NIV
9The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
12Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
13When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
NLT
9 Believers who are[b] poor have something to boast about, for God has honored them. 10 And those who are rich should boast that God has humbled them. They will fade away like a little flower in the field. 11 The hot sun rises and the grass withers; the little flower droops and falls, and its beauty fades away. In the same way, the rich will fade away with all of their achievements.
12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong,[c] and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. 15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.
16 So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens.[d] He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.[e] 18 He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.[f]
5 comments:
The gives birth to death part always jumps out at ya doesn't it. I also like the way the NLT calls us His prized possesions. I pray for God's blessings on all of us. (which means we all patiently endured testing and temptation)
cas
Thanks Clark. The part about birth to death definitely jumped out at me which ultimately came from our own desires instead of relying on God. I pray that I can rely on him more instead of being tempted by my own wants.
It definately jumped out at me. I thank God for all of you. I pray that each one of us stands strong in the face of temptation.
Clark, Thanks for posting both the translations. Nice to compare. The phrase in the in the NLT about our desires being the tether that allows temptation and sin to 'drag us away' to ultimately death paints an ugly picture in my head.
It means I must be intentional about keeping my desires in line with Gods will and to draw upon His power to live out my calling.
Have a strong day, dudes.
TRM said "I must be intentional about keeping my desires in line with Gods will..." I think for me that is the most difficult concept. I can so easily go through times of being focused in on God, but if I do not keep my mind focused I so quickly fall away from that. I'm very lucky that there is grace because I rely on it daily.
Post a Comment