The fulfillment of Nathan’s prophesy—This is what the Lord says: ‘I am about to bring disaster on you from inside your own household! Right before your eyes I will take your wives and hand them over to your companion. He will have sexual relations with your wives in broad daylight!—was dependent on David’s love and mercy for his sons, particularly Absalom. The fulfillment of this promise then was dependent on David’s righteousness in a word, on his being a man after God’s own heart. And I use the word dependent advisedly. I don’t mean that God would have been unable to fulfill his promise if David, by punishing Amnon or executing Absalom, for instance, had actively attempted to thwart Him. I mean simply that the Scripture presents me with a fact, David through love and mercy aided and abetted God in bringing disaster on himself.
And I am more convinced than ever that this particular concatenation of events cannot be construed as punishment for sin so much as the personal consequence of forgiveness. God knew David would behave this way. And, frankly, punishment for sin is more straightforward, less convoluted. When David inquired of the Lord about a three year famine, the answer was simple, It is because of Saul and his bloodstained family, because he murdered the Gibeonites.
Exactly when Saul murdered the Gibeonites is not obvious, unless they were among the victims killed at Nob by Doeg the Edomite. Joshua swore an oath to [the Gibeonites] in the name of the Lord God of Israel, and God honored that oath, one of mercy and compassion, centuries later. David asked the Gibeonites, What can I do for you, and how can I make amends so that you will bless the Lord’s inheritance? The Gibeonites demanded seven of Saul’s male descendants. The seven were executed and that year’s harvest was apparently a good one. Though this sounds strange to contemporary ears it was fully in keeping with the promise of the law: I, the Lord, your God, am a jealous God, responding to the transgression of fathers by dealing with children to the third and fourth generations of those who reject me... To paraphrase Paul a bit, Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?
I am persuaded, though I can’t reconcile all the details, that the events I called “David’s personal karma from the hand of Jesus,” have something to do with God prevailing when he is judged, and this has something to do with all things working together for good for those who love God, and making sins as white as snow. But does that mean that the believer in Jesus should expect a forgiven life something like David’s, not in specific detail but general contour? Or has the Lord Jesus’ sacrifice taken care of all that once for all? I have gone back and forth on this question many times.
Surely I hoped that trusting Jesus would lead to a life relatively free of suffering, that I would be healthy, wealthy and wise, so to speak. I realize now that hope was essentially Asaph’s description of the lifestyle of the proud and wicked, when he envied those who are proud, as [he] observed the prosperity of the wicked (See Addendum below).
For they suffer no pain; their bodies are strong and well-fed. They are immune to the trouble common to men; they do not suffer as other men do. Arrogance is their necklace, and violence their clothing. Their prosperity causes them to do wrong; their thoughts are sinful. They mock and say evil things; they proudly threaten violence. They speak as if they rule in heaven, and lay claim to the earth. Therefore they have more than enough food to eat, and even suck up the water of the sea. They say, “How does God know what we do? Is the sovereign one aware of what goes on?” Take a good look! This is what the wicked are like, those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer.
Paul didn’t require ever increasing prosperity from the Lord as a basis for his faith: I have learned to be content in any circumstance. I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me. I recognize that this last verse is used to mean all sorts of things out of context but as I look at the Greek it seems to be saying something more like “in all I am able in this that strengthens me.” The ability is to be content (αὐτάρκης) in this case, and that which strengthened Paul to that ability were the times of need (ταπεινοῦσθαι, a form of ταπεινόω) and times of abundance (περισσεύειν, a form of περισσεύω) he learned (ἔμαθον, a form of μανθάνω) from.
This is not to say that Paul didn’t learn this contentment from Christ. Apart from Christ one is just as likely to learn a different lesson from need. “If I have to lie, steal, cheat or kill, as God is my witness, I’ll never be hungry again,” Scarlett O’Hara vowed dramatically before the intermission of the film Gone with the Wind. When I was young and single after my first divorce I quit my job to study despite my Pastor’s counsel that he couldn’t see why anyone would give up a good job. Now that I’m about the age he was when he said it, with two children in college, I relocated to keep my job (and my health insurance) despite the fact that I was cared for through all the years I had no permanent employment. So am I faithless or prudent?
