so that no one can boast in his presence.

All unrighteousness ¹  is sin, but there is sin not resulting in death. ² 

Will you still say, “I am a god,” before the one who kills you – though you are a man and not a god – when you are in the power of those who wound you?

I cannot carry out ¹  my fierce anger! I cannot totally destroy Ephraim! Because I am God, and not man – the Holy One among you – I will not come in wrath!

He ¹  exercised all the ruling authority ²  of the first beast on his behalf, ³  and made the earth and those who inhabit it worship the first beast, the one whose lethal wound had been healed.

and ¹  he contends with God on behalf of man as a man ²  pleads ³  for his friend.

“Is it to God that a strong man is of benefit? Is it to him that even a wise man is profitable? ¹ 

But it is a spirit in people, the breath ¹  of the Almighty, that makes them understand.

Therefore no fear of me should terrify you, nor should my pressure ¹  be heavy on you. ² 

Now in this, you are not right – I answer you, ¹  for God is greater than a human being. ² 

in God I trust, I am not afraid. What can mere men ¹  do to me? ² 

He remembered ¹  that they were made of flesh, and were like a wind that blows past and does not return. ² 

Take note of my brief lifespan! ¹  Why do you make all people so mortal? ² 

They offer only superficial help for the hurt my dear people ¹  have suffered. ²  They say, “Everything will be all right!” But everything is not all right! ³ 

He said to me, “Son of man, ¹  stand on your feet and I will speak with you.”

“Son of man, turn toward ¹  the mountains of Israel and prophesy against them:

“Son of man, has not the house of Israel, that rebellious house, said to you, ‘What are you doing?’

“Son of man, eat your bread with trembling, ¹  and drink your water with anxious shaking.

“And you, son of man, groan with an aching heart ¹  and bitterness; groan before their eyes.

“Son of man, turn toward ¹  Pharaoh king of Egypt, and prophesy against him and against all Egypt.