The scripture says, "Abraham believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous."

For the scripture says to the king of Egypt, "I made you king in order to use you to show my power and to spread my fame over the whole world."

The scripture says, "Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed."

God has not rejected his people, whom he chose from the beginning. You know what the scripture says in the passage where Elijah pleads with God against Israel:

The scripture predicted that God would put the Gentiles right with himself through faith. And so the scripture announced the Good News to Abraham: "Through you God will bless all people."

Don't think that there is no truth in the scripture that says, "The spirit that God placed in us is filled with fierce desires."

"Do not muzzle an ox when you are using it to thresh grain.

We read in the Law of Moses, "Do not muzzle an ox when you are using it to thresh grain." Now, is God concerned about oxen?

Didn't he really mean us when he said that? Of course that was written for us. Anyone who plows and anyone who reaps should do their work in the hope of getting a share of the crop.

"Do not rob or take advantage of anyone. Do not hold back the wages of someone you have hired, not even for one night.

"Do not cheat poor and needy hired servants, whether they are Israelites or foreigners living in one of your towns.

Each day before sunset pay them for that day's work; they need the money and have counted on getting it. If you do not pay them, they will cry out against you to the LORD, and you will be guilty of sin.

do not carry a beggar's bag for the trip or an extra shirt or shoes or a walking stick. Workers should be given what they need.

Stay in that same house, eating and drinking whatever they offer you, for workers should be given their pay. Don't move around from one house to another.