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The Christian Science Quarterly is published by the Christian Science Publishing Society (Boston, MA, USA) and contains three months of weekly Bible Lessons. Each week's Bible lesson begins with a Golden Text and Responsive Reading and then lists six sections of (a) readings from the Bible and (b) correlative readings from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which help to explain each section's Bible passages.

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The original Hebrew and Greek texts are what actually constitute "the Bible." All other versions, whether in English or in Chinese or in Aramaic, whether produced in 384 A.D. or in 1611 A.D. or in 1996 A.D., are merely translations indirectly derived from those original Hebrew and Greek texts. The BibleTexts Online Bible Commentary at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt.htm provides verse-by-verse textual corrections that are based upon the most current knowledge of those original Hebrew and Greek texts. Most of those corrections are relevant only to the KJV, because most modern versions such as the NRSV and the TEV were translated from Hebrew and Greek texts that are much more consistent with "the original texts" than those Hebrew and Greek texts from which the 1611 KJV was translated. In the KJV most of the substantive errors are due to the faulty Hebrew and Greek texts from which the KJV was translated. (See S&H 139:15.) For more details on these issues, you can browse http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-tr.htm.

Wherever there are substantial differences between the wording of the KJV and the NRSV, the NRSV should be considered as more accurately representing the wording of the original texts. Of the three English language Bible versions used below (the KJV, the NRSV, and the TEV), the NRSV gives the best word-for-word representation of the wording of original texts, and the TEV gives the best phrase-by-phrase representation of the originally intended meaning of original texts.

This webpage also includes links to textual commentary and to glossary articles that describe people, places, terms, and books of the Bible. To access those links, just click on "[To use other Bible research tools to further explore this citation - click here]." To use the "Sunday School preparation aid," browse http://www.bibletexts.com/sundayschool.htm.

KJV = King James Version, NRSV = New Revised Standard Version (Copyright, 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.), TEV = Today's English Version (Copyright 1976, 1992, American Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.), Footnotes with textual and exegetical commentary, and cross references = BibleTexts.com Online Bible Commentary (Commentary by Robert Nguyen Cramer [RNC], unless otherwise noted. Cross references: mostly by RNC, but a few are from various American Bible Society materials or other biblical resources.)

KJV - 25 …whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.

NRSV - 25 ...one who trusts in the LORD is secure.

TEV - "More of Solomon's Proverbs" - 21 If you give your servant everything he wants from childhood on, some day he will take over everything you own. 22 People with quick tempers cause a lot of quarreling and trouble. 23 Arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected. 24 A thief's partner is his own worst enemy. He will be punished if he tells the truth in court, and God will curse him if he doesn't. 25 It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the LORD, you are safe.

KJV - 1 I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

5 Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart.

11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me. 12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me. 13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, make haste to help me.

16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified. 17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer;…

NRSV - 1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He drew me up from the desolate pit, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.

5 You have multiplied, O LORD my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you. Were I to proclaim and tell of them, they would be more than can be counted.

8 I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."

11 Do not, O LORD, withhold your mercy from me; let your steadfast love and your faithfulness keep me safe forever. 12 For evils have encompassed me without number; my iniquities have overtaken me, until I cannot see; they are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails me. 13 Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; O LORD, make haste to help me.

16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation say continually, "Great is the LORD!" 17 As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord takes thought for me. You are my help and my deliverer;...

TEV - "A Song of Praise" - 1 I waited patiently for the LORD's help; then he listened to me and heard my cry. 2 He pulled me out of a dangerous pit, out of the deadly quicksand. He set me safely on a rock and made me secure. 3 He taught me to sing a new song, a song of praise to our God. Many who see this will take warning and will put their trust in the LORD. 4 Happy are those who trust the LORD, who do not turn to idols or join those who worship false gods. 5 You have done many things for us, O LORD our God; there is no one like you! You have made many wonderful plans for us. I could never speak of them all -- their number is so great! 6 You do not want sacrifices and offerings; you do not ask for animals burned whole on the altar or for sacrifices to take away sins. Instead, you have given me ears to hear you, 7 and so I answered, "Here I am; your instructions for me are in the book of the Law. 8 How I love to do your will, my God! I keep your teaching in my heart." 9 In the assembly of all your people, LORD, I told the good news that you save us. You know that I will never stop telling it. 10 I have not kept the news of salvation to myself; I have always spoken of your faithfulness and help. In the assembly of all your people I have not been silent about your loyalty and constant love. 11 LORD, I know you will never stop being merciful to me. Your love and loyalty will always keep me safe.

