“Now the parable means ¹  this: The seed is the word of God.

Its underparts ¹  are the sharp points of potsherds, it leaves its mark in the mud like a threshing sledge. ² 

In regard to the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but in regard to election they are dearly loved for the sake of the fathers.

My point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously ¹  will also reap generously.

Therefore let those of us who are “perfect” embrace this point of view. ¹  If you think otherwise, God will reveal to you the error of your ways. ² 

Wake up then, and strengthen what remains that was about ¹  to die, because I have not found your deeds complete ²  in the sight ³  of my God.

Whoever has taken your gods will be put to death! ¹  In the presence of our relatives ²  identify whatever is yours and take it.” ³  (Now Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them.) ⁴ 

In those days Hezekiah was stricken with a terminal illness. ¹  The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz visited him and told him, “This is what the Lord says, ‘Give your household instructions, for you are about to die; you will not get well.’” ² 

The male goat acted even more arrogantly. But no sooner had the large horn become strong than it was broken, and there arose four conspicuous horns ¹  in its place, ²  extending toward the four winds of the sky. ³ 

Now at that very moment his disciples came back. ¹  They were shocked ²  because he was speaking ³  with a woman. However, no one said, “What do you want?” ⁴  or “Why are you speaking with her?”

By pointing out such things to the brothers and sisters, ¹  you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, having nourished yourself on the words of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. ² 

For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin.

How painful ¹  are honest words! But ²  what does your reproof ³  prove? ⁴ 

On it the quiver rattles; the lance and javelin ¹  flash.

It lives on a rock and spends the night there, on a rocky crag ¹  and a fortress. ² 

He looks down on the earth and it shakes; he touches the mountains and they start to smolder.

Here’s how! ¹  With the sharp arrows of warriors, with arrowheads forged over the hot coals. ² 

I almost ¹  came to complete ruin ²  in the midst of the whole congregation!” ³ 

Listen, my child, ¹  and be wise, and guide your heart on the right way.

If the snake should bite before it is charmed, ¹  the snake charmer ²  is in trouble. ³