For the love of Christ ¹  controls us, since we have concluded this, that Christ ²  died for all; therefore all have died.

For God has consigned all people to disobedience so that he may show mercy to them all. ¹ 

So I decided ¹  to discern the benefit of ²  wisdom and knowledge over ³  foolish behavior and ideas; ⁴  however, I concluded ⁵  that even ⁶  this endeavor ⁷  is like ⁸  trying to chase the wind! ⁹ 

I have concluded ¹  that there is nothing better for people ²  than ³  to be happy and to enjoy themselves ⁴  as long as they live,

So these men concluded, ¹  “We won’t find any pretext against this man Daniel unless it is ²  in connection with the law of his God.”

Some of the crowd concluded ¹  it was about ²  Alexander because the Jews had pushed him to the front. ³  Alexander, gesturing ⁴  with his hand, was wanting to make a defense ⁵  before the public assembly. ⁶ 

Then he uttered this oracle: “O, who will survive when God does this! ¹ 

I concluded, ¹  “Surely in vain I have kept my motives ²  pure and maintained a pure lifestyle. ³ 

So I considered ¹  those who are dead and gone ²  more fortunate than those who are still alive. ³ 

When ¹  Jesus finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed by his teaching,

After Jesus ¹  had finished teaching all this to the people, ²  he entered Capernaum. ³ 

The first disappeared ¹  and I said, “He has surely been torn to pieces.” I have not seen him since.

I reflected on everything that is accomplished by man ¹  on earth, ²  and I concluded: Everything ³  he has accomplished ⁴  is futile ⁵  – like chasing the wind! ⁶ 

So I concluded that wisdom is better than might, ¹  but a poor man’s wisdom is despised; no one ever listens ²  to his advice. ³ 

Yet here he is, speaking publicly, ¹  and they are saying nothing to him. ²  Do the rulers really know that this man ³  is the Christ? ⁴ 

But the scripture imprisoned ¹  everything and everyone ²  under sin so that the promise could be given – because of the faithfulness ³  of Jesus Christ – to those who believe.

So I reflected on all this, ¹  attempting to clear ²  it all up. I concluded that ³  the righteous and the wise, as well as their works, are in the hand of God; whether a person will be loved or hated ⁴  – no one knows what lies ahead. ⁵ 

They said to one another, ¹  “Who did this?” ²  They investigated the matter thoroughly ³  and concluded ⁴  that Gideon son of Joash had done it.

Her father said, “I really thought ¹  you absolutely despised ²  her, so I gave her to your best man. Her younger sister is more attractive than she is. Take her instead!” ³ 

Then Naomi ¹  said, “Stay put, ²  my daughter, until you know how the matter turns out. For the man will not rest until he has taken care of the matter today.”