James 3:13-18

New International Version

Two Kinds of Wisdom

¹³Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it^(A) by their good life, by deeds^(B) done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition^(C) in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.^(D) ¹⁵Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven^(E) but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.^(F) ¹⁶For where you have envy and selfish ambition,^(G) there you find disorder and every evil practice.

¹⁷But the wisdom that comes from heaven^(H) is first of all pure; then peace-loving,^(I) considerate, submissive, full of mercy^(J) and good fruit, impartial and sincere.^(K) ¹⁸Peacemakers^(L) who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.^(M)

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Psalm 19:7-14

New International Version

⁷The law of the Lord^(A) is perfect,^(B)
    refreshing the soul.^(C)
The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy,^(D)
    making wise the simple.^(E)
⁸The precepts of the Lord are right,^(F)
    giving joy^(G) to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
    giving light to the eyes.^(H)
⁹The fear of the Lord^(I) is pure,
    enduring forever.
The decrees of the Lord are firm,
    and all of them are righteous.^(J)

¹⁰They are more precious than gold,^(K)
    than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,^(L)
    than honey from the honeycomb.^(M)
¹¹By them your servant is warned;
    in keeping them there is great reward.
¹²But who can discern their own errors?
    Forgive my hidden faults.^(N)
¹³Keep your servant also from willful sins;^(O)
    may they not rule over me.^(P)
Then I will be blameless,^(Q)
    innocent of great transgression.

¹⁴May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing^(R) in your sight,
Lord, my Rock^(S) and my Redeemer.^(T)

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Mark 9:14-29

New International Version

Jesus Heals a Boy Possessed by an Impure Spirit^(A)

¹⁴When they came to the other disciples, they saw a large crowd around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them. ¹⁵As soon as all the people saw Jesus, they were overwhelmed with wonder and ran to greet him.

¹⁶“What are you arguing with them about?” he asked.

¹⁷A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. ¹⁸Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not.”

¹⁹“You unbelieving generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

²⁰So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.^(B)

²¹Jesus asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. ²²“It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.”

²³“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.”^(C)

²⁴Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”

²⁵When Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene,^(D) he rebuked the impure spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” he said, “I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.”

²⁶The spirit shrieked, convulsed him violently and came out. The boy looked so much like a corpse that many said, “He’s dead.” ²⁷But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him to his feet, and he stood up.

²⁸After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately,^(E) “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

²⁹He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.^[a]”

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