Let me add this as well. Before I moved my ex-wife called to say that she, our daughter and son, and her mother would prefer my presence over my money. In fact, her mother stated frankly that paying a child’s college tuition is wrong; children should pay for it themselves. Still, I promised our children local college. So, am I behaving like Jephthah, keeping my own word? I think these are the kinds of things Asaph meant when he wrote, I concluded, “Surely in vain I have kept my motives pure and maintained a pure lifestyle. I suffer all day long, and am punished every morning.”
The word translated punished (tôḵēḥâ, ותוכחתי) was more commonly translated rebuke(s) or reproof in the NET. It was translated argument(s) in Job and Hosea. It was not translated in Psalm 39:11 (See Addendum below) in the NET but was translated rebukes in the NKJV: When with rebukes (tôḵēḥâ, בתוכחות) You correct (yāsar, יסרת) man for iniquity, You make his beauty melt away like a moth; Surely every man is vapor. It is not too hard to imagine beauty melting away as punishment. But from my perspective waiting for punishment wastes the short time one has to know God here and now. There is rebuke, reproof and argument in abundance for anyone who actively studies the Bible to know Him.
Wisdom personified speaks in the Proverbs: If only you will respond to my rebuke, then I will pour out my thoughts to you and I will make my words known to you. But there are consequences for rejecting Wisdom: However, because I called but you refused to listen, because I stretched out my hand but no one paid attention, because you neglected all my advice, and did not comply with my rebuke, so I myself will laugh when disaster strikes you…
Then they will call to me, Wisdom continued, but I will not answer; they will diligently seek me, but they will not find me. Because they hated moral knowledge, and did not choose to fear the Lord, they did not comply with my advice, they spurned all my rebuke. Therefore they will eat from the fruit of their way, and they will be stuffed full of their own counsel. For the waywardness of the simpletons will kill them, and the careless ease of fools will destroy them (See Addendum below). And despite what Asaph thought when his feet almost slipped, Wisdom concluded: But the one who listens to me will live in security, and will be at ease from the dread of harm.
The Proverbs have much more to say about rebuke (translated punished in Psalm 73:14 NET): My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord, and do not loathe his rebuke. For the commandments are like a lamp, instruction is like a light, and rebukes of discipline are like the road leading to life… The one who heeds instruction is on the way to life, but the one who rejects rebuke goes astray. The one who loves discipline loves knowledge, but the one who hates reproof is stupid. The one who neglects discipline ends up in poverty and shame, but the one who accepts reproof is honored. A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds reproof shows good sense. The person who hears the reproof that leads to life is at home among the wise. The one who refuses correction despises himself, but whoever hears reproof acquires understanding.
There are warnings in Proverbs against rejecting rebuke or reproof: Severe discipline is for the one who abandons the way; the one who hates reproof will die (See Addendum below). The one who stiffens his neck after numerous rebukes will suddenly be destroyed without remedy (See Addendum below). This latter warning is similar to what ultimately comforted Asaph (Psalm 73:15-20a NET):
If I had publicized these thoughts, I would have betrayed your loyal followers. When I tried to make sense of this, it was troubling to me. Then I entered the precincts of God’s temple, and understood the destiny of the wicked. Surely you put them in slippery places; you bring them down to ruin. How desolate they become in a mere moment! Terrifying judgments make their demise complete! They are like a dream after one wakes up.
Obviously I find it difficult to be comforted by this, but I wasn’t socialized in Old Testament times. Exterminating the wicked inhabitants of the promised land and ruthlessly rooting out the sinner in their midst were major themes of Israel’s socialization. Forgiveness of sin and sinners is the major theme of mine. It is Jesus who announced and demanded this age of forgiveness, and Jesus who expounded eternal punishment in a lake of fire or the outer darkness for rejecting it. The economy, if you will, has changed dramatically, making it much easier to forgive others. No matter how offended I am or how begrudgingly I cling to my grudge, it is no match for eternal punishment, and I forgive from my heart so that [my] Father in heaven will also forgive [me my] sins.
