But David answered, "Your father knows very well how much you like me, and he has decided not to let you know what he plans to do, because you would be deeply hurt. I swear to you by the living LORD that I am only a step away from death!"

Then Saul made a sacred vow. "By the living LORD I promise that you will not be punished for doing this," he told her.

Have reverence for the LORD your God and worship only him. Be faithful to him and make your promises in his name alone.

Anyone in the land who asks for a blessing will ask to be blessed by the faithful God. Whoever takes an oath will swear by the name of the faithful God. The troubles of the past will be gone and forgotten."

If with all their hearts they will accept the religion of my people and will swear, 'As the LORD lives'---as they once taught my people to swear by Baal---then they will also be a part of my people and will prosper.

In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.

Your conduct among the heathen should be so good that when they accuse you of being evildoers, they will have to recognize your good deeds and so praise God on the Day of his coming.

but do it with gentleness and respect. Keep your conscience clear, so that when you are insulted, those who speak evil of your good conduct as followers of Christ will become ashamed of what they say.

and can command them in battle, so that your community will not be like sheep without a shepherd."

He came here to deceive you and to find out everything you do and everywhere you go. Surely you know that!"

"But I know everything about you, what you do and where you go. I know how you rage against me.

He will protect you as you come and go now and forever.

Abram answered, "Very well, she is your slave and under your control; do whatever you want with her." Then Sarai treated Hagar so cruelly that she ran away.

Phinehas the priest and the ten leading men of the community who were with him, the heads of families of the western tribes, heard what the people of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and East Manasseh had to say, and they were satisfied.