⁴ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think,

¹² For the word of God^(A) is alive^(B) and active.^(C) Sharper than any double-edged sword,^(D) it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.^{(E) 13} Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.^(F) Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

³ “The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg—

¹⁷ He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’