So I can assume that my life, trusting Jesus, will be filled with rebuke and security, reproof and ease from the dread of harm. And if I look back and examine my life since I trusted in Him I do find that it has been filled with rebuke and security, reproof and ease from the dread of harm. But still, I doubt sometimes and think if I only believed, I mean truly believed in Jesus, then that charmed existence I imagined before all of this began might be mine. Oh, yeah, well, you know, like Asaph described the proud and the wicked.
Addendum: June 15, 2021
The different translations of Psalm 73:3-12 (72:3-12) are worth noting.
|
Masoretic Text
|
Septuagint |
| Psalm 73:3-12 (Tanakh) |
Psalm 73:3-12 (NET) |
Psalm 72:3-12 (NETS) |
Psalm 72:3-12 (Elpenor English)
|
| For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. |
For I envied those who are proud, as I observed the prosperity of the wicked. |
because I was envious of the lawless, as I observed sinners’ peace, |
For I was jealous of the transgressors, beholding the tranquility of sinners. |
| For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. |
For they suffer no pain; their bodies are strong and well fed. |
because there is nothing negative to their death and no firmness in their scourge. |
For there is no sign of reluctance in their death: and [they have] firmness under their affliction. |
| They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. |
They are immune to the trouble common to men; they do not suffer as other men do. |
They are not in trouble of human beings, and with human beings they will not e scourged. |
They are not in the troubles of [other] men; and they shall not be scourged with [other] men. |
| Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. |
Arrogance is their necklace, and violence covers them like clothing. |
Therefore pride seized them; they clothed themselves with injustice and their impiety. |
Therefore pride has possessed them; they have clothed themselves with their injustice and ungodliness. |
| Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. |
Their prosperity causes them to do wrong; their thoughts are sinful. |
Their injustice will go forth as though from fat; they progressed according to their heart’s disposition. |
Their injustice shall go forth as out of fatness: they have fulfilled their intention. |
| They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. |
They mock and say evil things; they proudly threaten violence. |
They schemed and spoke with malice; injustice they spoke against the height. |
They have taken counsel and spoken in wickedness: they have uttered unrighteousness loftily. |
| They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. |
They speak as if they rule in heaven, and lay claim to the earth. |
They set their mouths against heaven, and their tongues ranged over the earth. |
They have set their mouth against heaven, and their tongue has gone through upon the earth. |
| Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. |
Therefore they have more than enough food to eat and even suck up the water of the sea. |
Therefore my people will return here, and full days will be found for them. |
Therefore shall my people return hither: and full days shall be found with them. |
| And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? |
They say, “How does God know what we do? Is the Most High aware of what goes on?” |
And they said, “How did God know?” and “Is there knowedge in the Most High?” |
And they said, How does God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High? |
| Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. |
Take a good look. This is what the wicked are like, those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer. |
Look, these are sinners and are flourishing; always did they possess wealth. |
Behold, these [are] the sinners, and they that prosper always: they have possessed wealth. |
The different translations of Psalm 39:11 (38:12) are worth noting.
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Masoretic Text
|
Septuagint |
| Psalm 39:11 (Tanakh) |
Psalm 39:11 (NET) |
Psalm 38:12 (NETS) |
Psalm 38:12 (Elpenor English)
|
| When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah. |
| You severely discipline people for their sins; like a moth you slowly devour their strength. Surely all people are a mere vapor. (Selah) |
|
“With reproofs for lawlessnes you disciplined a person and melted his soul like a spider’s web; surely, every person is in turmoil for nothing.
