Malachi 3:14

New International Reader's Version

“You have said, ‘It is useless to serve God. What do we gain by obeying his laws? And what do we get by pretending to be sad in front of the Lord?

Cross References

Job 22:17

They said to God, ‘Leave us alone! What can you do to us, you Mighty One?’

Job 34:9

He asks, ‘What good is it to try to please God?’

Job 35:3

You ask him, ‘What good is it for me not to sin? What do I get by not sinning?’

Isaiah 43:22

“Family of Jacob, you have not prayed to me as you should. People of Israel, you have not worn yourselves out for me.

Isaiah 58:3

‘We have gone without food,’ they say. ‘Why haven’t you noticed it? We have made ourselves suffer. Why haven’t you paid any attention to us?’ “On the day when you fast, you do as you please. You take advantage of all your workers.

Jeremiah 18:12

But they will reply, ‘It’s no use. We will continue to do what we’ve already planned. All of us will do what our stubborn and evil hearts want us to do.’ ”

Jeremiah 2:25

Do not run after other gods until your sandals are worn out and your throat is dry. But you said, ‘It’s no use! I love those gods. I must go after them.’

Jeremiah 44:18

But then we stopped burning incense to the Queen of Heaven. We stopped pouring out drink offerings to her. And ever since that time we haven’t had anything. Instead, we’ve been dying of war and hunger.”

Hosea 7:16

I am the Most High God. But they do not turn to me. They are like a bow that does not shoot straight. Their leaders will be killed by swords. They will die because they have spoken too proudly. The people of Egypt will make fun of them.”

Joel 2:12

The Lord announces to his people, “Return to me with all your heart. There is still time. Do not eat any food. Weep and mourn.”

Zephaniah 1:12

At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps. I will punish those who are so contented. They are like wine that has not been shaken up. They think, ‘The Lord won’t do anything. He won’t do anything good or bad.’

Malachi 3:13

“You have spoken with pride against me,” says the Lord. “But you ask, ‘What have we spoken against you?’

James 4:9

Be full of sorrow. Cry and weep. Change your laughter to mourning. Change your joy to sadness.