. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.

    The article contains a verse-number slip at the first quoted family saying; the guide uses Luke 14:26. Its cited Stein and Knowles works were not read.

  15. Hating Wealth and Wives? An Examination of Discipleship Ethics in the Third Gospel

    Christopher M. Hays · Tyndale Bulletin 60.1, pp. 47–68 · 2009

    Argues that costly conduct can be perceived as hatred without psychological hostility; tests a weak “love less” paraphrase.

    What was reviewed

    Luke 9 burial discussion, pp. 49–50; family-text survey, pp. 51–52; Luke 14:26–27 discussion, pp. 54–56. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.

    His wider wealth ethics and all cited ancient sources were not independently evaluated. The guide retains the actual cost without universalizing one disciple’s circumstances.

  16. NET Bible: Luke 14:26, translator notes

    Biblical Studies Press · NET Bible

    Explains relative allegiance and the inclusion of one’s own physical life.

    What was reviewed

    Verse 26 and notes 1–2. Accessed 2026-09-25 · Read in part.

    A brief gloss does not exhaust the force of the saying; the larger cross-bearing context and Hays’s challenge remain relevant.