Interlude on strings |
Thou chastenest man with rebukes for iniquity, and thou makest his life to consume away like a spider’s web; nay, every man is disquieted in vain. Pause. |
I found the different translations of Proverbs 1:28-32 interesting enough to comment on:
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Masoretic Text
|
Septuagint |
| Proverbs 1:28-32 (Tanakh) |
Proverbs 1:28-32 (NET) |
Proverbs 1:28-32 (NETS) |
Proverbs 1:28-32 (Elpenor English)
|
| Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: |
Then they will call to me, but I will not answer; they will diligently seek me, but they will not find me. |
for it shall be when you call upon me, then I will not listen to you; evil people will seek me but will not find me, |
For it shall be that when ye call upon me, I will not hearken to you: wicked men shall seek me, but shall not find [me]. |
| For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD: |
Because they hated moral knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord, |
for they hated wisdom and did not choose the fear of the Lord, |
For they hated wisdom, and did not choose the word of the Lord: |
| They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. |
they did not comply with my advice; they spurned all my rebuke. |
nor were they willing to pay attention to my counsels but despised my reproofs. |
neither would they attend to my counsels, but derided my reproofs. |
| Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. |
Therefore they will eat from the fruit of their way, and they will be stuffed full of their own counsel. |
Therefore they shall eat of the fruits of their own way and be filled with their own impiety, |
Therefore shall they eat the fruits of their own way, and shall be filled with their own ungodliness. |
| For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. |
For the waywardness of the simpletons will kill them, and the careless ease of fools will destroy them. |
for, because they would wrong the simple, they will be murdered and an inquiry will ruin the impious. |
For because they wronged the simple, they shall be slain; and an inquisition shall ruin the ungodly. |
Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This is often denied here because Jesus wouldn’t laugh when disaster strikes you or mock when what you dread comes. The Septuagint tipped the scales for me: therefore I in turn will also laugh (ἐπιγελάσομαι, a form of ἐπιγελάω) at your destruction, and I will rejoice (καταχαροῦμαι, a form of καταχαίρω) when ruin comes upon you.
The Greek word ἐπιγελάω can mean “to laugh at, mock, jeer” or “to laugh approvingly at (something).” The Greek word καταχαίρω can mean “to exult with malicious joy” or “to rejoice, to exult over.” The choice will be determined by what the hearer believes about Jesus, the wisdom of God. I’m hearing the death and resurrection motif again.
How often does one in some kind of calamity cry out to God and then ignore Him once that calamity has passed? Jesus didn’t grant that one eternal life to know…the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom [He] sent. This one who hated wisdom and did not choose the fear (φόβον, a form of φόβος) of the Lord, the word (λόγον, a form of λόγος) of the Lord (Elpenor English), desired Jesus’ death and resurrection only after being satiated with his own way: Therefore they will eat from the fruit of their way, and they will be stuffed full of their own counsel, devices (Tanakh), impiety (NETS), ungodliness (Elpenor English). Now I want to know Him through faith in his word rather than guess at the vicissitudes of my life.
The translations of the first clause of Proverbs 15:10 vary considerably:
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Masoretic Text
|
Septuagint |
| Proverbs 15:10 (Tanakh) |
Proverbs 15:10 (NET) |
Proverbs 15:10 (NETS) |
Proverbs 15:10 (Elpenor English)
|
| Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. |
Severe discipline is for the one who abandons the way; the one who hates reproof will die. |
The discipline of the innocent is known by passersby, but those who hate rebukes die disgracefully. |
The instruction of the simple is known by them that pass by; but they that hate reproofs die disgracefully. |
The differences in the first clause of Proverbs 29:1 between the Masoretic text and Septuagint are worth noting.
