Proverbs 7 NLT

1 Follow my advice, my son; always treasure my commands.

2 Obey my commands and live! Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes. 

3 Tie them on your fingers as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. 

4 Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family. 

5Let them protect you from an affair with an immoral woman, from listening to the flattery of a promiscuous woman. 

6 While I was at the window of my house, looking through the curtain,

7 I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense. 

8 He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman, strolling down the path by her house. 

9 It was at twilight, in the evening, as deep darkness fell. 

10 The woman approached him, seductively dressed and sly of heart. 

11 She was the brash, rebellious type, never content to stay at home. 

12 She is often in the streets and markets, soliciting at every corner. 

13 She threw her arms around him and kissed him, and with a brazen look she said,

14 “I’ve just made my peace offerings and fulfilled my vows.

15 You’re the one I was looking for! I came out to find you, and here you are! 

16 My bed is spread with beautiful blankets, with colored sheets of Egyptian linen. 

17 I’ve perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 

18 Come, let’s drink our fill of love until morning. Let’s enjoy each other’s caresses, 

19for my husband is not home. He’s away on a long trip. 

20 He has taken a wallet full of money with him and won’t return until later this month. ” 

21 So she seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery. 

22 He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, 

23 awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life. 

24 So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words. 

25 Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her. Don’t wander down her wayward path. 

26 For she has been the ruin of many; many men have been her victims.

27 Her house is the road to the grave. Her bedroom is the den of death.

2 Timothy 2 NLT

Outline

• Introduction (1:1-4)
• Paul's Concern for Timothy (1:5-14)
• Paul's Situation (1:15-18)
• Special Instructions to Timothy (ch. 2)
  • Call for Endurance (2:1-13)
  • Warning about Foolish Controversies (2:14-26)
• Warning about the Last Days (ch. 3)
  • Terrible Times (3:1-9)
  • Means of Combating Them (3:10-17)
• Paul's Departing Remarks (4:1-8)
  • Charge to Preach the Word (4:1-5)
  • Paul's Victorious Prospect (4:6-8)
• Final Requests, Greetings and Benediction (4:9-22)

2 Timothy 2 NLT

1 Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. 

2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. 

3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 

4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 

5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. 

6 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. 

7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. 

8 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. 

9 And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 

10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 

11 This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. 

12 If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. 

13 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.

14 Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. 

15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 

16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 

17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 

18 They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith. 

19 But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The LORD knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil.” 

20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 

21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. 

22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 

23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 

24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 

25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 

26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.