"A Prayer for Help" - 12 I am surrounded by many troubles -- too many to count! My sins have caught up with me, and I can no longer see; they are more than the hairs of my head, and I have lost my courage. 13 Save me, LORD! Help me now! 14 May those who try to kill me be completely defeated and confused. May those who are happy because of my troubles be turned back and disgraced. 15 May those who make fun of me be dismayed by their defeat. 16 May all who come to you be glad and joyful. May all who are thankful for your salvation always say, "How great is the LORD!" 17 I am weak and poor, O Lord, but you have not forgotten me. You are my savior and my God -- hurry to my aid!

• Psa 40:1
• Un 6:27
• Un 29:24
• Psa 40:6-8
• Heb 10:5-7

KJV - 6 Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee. 7 Thou art the Lord the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham;

9 And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea;

11 And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land;…

12 Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.

15 And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them. 16 But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments, 17 And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them;…

19 Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness:…

21 Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing;…

NRSV - 6 And Ezra said: "You are the LORD, you alone; you have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. To all of them you give life, and the host of heaven worships you. 7 You are the LORD, the God who chose Abram and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and gave him the name Abraham;

9 "And you saw the distress of our ancestors in Egypt and heard their cry at the Red Sea.

11 And you divided the sea before them, so that they passed through the sea on dry land,...

12 Moreover, you led them by day with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire, to give them light on the way in which they should go.

15 For their hunger you gave them bread from heaven, and for their thirst you brought water for them out of the rock, and you told them to go in to possess the land that you swore to give them. 16 "But they and our ancestors acted presumptuously and stiffened their necks and did not obey your commandments; 17 they refused to obey, and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them;...

19 you in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness;...

21 Forty years you sustained them in the wilderness so that they lacked nothing;...

TEV - "The Prayer of Confession" - 6 And then the people of Israel prayed this prayer: "You, LORD, you alone are LORD; you made the heavens and the stars of the sky. You made land and sea and everything in them; you gave life to all. The heavenly powers bow down and worship you. 7 You, LORD God, chose Abram and led him out of Ur in Babylonia; you changed his name to Abraham. 8 You found that he was faithful to you, and you made a covenant with him. You promised to give him the land of the Canaanites, the land of the Hittites and the Amorites, the land of the Perizzites, the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to be a land where his descendants would live. You kept your promise, because you are faithful. 9 You saw how our ancestors suffered in Egypt; you heard their call for help at the Red Sea. 10 You worked amazing miracles against the king, against his officials and the people of his land, because you knew how they oppressed your people. You won then the fame you still have today. 11 Through the sea you made a path for your people and led them through on dry ground. Those who pursued them drowned in deep water, as a stone sinks in the raging sea. 12 With a cloud you led them in daytime, and at night you lighted their way with fire.

15 "When they were hungry, you gave them bread from heaven, and water from a rock when they were thirsty. You told them to take control of the land which you had promised to give them. 16 But our ancestors grew proud and stubborn and refused to obey your commands. 17 They refused to obey; they forgot all you did; they forgot the miracles you had performed. In their pride they chose a leader to take them back to slavery in Egypt. But you are a God who forgives; you are gracious and loving, slow to be angry. Your mercy is great; you did not forsake them. 18 They made an idol in the shape of a bull-calf and said it was the god who led them from Egypt! How much they insulted you, LORD! 19 But you did not abandon them there in the desert, for your mercy is great. You did not take away the cloud or the fire that showed them the path by day and night. 20 In your goodness you told them what they should do; you fed them manna and gave them water to drink. 21 Through forty years in the desert you provided all that they needed; their clothing never wore out, and their feet were not swollen with pain."

KJV - 1 Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; 2 Which imagine mischiefs in their heart;...

NRSV - 1 Deliver me, O LORD, from evildoers; protect me from those who are violent, 2 who plan evil things in their minds...

TEV - "A Prayer for Protection" - 1 Save me, LORD, from evil men; keep me safe from violent men. 2 They are always plotting evil, always stirring up quarrels. 3 Their tongues are like deadly snakes; their words are like a cobra's poison.

KJV - 2 Some remove the landmarks; they violently take away flocks, and feed thereof. 3 They drive away the ass of the fatherless, they take the widow's ox for a pledge.

13 They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof.

16 In the dark they dig through houses, which they had marked for themselves in the daytime:..

NRSV - 2 The wicked remove landmarks; they seize flocks and pasture them. 3 They drive away the donkey of the orphan; they take the widow's ox for a pledge.

13 "There are those who rebel against the light, who are not acquainted with its ways, and do not stay in its paths.

