[1] Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicode'mus, a ruler of the Jews. [2] This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with him." [3] Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God." [4] Nicode'mus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" [5] Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. [6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. [7] Do not marvel that I said to you, `You must be born anew.' [8] The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know whence it comes or whither it goes; so it is with every one who is born of the Spirit." [9] Nicode'mus said to him, "How can this be?" [10] Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand this? [11] Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen; but you do not receive our testimony. [12] If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? [13] No one has ascended into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man. [14] And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of man be lifted up, [15] that whoever believes in him may have eternal life."
[17] For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him. [18] He who believes in him is not condemned; he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. [19] And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. [20] For every one who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. [21] But he who does what is true comes to the light, that it may be clearly seen that his deeds have been wrought in God. [22] After this Jesus and his disciples went into the land of Judea; there he remained with them and baptized. [23] John also was baptizing at Ae'non near Salim, because there was much water there; and people came and were baptized. [24] For John had not yet been put in prison. [25] Now a discussion arose between John's disciples and a Jew over purifying. [26] And they came to John, and said to him, "Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you bore witness, here he is, baptizing, and all are going to him." [27] John answered, "No one can receive anything except what is given him from heaven. [28] You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him. [29] He who has the bride is the bridegroom; the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice; therefore this joy of mine is now full. [30] He must increase, but I must decrease." [31] He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth belongs to the earth, and of the earth he speaks; he who comes from heaven is above all. [32] He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony; [33] he who receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. [34] For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for it is not by measure that he gives the Spirit; [35] the Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand. [36] He who believes in the Son has eternal life; he who does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God rests upon him.
Proverbs 3.[1] My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; [2] for length of days and years of life and abundant welfare will they give you. [3] Let not loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them about your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. [4] So you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man. [5] Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. [6] In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. [7] Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. [8] It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. [9] Honor the LORD with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce; [10] then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine. [11] My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline or be weary of his reproof, [12] for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights. [13] Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding, [14] for the gain from it is better than gain from silver and its profit better than gold. [15] She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. [16] Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. [17] Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. [18] She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called happy. [19] The LORD by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he established the heavens; [20] by his knowledge the deeps broke forth, and the clouds drop down the dew. [21] My son, keep sound wisdom and discretion; let them not escape from your sight, [22] and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. [23] Then you will walk on your way securely and your foot will not stumble. [24] If you sit down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. [25] Do not be afraid of sudden panic, or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes; [26] for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught. [27] Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. [28] Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it" -- when you have it with you. [29] Do not plan evil against your neighbor who dwells trustingly beside you. [30] Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. [31] Do not envy a man of violence and do not choose any of his ways; [32] for the perverse man is an abomination to the LORD, but the upright are in his confidence. [33] The LORD's curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the abode of the righteous. [34] Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he shows favor. [35] The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.