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Masoretic Text
|
Septuagint |
| Proverbs 29:1 (Tanakh) |
Proverbs 29:1 (NET) |
Proverbs 29:1 (NETS) |
Proverbs 29:1 (Elpenor English)
|
| He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. |
The one who stiffens his neck after numerous rebukes will suddenly be destroyed without remedy. |
A man who reproves is better than a stubborn man, for, when he is suddenly set on fire, there is no healing. |
A reprover is better than a stiff-necked man: for when the latter is suddenly set on fire, there shall be no remedy. |
Tables comparing 2 Samuel 21:1; Joshua 9:19; 2 Samuel 21:3; Psalm 73:3; 73:4; 73:5; 73:6; 73:7; 73:8; 73:9; 73:10; 73:11; 73:12; 73:13; 73:14; 39:11; Proverbs 1:23; 1:24; 1:25; 1:26; 1:28; 1:29; 1:30; 1:31; 1:32; Psalm 73:2; Proverbs 1:33; 3:11; 6:23; 10:17; 12:1; 13:18; 15:5; 15:31; 15:32; 15:10; 29:1; Psalm 73:15; 73:16; 73:17; 73:18; 73:19 and 73:20 in the Tanakh, KJV and NET, and tables comparing the Greek of 2 Samuel (Reigns, Kings) 21:1; Joshua 9:19; 2 Samuel (Reigns, Kings) 21:3; Psalm 73:3 (72:3); 73:4 (72:4); 73:5 (72:5); 73:6 (72:6); 73:7 (72:7); 73:8 (72:8); 73:9 (72:9); 73:10 (72:10); 73:11 (72:11); 73:12 (72:12); 73:13 (72:13); 73:14 (73:14); 39:11 (38:12); Proverbs 1:23; 1:24; 1:25; 1:26; 1:28; 1:29; 1:30; 1:31; 1:32; Psalm 73:2 (72:2); Proverbs 1:33; 3:11; 6:23; 10:17; 12:1; 13:18; 15:5; 15:31; 15:32; 15:10; 29:1; Psalm 73:15 (72:15); 73:16 (72:16); 73:17 (72:17); 73:18 (72:18); 73:19 (72:19) and 73:20 (72:20) in the Septuagint (BLB and Elpenor), and tables comparing Philippians 4:12, 13 in the NET and KJV follow.
|
2 Samuel 21:1 (Tanakh)
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2 Samuel 21:1 (KJV) |
2 Samuel 21:1 (NET)
|
| And there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David sought the face of HaShem. And HaShem said: ‘It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he put to death the Gibeonites.’ |
Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites. |
During David’s reign there was a famine for three consecutive years. So David inquired of the Lord. The Lord said, “It is because of Saul and his bloodstained family, because he murdered the Gibeonites.” |
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2 Samuel 21:1 (Septuagint BLB)
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2 Kings 21:1 (Septuagint Elpenor)
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| καὶ ἐγένετο λιμὸς ἐν ταῗς ἡμέραις Δαυιδ τρία ἔτη ἐνιαυτὸς ἐχόμενος ἐνιαυτοῦ καὶ ἐζήτησεν Δαυιδ τὸ πρόσωπον τοῦ κυρίου καὶ εἶπεν κύριος ἐπὶ Σαουλ καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ ἀδικία διὰ τὸ αὐτὸν θανάτῳ αἱμάτων περὶ οὗ ἐθανάτωσεν τοὺς Γαβαωνίτας |
ΚΑΙ ἐγένετο λιμὸς ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις Δαυὶδ τρία ἔτη, ἐνιαυτὸς ὁ ἐχόμενος ἐνιαυτοῦ, καὶ ἐζήτησε Δαυὶδ τὸ πρόσωπον Κυρίου. καὶ εἶπε Κύριος· ἐπὶ Σαοὺλ καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν οἶκον αὐτοῦ ἀδικία ἐν θανάτῳ αἱμάτων αὐτοῦ, περὶ οὗ ἐθανάτωσε τοὺς Γαβαωνίτας |
|
2 Reigns 21:1 (NETS)
|
2 Kings 21:1 (English Elpenor)
|
| And there was a famine in the days of Dauid for three years, year next to year, and Dauid sought the face of the Lord. And the Lord said, “There is an injustice upon Saoul and upon his house, because he put to death by a death of blood, on account of which he put to death the Gabaonites.” |
And there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David sought the face of the Lord. And the Lord said, [There is] guilt upon Saul and his house because of his bloody murder, whereby he slew the Gabaonites. |
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Joshua 9:19 (Tanakh)
|
Joshua 9:19 (KJV) |
Joshua 9:19 (NET)
|
| But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them. |
But all the princes said unto all the congregation, We have sworn unto them by the LORD God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them. |
but all the leaders told the whole community, “We swore an oath to them in the name of the Lord God of Israel! So now we can’t hurt them. |
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Joshua 9:19 (Septuagint BLB)
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Joshua 9:19 (Septuagint Elpenor)
|
| καὶ εἶπαν οἱ ἄρχοντες πάσῃ τῇ συναγωγῇ ἡμεῗς ὠμόσαμεν αὐτοῗς κύριον τὸν θεὸν Ισραηλ καὶ νῦν οὐ δυνησόμεθα ἅψασθαι αὐτῶν |
καὶ εἶπαν οἱ ἄρχοντες πάσῃ τῇ συναγωγῇ· ἡμεῖς ὠμόσαμεν αὐτοῖς Κύριον τὸν Θεὸν ᾿Ισραὴλ καὶ νῦν οὐ δυνησόμεθα ἅψασθαι αὐτῶν |
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Joshua 9:19 (NETS)
|
Joshua 9:19 (English Elpenor)
|
| And the leaders said to all the congregation, “We have sworn to them by the Lord, the God of Irael, and now we shall not be able to touch them. |
And the princes said to all the congregation: We have sworn to them by the Lord God of Israel, and now we shall not be able to touch them. |
|
2 Samuel 21:3 (Tanakh)
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2 Samuel 21:3 (KJV) |
2 Samuel 21:3 (NET)
|
| and David said unto the Gibeonites: ‘What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of HaShem?’ |
Wherefore David said unto the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? and wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the LORD? |
David said to the Gibeonites, “What can I do for you, and how can I make amends so that you will bless the Lord’s inheritance?” |