16 In the dark they dig through houses; by day they shut themselves up;...

TEV - "The Third Dialogue" - 1 Why doesn't God set a time for judging, a day of justice for those who serve him? 2 Men move property lines to get more land; they steal sheep and put them with their own flocks. 3 They take donkeys that belong to orphans, and keep a widow's ox till she pays her debts. 4 They prevent the poor from getting their rights and force the needy to run and hide.

13 There are men who reject the light; they don't understand it or go where it leads. 14 At dawn the murderer gets up and goes out to kill the poor, and at night he steals. 15 The adulterer waits for twilight to come; he covers his face so that no one can see him. 16 At night thieves break into houses, but by day they hide and avoid the light. 17 They fear the light of day, but darkness holds no terror for them.

KJV - 7 There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture's eye hath not seen: 8 The lion's whelps have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it.

NRSV - 7 "That path no bird of prey knows, and the falcon's eye has not seen it. 8 The proud wild animals have not trodden it; the lion has not passed over it.

TEV - "In Praise of Wisdom" - 5 Food grows out of the earth, But underneath the same earth all is torn up and crushed. 6 The stones of the earth contain sapphires, and its dust contains gold. 7 No hawk sees the roads to the mines, and no vulture ever flies over them. 8 No lion or other fierce beast ever travels those lonely roads.

KJV - 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

3 Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.

5 For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

NRSV - 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident.

5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.

TEV - "A Prayer of Praise" - 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one. The LORD protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid. 2 When evil men attack me and try to kill me, they stumble and fall. 3 Even if a whole army surrounds me, I will not be afraid; even if enemies attack me, I will still trust God. 4 I have asked the LORD for one thing; one thing only do I want: to live in the LORD's house all my life, to marvel there at his goodness, and to ask for his guidance. 5 In times of trouble he will shelter me; he will keep me safe in his Temple and make me secure on a high rock. 6 So I will triumph over my enemies around me. With shouts of joy I will offer sacrifices in his Temple; I will sing, I will praise the LORD.

• Psa 27:1
• Psa 56:5
• Mic 7:8
• Psa 27:1,3 - not fear
• To explore additional references to this topic, browse "FEAR NOT" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/f.htm.

KJV - 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

NRSV - 13 No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it.

TEV - "Warnings against Idols" - 11 All these things happened to them as examples for others, and they were written down as a warning for us. For we live at a time when the end is about to come. 12 Whoever thinks he is standing firm had better be careful that he does not fall. 13 Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.

KJV - 11 …A certain man had two sons: 12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. 17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, 19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. 20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. 21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. 22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: 23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.

NRSV - 11 ..."There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, "Father, give me the share of the property that will belong to me.' So he divided his property between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant country, and there he squandered his property in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to himself he said, "How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands."' 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 But the father said to his slaves, "Quickly, bring out a robe -- the best one -- and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate."

TEV - "The Lost Son" - 11 Jesus went on to say, "There was once a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to him, "Father, give me my share of the property now.' So the man divided his property between his two sons. 13 After a few days the younger son sold his part of the property and left home with the money. He went to a country far away, where he wasted his money in reckless living. 14 He spent everything he had. Then a severe famine spread over that country, and he was left without a thing. 15 So he went to work for one of the citizens of that country, who sent him out to his farm to take care of the pigs. 16 He wished he could fill himself with the bean pods the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything to eat. 17 At last he came to his senses and said, "All my father's hired workers have more than they can eat, and here I am about to starve! 18 I will get up and go to my father and say, "Father, I have sinned against God and against you. 19 I am no longer fit to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired workers." 20 So he got up and started back to his father. "He was still a long way from home when his father saw him; his heart was filled with pity, and he ran, threw his arms around his son, and kissed him. 21 "Father,' the son said, "I have sinned against God and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son.' 22 But the father called to his servants. "Hurry!' he said. "Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. 23 Then go and get the prize calf and kill it, and let us celebrate with a feast! 24 For this son of mine was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found.' And so the feasting began."

• Luk 15:11-32 - the parable of the prodigal son
• S&H 575:14-16
• Mis 369:19
• Ret 91:3
• '01 17:1
• See also "Confessing of sins" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/c.htm.
• See also "Repent" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/r.htm.
• Luk 15:13
• Pro 29:3
• Luk 15:16 - KJV wording: WOULD FAIN <1937> HAVE FILLED <1072> HIS BELLY <2836> WITH <575> - corrected wording: longed <1937> to be satisfied <5526> by <1537> - (based on the original text's correction of KJV's Greek text)
• Luk 15:16
• Pro 23:21
• Luk 15:17 (after perish) - add to KJV wording: here [literally: but I with hunger here am dying] - (based on the original text's correction of KJV's Greek text)
• Luk 15:18
• Psa 51:6
• Isa 3:12,13
• Luk 15:22 (before bring) - add to KJV wording: quickly <5035> - (based on the original text's correction of KJV's Greek text)
• Luk 15:24
• Eph 2:5

KJV - 25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. 28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. 29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: 30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. 31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.

