But do not accept younger widows on the list, ¹  because their passions may lead them away from Christ ²  and they will desire to marry,

Listen to my instruction ¹  so that you may be wise, ²  and do not neglect it.

But reject foolish and ignorant ¹  controversies, because you know they breed infighting. ² 

May the godly strike me in love and correct me! May my head not refuse ¹  choice oil! ²  Indeed, my prayer is a witness against their evil deeds. ³ 

But when I speak with you, I will loosen your tongue ¹  and you must say to them, ‘This is what the sovereign Lord says.’ Those who listen will listen, but the indifferent will refuse, ²  for they are a rebellious house.

Here is why this will be so: ¹  Before the child knows how to reject evil and choose what is right, the land ²  whose two kings you fear will be desolate. ³ 

Is it your opinion ¹  that God ²  should recompense it, because you reject this? ³  But you must choose, and not I, so tell us what you know.

These wicked people refuse to obey what I have said. ¹  They follow the stubborn inclinations of their own hearts and pay allegiance ²  to other gods by worshiping and serving them. So ³  they will become just like these linen shorts which are good for nothing.

And as for them, ¹  whether they listen ²  or not – for they are a rebellious ³  house ⁴  – they will know that a prophet has been among them.

You must speak my words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious.

Although it grieved the king deeply, ¹  he did not want to reject her request because of his oath and his guests.

senseless, covenant-breakers, ¹  heartless, ruthless.

With flaming fire he will mete out ¹  punishment on those who do not know God ²  and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

my ¹  lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will whisper ²  no deceit.

I hate the mob ¹  of evil men, and do not associate ²  with the wicked.

They were destroyed at Endor; ¹  their corpses were like manure ²  on the ground.

If his sons reject my law and disobey my regulations,

Take care not to refuse the one who is speaking! For if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much less shall we, if we reject the one who warns from heaven?

The Lord who rules over all ¹  says, “The people of Israel are oppressed. So too are the people of Judah. ²  All those who took them captive are holding them prisoners. They refuse to set them free.

“‘If you walk in hostility against me ¹  and are not willing to obey me, I will increase your affliction ²  seven times according to your sins.