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2 Samuel 21:3 (Septuagint BLB)
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2 Kings 21:3 (Septuagint Elpenor)
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| καὶ εἶπεν Δαυιδ πρὸς τοὺς Γαβαωνίτας τί ποιήσω ὑμῗν καὶ ἐν τίνι ἐξιλάσομαι καὶ εὐλογήσετε τὴν κληρονομίαν κυρίου |
καὶ εἶπε Δαυὶδ πρὸς τοὺς Γαβαωνίτας· τί ποιήσω ἡμῖν καὶ ἐν τίνι ἐξιλάσομαι καὶ εὐλογήσετε τὴν κληρονομίαν Κυρίου |
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2 Reigns 21:3 (NETS)
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2 Kings 21:3 (English Elpenor)
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| And Dauid said to the Gabaonites, “What shall I do for you? And in what way shall I make atonement, and you will bless the inheritance of the Lord?” |
And David said to the Gabaonites, What shall I do to you? and wherewithal shall I make atonement, that ye may bless the inheritance of the Lord? |
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Psalm 73:3 (Tanakh)
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Psalm 73:3 (KJV) |
Psalm 73:3 (NET)
|
| For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. |
For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. |
For I envied those who are proud, as I observed the prosperity of the wicked. |
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Psalm 73:5 (Tanakh)
|
Psalm 73:5 (KJV) |
Psalm 73:5 (NET)
|
| They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. |
They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. |
They are immune to the trouble common to men; they do not suffer as other men do. |
|
Psalm 73:6 (Tanakh)
|
Psalm 73:6 (KJV) |
Psalm 73:6 (NET)
|
| Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. |
Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. |
Arrogance is their necklace, and violence covers them like clothing. |
|
Psalm 73:7 (Tanakh)
|
Psalm 73:7 (KJV) |
Psalm 73:7 (NET)
|
| Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. |
Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. |
Their prosperity causes them to do wrong; their thoughts are sinful. |
|
Psalm 73:8 (Tanakh)
|
Psalm 73:8 (KJV) |
Psalm 73:8 (NET)
|
| They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. |
They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. |
They mock and say evil things; they proudly threaten violence. |
|
Psalm 73:9 (Tanakh)
|
Psalm 73:9 (KJV) |
Psalm 73:9 (NET)
|
| They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. |
They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. |
They speak as if they rule in heaven, and lay claim to the earth. |
|
Psalm 73:10 (Tanakh)
|
Psalm 73:10 (KJV) |
Psalm 73:10 (NET)
|
| Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. |
Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. |
Therefore they have more than enough food to eat and even suck up the water of the sea. |
|
Psalm 73:11 (Tanakh)
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Psalm 73:11 (KJV) |
Psalm 73:11 (NET)
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| And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? |
And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? |
They say, “How does God know what we do? Is the Most High aware of what goes on?” |
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Psalm 73:12 (Tanakh)
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Psalm 73:12 (KJV) |
Psalm 73:12 (NET)
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| Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. |
Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. |
Take a good look. This is what the wicked are like, those who always have it so easy and get richer and richer. |
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Psalm 73:13 (Tanakh)
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Psalm 73:13 (KJV) |
Psalm 73:13 (NET)
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| Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. |
Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. |
I concluded, “Surely in vain I have kept my motives pure and maintained a pure lifestyle. |
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Psalm 39:11 (Tanakh)
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Psalm 39:11 (KJV) |
Psalm 39:11 (NET)
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| When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah. |
When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah. |
You severely discipline people for their sins; like a moth you slowly devour their strength. Surely all people are a mere vapor. (Selah) |
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Psalm 39:11 (Septuagint BLB)
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Psalm 38:12 (Septuagint Elpenor)
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| ἐν ἐλεγμοῗς ὑπὲρ ἀνομίας ἐπαίδευσας ἄνθρωπον καὶ ἐξέτηξας ὡς ἀράχνην τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ πλὴν μάτην ταράσσεται πᾶς ἄνθρωπος διάψαλμα |
ἐν ἐλεγμοῖς ὑπὲρ ἀνομίας ἐπαίδευσας ἄνθρωπον καὶ ἐξέτηξας ὡς ἀράχνην τὴν ψυχὴν αὐτοῦ· πλὴν μάτην ταράσσεται πᾶς ἄνθρωπος. (διάψαλμα). |
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Psalm 38:12 (NETS)
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Psalm 38:12 (English Elpenor)
