sports

⁵Then, too, whoever strives in a competition is not crowned, unless he has competed lawfully.

⁸For the exercise of the body is somewhat useful. But piety is useful in all things, holding the promise of life, in the present and in the future.

³¹Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever else you may do, do everything for the glory of God.

²⁴Do you not know that, of those who run in a race, all of them, certainly, are runners, but only one achieves the prize. Similarly, you must run, so that you may achieve. ²⁵And one who competes in a contest abstains from all things. And they do this, of course, so that they may achieve a corruptible crown. But we do this, so that we may achieve what is incorruptible. ²⁶And so I run, but not with uncertainty. And so I fight, but not by flailing in the air. ²⁷Instead, I chastise my body, so as to redirect it into servitude. Otherwise, I might preach to others, but become myself an outcast.

¹²All is lawful to me, but not all is expedient. All is lawful to me, but I will not be driven back by the authority of anyone.

²⁴he remained alone. And behold, a man wrestled with him until morning. ²⁵And when he saw that he would not be able to overcome him, he touched the nerve of his thigh, and immediately it withered. ²⁶And he said to him, “Release me, for now the dawn ascends.” He responded, “I will not release you, unless you bless me.” ²⁷Therefore he said, “What is your name?” He answered, “Jacob.” ²⁸But he said, “Your name will not be called Jacob, but Israel; for if you have been strong against God, how much more will you prevail against men?” ²⁹Jacob questioned him, “Tell me, by what name are you called?” He responded, “Why do you ask my name?” And he blessed him in the same place.

¹³The fear of the Lord hates evil. I detest arrogance, and pride, and every wicked way, and a mouth with a double tongue.

²⁷Just as whoever eats too much honey, it is not good for him, so also whoever is an investigator of what is majestic will be overwhelmed by glory.

¹²But whoever has exalted himself, shall be humbled. And whoever has humbled himself, shall be exalted.

¹⁴I pursue the destination, the prize of the heavenly calling of God in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵Therefore, as many of us as are being perfected, let us agree about this. And if in anything you disagree, God will reveal this to you also. ¹⁶Yet truly, whatever point we reach, let us be of the same mind, and let us remain in the same rule. ¹⁷Be imitators of me, brothers, and observe those who are walking similarly, just as you have seen by our example. ¹⁸For many persons, about whom I have often told you (and now tell you, weeping,) are walking as enemies of the cross of Christ. ¹⁹Their end is destruction; their god is their belly; and their glory is in their shame: for they are immersed in earthly things.

²⁹The joy of youths is their strength. And the dignity of old men is their grey hairs.