1 The Israelites, however, were unfaithful regarding the things set apart for destruction. Achan son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of what was set apart, and the Lord’s anger burned against the Israelites.
2 Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven, east of Bethel, and told them, “Go up and scout the land.” So the men went up and scouted Ai.
3 After returning to Joshua they reported to him, “Don’t send all the people, but send about 2,000 or 3,000 men to attack Ai. Since the people of Ai are so few, don’t wear out all our people there.”
4 So about 3,000 men went up there, but they fled from the men of Ai.
5 The men of Ai struck down about 36 of them and chased them from outside the gate to the quarries, striking them down on the descent. As a result, the people’s hearts melted and became like water.
6 Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell before the ark of the Lord with his face to the ground until evening, as did the elders of Israel; they all put dust on their heads.
7 “Oh, Lord God,” Joshua said, “why did You ever bring these people across the Jordan to hand us over to the Amorites for our destruction? If only we had been content to remain on the other side of the Jordan!
8 What can I say, Lord, now that Israel has turned its back and run from its enemies?
9 When the Canaanites and all who live in the land hear about this, they will surround us and wipe out our name from the earth. Then what will You do about Your great name?”
10 The Lord then said to Joshua, “Stand up! Why are you on the ground?
11 Israel has sinned. They have violated My covenant that I appointed for them. They have taken some of what was set apart. They have stolen, deceived, and put the things with their own belongings.
12 This is why the Israelites cannot stand against their enemies. They will turn their backs and run from their enemies, because they have been set apart for destruction. I will no longer be with you unless you remove from you what is set apart.
13 “Go and consecrate the people. Tell them to consecrate themselves for tomorrow, for this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There are things that are set apart among you, Israel. You will not be able to stand against your enemies until you remove what is set apart.
Joshua 7:1-13
1 Don’t envy evil men or desire to be with them,
2 for their hearts plan violence, and their words stir up trouble.
3 A house is built by wisdom, and it is established by understanding;
4 by knowledge the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure.
5 A wise warrior is better than a strong one, and a man of knowledge than one of strength;
6 for you should wage war with sound guidance — victory comes with many counselors.
7 Wisdom is inaccessible to a fool; he does not open his mouth at the gate.
8 The one who plots evil will be called a schemer.
9 A foolish scheme is sin, and a mocker is detestable to people.
10 If you do nothing in a difficult time, your strength is limited.
11 Rescue those being taken off to death, and save those stumbling toward slaughter.
12 If you say, “But we didn’t know about this,” won’t He who weighs hearts consider it? Won’t He who protects your life know? Won’t He repay a person according to his work?
13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your palate;
14 realize that wisdom is the same for you. If you find it, you will have a future, and your hope will never fade.
15 Wicked man, don’t set an ambush, at the camp of the righteous man; don’t destroy his dwelling.
16 Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up, but the wicked will stumble into ruin.
17 Don’t gloat when your enemy falls, and don’t let your heart rejoice when he stumbles,
18 or the Lord will see, be displeased, and turn His wrath away from him.
19 Don’t be agitated by evildoers, and don’t envy the wicked.
20 For the evil have no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
21 My son, fear the Lord, as well as the king, and don’t associate with rebels,
22 for destruction from them will come suddenly; who knows what distress these two can bring?
23 These sayings also belong to the wise: It is not good to show partiality in judgment.
24 Whoever says to the guilty, “You are innocent” — people will curse him, and tribes will denounce him;
25 but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and a generous blessing will come to them.
26 He who gives an honest answer gives a kiss on the lips.
27 Complete your outdoor work, and prepare your field; afterward, build your house.
28 Don’t testify against your neighbor without cause. Don’t deceive with your lips.
29 Don’t say, “I’ll do to him what he did to me; I’ll repay the man for what he has done.”
30 I went by the field of a slacker and by the vineyard of a man lacking sense.
31 Thistles had come up everywhere, weeds covered the ground, and the stone wall was ruined.
32 I saw, and took it to heart; I looked, and received instruction:
33 a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest,
34 and your poverty will come like a robber, your need, like a bandit.
Proverbs 24:1-34
38 Wherever people live — or wild animals, or birds of the air — He has handed them over to you and made you ruler over them all. You are the head of gold.
Daniel 2:38
16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God!”
17 And Jesus responded, “Simon son of Jonah, you are blessed because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father in heaven.
18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the forces of Hades will not overpower it.
19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth is already bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is already loosed in heaven.”
20 And He gave the disciples orders to tell no one that He was the Messiah.
Matthew 16:16-20
7 Now the end of all things is near; therefore, be serious and disciplined for prayer.
8 Above all, maintain an intense love for each other, since love covers a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:7-8