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| “With reproofs for lawlessnes you disciplined a person and melted his soul like a spider’s web; surely, every person is in turmoil for nothing.
Interlude on strings
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Thou chastenest man with rebukes for iniquity, and thou makest his life to consume away like a spider’s web; nay, every man is disquieted in vain. Pause. |
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Proverbs 1:23 (Tanakh)
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Proverbs 1:23 (KJV) |
Proverbs 1:23 (NET)
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| Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. |
Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. |
You should respond to my rebuke. Then I would pour out my thoughts to you; I would make my words known to you. |
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Proverbs 1:24 (Tanakh)
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Proverbs 1:24 (KJV) |
Proverbs 1:24 (NET)
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| Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; |
Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; |
However, because I called but you refused to listen, because I stretched out my hand but no one was paying attention, |
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Proverbs 1:28 (Tanakh)
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Proverbs 1:28 (KJV) |
Proverbs 1:28 (NET)
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| Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: |
Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: |
Then they will call to me, but I will not answer; they will diligently seek me, but they will not find me. |
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Proverbs 1:31 (Tanakh)
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Proverbs 1:31 (KJV) |
Proverbs 1:31 (NET)
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| Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. |
Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. |
Therefore they will eat from the fruit of their way, and they will be stuffed full of their own counsel. |
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Proverbs 1:32 (Tanakh)
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Proverbs 1:32 (KJV) |
Proverbs 1:32 (NET)
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| For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. |
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. |
For the waywardness of the simpletons will kill them, and the careless ease of fools will destroy them. |
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Psalm 73:2 (Tanakh)
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Psalm 73:2 (KJV) |
Psalm 73:2 (NET)
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| But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. |
But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. |
But as for me, my feet almost slipped; my feet almost slid out from under me. |
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Proverbs 1:33 (Tanakh)
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Proverbs 1:33 (KJV) |
Proverbs 1:33 (NET)
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| But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. |
But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil. |
But the one who listens to me will live in security and will be at ease from the dread of harm.” |
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Proverbs 3:11 (Tanakh)
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Proverbs 3:11 (KJV) |
Proverbs 3:11 (NET)
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| My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: |
My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: |
My child, do not despise discipline from the Lord, and do not loathe his rebuke. |
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Proverbs 6:23 (Tanakh)
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Proverbs 6:23 (KJV) |
Proverbs 6:23 (NET)
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| For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: |
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: |
For the commandments are like a lamp; instruction is like a light, and rebukes of discipline are like the road leading to life |
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Proverbs 10:17 (Tanakh)
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Proverbs 10:17 (KJV) |
Proverbs 10:17 (NET)
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| He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth. |
He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth. |
The one who heeds instruction is on the way to life, but the one who rejects rebuke goes astray. |
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Proverbs 12:1 (Tanakh)
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Proverbs 12:1 (KJV) |
Proverbs 12:1 (NET)
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| Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. |
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. |
The one who loves discipline loves knowledge, but the one who hates reproof is stupid. |
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Proverbs 13:18 (Tanakh)