NRSV - 25 "Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, "Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has got him back safe and sound.' 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29 But he answered his father, "Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command; yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!' 31 Then the father said to him, "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.

TEV - "The Lost Son" - 25 "In the meantime the older son was out in the field. On his way back, when he came close to the house, he heard the music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him, "What's going on?' 27 "Your brother has come back home,' the servant answered, "and your father has killed the prize calf, because he got him back safe and sound.' 28 The older brother was so angry that he would not go into the house; so his father came out and begged him to come in. 29 But he spoke back to his father, "Look, all these years I have worked for you like a slave, and I have never disobeyed your orders. What have you given me? Not even a goat for me to have a feast with my friends! 30 But this son of yours wasted all your property on prostitutes, and when he comes back home, you kill the prize calf for him!' 31 "My son,' the father answered, "you are always here with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be happy, because your brother was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found."

KJV - 34 And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus:…

NRSV - 34 Then the whole town came out to meet Jesus;...

TEV - "Jesus Heals Two Men with Demons" - 33 The men who had been taking care of the pigs ran away and went into the town, where they told the whole story and what had happened to the men with the demons. 34 So everyone from the town went out to meet Jesus; and when they saw him, they begged him to leave their territory.

• Mat 8:34
• Mar 5:15
• Luk 8:35
• '00 6:23

KJV - 27 And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us. 28 And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord. 29 Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you. 30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. 31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country. 32 As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. 33 And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel.

NRSV - 27 As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, crying loudly, "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" 28 When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." 29 Then he touched their eyes and said, "According to your faith let it be done to you." 30 And their eyes were opened. Then Jesus sternly ordered them, "See that no one knows of this." 31 But they went away and spread the news about him throughout that district. 32 After they had gone away, a demoniac who was mute was brought to him. 33 And when the demon had been cast out, the one who had been mute spoke; and the crowds were amazed and said, "Never has anything like this been seen in Israel."

TEV - "Jesus Heals Two Blind Men" - 27 Jesus left that place, and as he walked along, two blind men started following him. "Have mercy on us, Son of David!" they shouted. 28 When Jesus had gone indoors, the two blind men came to him, and he asked them, "Do you believe that I can heal you?" "Yes, sir!" they answered. 29 Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, "Let it happen, then, just as you believe!" -- 30 and their sight was restored. Jesus spoke sternly to them, "Don't tell this to anyone!" 31 But they left and spread the news about Jesus all over that part of the country.

"Jesus Heals a Man Who Could Not Speak" - 32 As the men were leaving, some people brought to Jesus a man who could not talk because he had a demon. 33 But as soon as the demon was driven out, the man started talking, and everyone was amazed. "We have never seen anything like this in Israel!" they exclaimed. 34 But the Pharisees said, "It is the chief of the demons who gives him the power to drive out demons."

• Mat 9:32
• Luk 11:14
• Mat 12:22
• S&H 135:11-17
• Mis 190:11-192:9
• Mat 9:32,33 - KJV wording: DEVIL <1140> - correct translation: demon
• Mary Baker Eddy also made this correction on the Cross and Crown "Seal of Christian Science," which quotes from Mat 10:8. She chose to use the term demons, which is the correct translation of the Greek word daimonia <Strong's #1140>, rather than devils, which is consistently found in the KJV. (To further explore Mrs. Eddy's dependence on more accurate Greek texts and modern translations, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/versecom/mat10v08.htm. This web article was just revised and clarified on 6/10/01.)

KJV - 1 O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. 2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; 3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. 4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. 5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. 6 Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses. 7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. 8 Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! 9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.

43 Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.

NRSV - 1 O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. 2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, those he redeemed from trouble 3 and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. 4 Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to an inhabited town; 5 hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. 6 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; 7 he led them by a straight way, until they reached an inhabited town. 8 Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. 9 For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.

