Contemporary English Version Money Problems 1The rich lie awake at night worrying about their money, and they waste away from lack of rest. 2It is hard to fall asleep when you are very sick or worried about money. 3The rich work hard and get richer, then they rest in luxury. 4But the poor work hard and barely earn a living, and if they rest, they become even poorer. 5Some people love gold and aim to make big profits, and they will be led to do wrong instead of right. 6Because of gold, many lives have been ruined or have ended in destruction. 7Money controls those fools who worship it. 8God will bless those rich people who do only what is right and don't try to get richer. 9If you ever find such people, you should honor them for doing the impossible. 10When tested by money, who can always do right? When people could cheat to get more money but instead are honest, they have something to boast about. 11The community will honor them for the kind things they do, and their wealth will grow. Advice to Dinner Guests 12When you go to a banquet, don't stuff yourself just because so much food is on the table. 13Some people's eyes want everything they see. Is anything more evil? Such eyes will have plenty of tears. 14Don't reach out and grab the food you want or push others aside. 15Be thoughtful of others-- they have feelings too. 16Eat what is served, but you won't be welcome if you gobble it up like an animal. 17Show good manners; stop eating before others do. If you keep on eating, they will be offended. 18And in a large group of people, don't be the first one to reach for the serving dish. 19Train yourself to be satisfied with a little food, and later, in bed, you will not be in pain when you try to breathe. 20You will sleep well and wake up early, feeling good. But overeating causes cramps, as well as an upset stomach and sleepless nights. 21If your host makes you overeat, leave the table and vomit-- you will feel much better. 22Listen to me! Pay attention, and later on, you will thank me. Don't try to eat too much, and you will stay healthy. 23It is right to honor those who are generous with food at their dinner parties. 24But the whole town is right to complain about a host who gives only a snack. 25Wine has destroyed many lives, and heavy drinking is no way to prove you are strong. 26The strength of iron is seen when it is heated, then dipped in water. And people show their arrogance when they argue after drinking wine. 27A little wine is refreshing, and to live without wine is hardly living at all. God created wine to make us happy. 28A little wine at the right time helps us celebrate. 29But drinking too much wine leads us to hate others and to take revenge. 30When fools are drunk, they become angry and fight, but their strength is gone, and so they get hurt. 31Don't scold your friends or be disgusted when they drink and celebrate at a party. And don't make them feel bad or upset them with a reminder that they owe you money. Contemporary English Version, Second Edition (CEV®) © 2006 American Bible Society. All rights reserved. Bible text from the Contemporary English Version 2nd Edition (CEV®) is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by American Bible Society, 101 North Independence Mall East, Floor 8, Philadelphia, PA 19106-2155 (www.americanbible.org). Learn more at www.cev.bible. Discover .BIBLE resources for your ministry at www.get.bible/cev. |