A wickedmessengerfallsinto adversity,But a faithfulenvoy[brings] healing.
Like vinegarto the teethand smoketo the eyes,Sois the lazyoneto those who sendhim.
Povertyand shame[will come] to him who neglectsdiscipline,But he who regardsreproofwill be honored.
Like the coldof snowin the timeof harvestIs a faithfulmessengerto those who sendhim, For he refreshesthe soulof his masters.
The northwindbringsforthrain,And a backbitingtongue,an angrycountenance.
He cutsoff[his own] feet[and] drinksviolenceWho sendsa messageby the handof a fool.
"The prophetwhohasa dreammay relate[his] dream,but let him whohasMy wordspeakMy wordin truth.Whatdoes strawhave [in common] with grain?"declaresthe LORD.
"When I sayto the wicked,'You will surelydie,'and you do not warnhim or speakout to warnthe wickedfrom his wickedwaythat he may live,that wickedmanshall diein his iniquity,but his bloodI will requireat your hand.
They killedthe kingsof Midianalongwith the [rest of] their slain:Eviand Rekemand Zurand Hurand Reba,the fivekingsof Midian;they also killedBalaamthe sonof Beorwith the sword.
In this case,moreover,it is requiredof stewardsthat onebe foundtrustworthy.
For we are not likemany,peddlingthe wordof God,but as from sincerity,but as from God,we speakin Christin the sightof God.
Therefore,we are ambassadorsfor Christ,as thoughGodwere making an appealthroughus; we begyou on behalfof Christ,be reconciledto God.
I thankChristJesusour Lord,who has strengthenedme, becauseHe consideredme faithful,puttingme into service,
The things whichyou have heardfrom me in the presenceof manywitnesses,entrusttheseto faithfulmenwhowill be ableto teachothersalso.