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Proverbs 13:18 (KJV) |
Proverbs 13:18 (NET)
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| Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. |
Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured. |
The one who neglects discipline ends up in poverty and shame, but the one who accepts reproof is honored. |
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Proverbs 15:5 (Tanakh)
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Proverbs 15:5 (KJV) |
Proverbs 15:5 (NET)
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| A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. |
A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent. |
A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds reproof shows good sense. |
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Proverbs 15:32 (Tanakh)
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Proverbs 15:32 (KJV) |
Proverbs 15:32 (NET)
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| He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. |
He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. |
The one who refuses correction despises himself, but whoever listens to reproof acquires understanding. |
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Proverbs 15:10 (Tanakh)
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Proverbs 15:10 (KJV) |
Proverbs 15:10 (NET)
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| Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. |
Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. |
Severe discipline is for the one who abandons the way; the one who hates reproof will die. |
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Proverbs 29:1 (Tanakh)
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Proverbs 29:1 (KJV) |
Proverbs 29:1 (NET)
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| He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. |
He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. |
The one who stiffens his neck after numerous rebukes will suddenly be destroyed without remedy. |
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Psalm 73:15 (Tanakh)
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Psalm 73:15 (KJV) |
Psalm 73:15 (NET)
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| If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. |
If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. |
If I had publicized these thoughts, I would have betrayed your people. |
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Psalm 73:17 (Tanakh)
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Psalm 73:17 (KJV) |
Psalm 73:17 (NET)
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| Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. |
Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. |
Then I entered the precincts of God’s temple and understood the destiny of the wicked. |
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Psalm 73:18 (Tanakh)
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Psalm 73:18 (KJV) |
Psalm 73:18 (NET)
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| Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. |
Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. |
Surely you put them in slippery places; you bring them down to ruin. |
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Psalm 73:19 (Tanakh)
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Psalm 73:19 (KJV) |
Psalm 73:19 (NET)
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| How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. |
How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. |
How desolate they become in a mere moment. Terrifying judgments make their demise complete. |
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Psalm 73:20 (Tanakh)
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Psalm 73:20 (KJV) |
Psalm 73:20 (NET)
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| As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image. |
As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image. |
They are like a dream after one wakes up. O Lord, when you awake you will despise them. |
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Philippians 4:12, 13 (NET)
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Philippians 4:12, 13 (KJV)
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| I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. |
I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. |
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NET Parallel Greek
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Stephanus Textus Receptus |
Byzantine Majority Text
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| οἶδα καὶ ταπεινοῦσθαι, οἶδα καὶ περισσεύειν· ἐν παντὶ καὶ ἐν πᾶσιν μεμύημαι, καὶ χορτάζεσθαι καὶ πεινᾶν καὶ περισσεύειν καὶ ὑστερεῖσθαι |
οιδα δε ταπεινουσθαι οιδα και περισσευειν εν παντι και εν πασιν μεμυημαι και χορταζεσθαι και πειναν και περισσευειν και υστερεισθαι |
οιδα και ταπεινουσθαι οιδα και περισσευειν εν παντι και εν πασιν μεμυημαι και χορταζεσθαι και πειναν και περισσευειν και υστερεισθαι |
| I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me. |
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. |
