Psalms 126

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.
 ¹  When the LORD brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, [1] 
  it was like a dream!
 ²  We were filled with laughter,
  and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
  "What amazing things the LORD has done for them."
 ³  Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us!
  What joy!

 ⁴  Restore our fortunes, LORD,
  as streams renew the desert.
 ⁵  Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy.  ⁶  They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.

Psalms 127

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem. A psalm of Solomon.
 ¹  Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.  ²  It is useless for you to work so hard
  from early morning until late at night,
anxiously working for food to eat;
  for God gives rest to his loved ones.

 ³  Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.  ⁴  Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior's hands.  ⁵  How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!
  He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.

Psalms 128

A song for pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem.
 ¹  How joyful are those who fear the LORD—
  all who follow his ways!
 ²  You will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
  How joyful and prosperous you will be!
 ³  Your wife will be like a fruitful grapevine,
  flourishing within your home.
Your children will be like vigorous young olive trees
  as they sit around your table.
 ⁴  That is the LORD's blessing
  for those who fear him.

 ⁵  May the LORD continually bless you from Zion.
  May you see Jerusalem prosper as long as you live.
 ⁶  May you live to enjoy your grandchildren.
  May Israel have peace!

<<  126:1 Hebrew Zion.

1 Corinthians 10 : 19-33

   ¹⁹  What am I trying to say? Am I saying that food offered to idols has some significance, or that idols are real gods?  ²⁰  No, not at all. I am saying that these sacrifices are offered to demons, not to God. And I don't want you to participate with demons.  ²¹  You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. You cannot eat at the Lord's Table and at the table of demons, too.  ²²  What? Do we dare to rouse the Lord's jealousy? Do you think we are stronger than he is?
   ²³  You say, "I am allowed to do anything" [23] —but not everything is good for you. You say, "I am allowed to do anything"—but not everything is beneficial.  ²⁴  Don't be concerned for your own good but for the good of others.
   ²⁵  So you may eat any meat that is sold in the marketplace without raising questions of conscience.  ²⁶  For "the earth is the LORD's, and everything in it." [26] 
   ²⁷  If someone who isn't a believer asks you home for dinner, accept the invitation if you want to. Eat whatever is offered to you without raising questions of conscience.  ²⁸  (But suppose someone tells you, "This meat was offered to an idol." Don't eat it, out of consideration for the conscience of the one who told you.  ²⁹  It might not be a matter of conscience for you, but it is for the other person.) For why should my freedom be limited by what someone else thinks?  ³⁰  If I can thank God for the food and enjoy it, why should I be condemned for eating it?
   ³¹  So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  ³²  Don't give offense to Jews or Gentiles [32]  or the church of God.  ³³  I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

<<  10:23 Greek All things are lawful; also in 10:23b.
<<  10:26 Ps 24:1.
<<  10:32 Greek or Greeks.