Abram's wife Sarai had not borne him any children. But she had an Egyptian slave woman named Hagar,

Abram had intercourse with Hagar, and she became pregnant. When she found out that she was pregnant, she became proud and despised Sarai.

Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling; and do it with a sincere heart, as though you were serving Christ.

Do your work as slaves cheerfully, as though you served the Lord, and not merely human beings.

Those who are slaves must consider their masters worthy of all respect, so that no one will speak evil of the name of God and of our teaching.

Slaves belonging to Christian masters must not despise them, for they are believers too. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their work are believers whom they love. You must teach and preach these things.

But the LORD God called out to the man, "Where are you?"

Then the LORD said, "Why have you done this terrible thing? Your brother's blood is crying out to me from the ground, like a voice calling for revenge.

If your ruler becomes angry with you, do not hand in your resignation; serious wrongs may be pardoned if you keep calm.

Israel, you brought this on yourself ! You deserted me, the LORD your God, while I was leading you along the way.

What do you think you will gain by going to Egypt to drink water from the Nile? What do you think you will gain by going to Assyria to drink water from the Euphrates?

Your Majesty, listen to what I have to say. If it is the LORD who has turned you against me, an offering to him will make him change his mind; but if some people have done it, may the LORD's curse fall on them. For they have driven me out from the LORD's land to a country where I can only worship foreign gods.