43 Let those who are wise give heed to these things, and consider the steadfast love of the LORD.

TEV - "In Praise of God's Goodness" - 1 "Give thanks to the LORD, because he is good; his love is eternal!" 2 Repeat these words in praise to the LORD, all you whom he has saved. He has rescued you from your enemies 3 and has brought you back from foreign countries, from east and west, from north and south. 4 Some wandered in the trackless desert and could not find their way to a city to live in. 5 They were hungry and thirsty and had given up all hope. 6 Then in their trouble they called to the LORD, and he saved them from their distress. 7 He led them by a straight road to a city where they could live. 8 They must thank the LORD for his constant love, for the wonderful things he did for them. 9 He satisfies those who are thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

39 When God's people were defeated and humiliated by cruel oppression and suffering, 40 he showed contempt for their oppressors and made them wander in trackless deserts. 41 But he rescued the needy from their misery and made their families increase like flocks. 42 The righteous see this and are glad, but all the wicked are put to silence. 43 May those who are wise think about these things; may they consider the LORD's constant love.

• Psa 107:3
• My 63:27
• Psa 107:8
• My 193:8
• Psa 107:9
• Luk 1:53

<S&H> - The Christian Science Quarterly contains readings from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures that help explain the Bible passages in this section of the Bible Lesson.

1. What is the meaning of the Golden Text, in the context of the entire Bible paragraph in which it is found? How can each of us apply that meaning to our daily lives -- at work, at school, in the family, in the community, etc.?
2. For those who are thankful for God's salvation and for those who need God's salvation, what is the value of praising God's greatness?

1. Why are Ezra's words in Bible citation #1 considered to be part of a prayer? (As food for thought, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/prayer.htm.)
2. What do prayerful thoughts and prayer-inspired lives have to do with individual and community safety and salvation? How is God the basis for such safety and salvation?

1. According to Bible citation #3 and today's daily news, people do some very dishonest, inhumane, and even heinous acts, yet the writer of Bible citation #5 tells us he will not fear under any circumstance. What is the basis for such absolute fearlessness? Is such fearlessness practical in today's world?

1. In Bible citation #6 we are told that God will always provide us with a way out of any "test"/difficulty. In real life, what can one do if one actually has fully gone down the path of the prodigal son, as described in Bible citation #7?

1. How does the story of the prodigal son and of the prodigal son's brother illustrate the value of the Lord's Prayer?

Note: As food for thought, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/prayer.htm and the five major links to associated web pages, http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/prayer1.htm, http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/prayer2.htm, http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/prayer3.htm, http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/prayer4.htm, and http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/prayer5.htm.)

1. How do Jesus' healings in Bible citation #9 illustrated how God is dependable as the preserver of man?
2. In the King James Version, the Greek word that should be translated as demon is incorrectly and consistently translated as devil, including in Bible citation #9. In the biblical context what is the difference between demons and the devil (also known by the Hebrew name of Satan)?

Note: For an explanation of how Mary Baker Eddy made the needed correction in the Cross and Crown "Seal of Christian Science," see http://www.bibletexts.com/versecom/mat10v08.htm. Other resources for answering this question may be found at http://www.bibletexts.com/glossary/demon.htm and http://www.bibletexts.com/glossary/satan.htm.

1. Why is it important to testify (to bear witness) to examples of God's loving care for us all?

1. How does the Reverent Irving Tomlinson' explanation of the composition of the Bible Lesson apply to this week's Bible Lesson?

"The Golden Text may be said to contain the fundamental thought with which the sermon deals.... The responsive reading, while entirely separate from the sermon, deals with the same subject... Usually, the first Science and Health reference in each section hints the leading thought in that section, which the Bible selections and the other Science and Health selections in the section develop." (TCSJ, Vol 40, p 483-487.)

SOME NOTES ON THE HISTORY OF THE BIBLE LESSON

In 1898 when Mary Baker Eddy chose the 26 subjects for an entirely new Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lesson format, the Reverend Irving Tomlinson was one of the original members of the newly constituted Christian Science Bible Lesson Committee.

From 1888 to 1899 the Christian Science Bible Lesson Committee simply had directly copied to the Christian Science Quarterly the Bible citations that had been prepared by the multi-denominational International Lesson Committee [ILC] for the weekly International Sunday School Lessons used by Protestant churches. (The Church of Christ, Scientist, had no representation on that committee.) To those Bible Lessons the Christian Science Bible Lesson Committee added correlative citations from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which provided explanations of the Bible texts chosen by the ILC. Until 1898 the ILC-based Bible Lessons were a key primary of both Christian Science church services and Christian Science Sunday School, which until 1895 included adult Sunday School classes.]

To read the Rev. Tomlinson's complete article, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/articles/j040p483.htm. To read more about the history of the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons, including the official use of other translations in addition to -- and for one entire year replacing -- the King James Version, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/bl-ver.htm.)]