#“You can’t win against her. You will eternally lose to my sister who dwells in your memories.”

[ninashiki]

i feel like almost everything in utena has sort of already been extensively discussed in the last two (almost three) decades of utena's existence (not that there aren't new interpretations to be made, there always are) besides black rose arc (mikage+mamiya+tokiko). which is why they're so much fun to think about. i think the need to read between the lines makes it unfortunately easy to misunderstand or look past obvious stuff if you don't pay attention, but to me it's always been really obvious that mikage's arc is a literal representation of the erasure of queerness in ohtori (society?) by akio/everything he represents. and that's so fucking tragic! nemuro was never able to find a name for his desires. he lived and died as a puppet in the shadows.

[pxnk-velvet]

Congratulation for the 400! May I ask prompts 47,49,50 with Kiba Inuzuka from Naruto? Maybe after a fight with the reader? Thank you so much if you will do it💖

𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒

.・ ✧。.・゜✧・.・✧・゜・.・ ✧。.・゜✧・.・✧・゜

𝐾𝑖𝑏𝑎 𝐼𝑛𝑢𝑧𝑢𝑘𝑎 𝑥 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟

✧ prompts ::

#47 - “You smell really nice.”

#49 - “You’re the best part of me.”

#50 - “No, like...It’s just, I can’t believe you’re actually wearing my clothes.”

✧ word count :: 1.0k

✧ summary :: After a serious argument between Kiba and Y/n, they decide to take a small break to give each other time to think. But soon after Kiba returns to Y/n in hopes of winning them back. Will they accept his offer?

✧ warnings :: fluff, slight angst, mentions of arguing and disagreement, making up

✧ a/n :: I know I apologize a lot for getting stuff done late and here I am again, sorry! But hopefully after all this time you enjoy! Reblogs are extremely appreciated and encouraged <3

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If Y/n was being honest with themselves, this break they were taking away from Kiba was hard. As much as it was needed, they didn’t know how much longer they could handle this even though they were the one who broke things off in the first place. 

Kiba had been feeling this since the very beginning of this break, opposing it at first but eventually giving in after realizing how distressed Y/n had been that night. 

As much as they both wanted to be with each other, they both knew it would require a lot of work. Butting heads was something that occurred often as well as small little petty arguments over things that really shouldn’t have been that big of a deal. Both of their stubbornness biting them in the ass. But this past argument wasn’t some little complaint. Y/n wasn’t oblivious of the way Kiba looked at his teammate. 

They noticed the lingering glances and hooded eyes as he smirked her way. It was the same way he’d look at them. Even though Kiba claimed that Hinata was like a sister to him, Y/n still had this sinking feeling sitting in the pit of their stomach whenever it crossed their mind. But they really couldn’t be blamed.

After past lovers and many failed relationships, their trust issues weren’t just mild. They had built their walls high and their sense of suspicion was damaged in a way only time could heal. Now they were questioning if Kiba could wait for them. 

They had spent the past week going about their life. Only there was this cloud of sorrow that followed them everywhere. Their eyes seemed to have lost their spark, the typical bright aura they carried about them had grown dull, their steps lagging as they dragged them in the dirt under the soles of their feet. 

These days it wasn’t uncommon for them to stay home most of the time, wearing nothing but days old clothes, and trudging around looking for something to distract themselves with. Cleaning, organizing, cooking, baking, anything at this point. But for some reason, they found that they couldn’t get this aching feeling to leave their chest. They couldn’t get Kiba off their mind. 

So when he had shown up at their door unexpectedly late at night, the front they had been trying to maintain nearly came crashing down. They were quick to pull him inside and out of the rain that had been falling from above. After he had dried off, making himself at home as if nothing had happened between them. Making his way into the house, following right on Y/n’s trail. 

The second they stepped into the open living room, Kiba let out, “I miss you.” 

Y/n stopped in their tracks, their body going stiff as they stood in place for what had seemed an eternity. When they didn’t move, all the air from Kiba’s lungs seemed to evaporate as he held his breath. Hoping for some reaction out of them, some reason to breathe again. The tears behind their now tender eyes stung as they tried to hold them back, turning slowly to face their lover. 

Not a single word was uttered as they threw herself into his arms, grasping Kiba’s larger frame like if they were to let him go they’d lose him entirely. Neither of them were sure if that’s what they wanted to happen. 

“Y/n, please.” Kiba spoke, words broken with emotion, “You make me a better person. I don’t who I’d be without you. Please don’t leave me.” 

While Kiba was able to find his breath, it seemed Y/n had lost theirs. They pulled back, taking hold of his face, running their thumbs over the trails of tears he had shed, “Kiba…” They started, eyes welling with more tears.

“Kiba, you know we aren’t good for each other. Not unless we work things out.” Their heart aching painfully in their chest as they spoke, nearly choking on their words. They knew it was blunt but it was what needed to be said. If they couldn’t say it then no one could. 

“You’re the best part of me.” Kiba’s words were like a knife to the heart. 

They knew their feelings for each other were strong and true, the only problem was their insecurities and past dwellings. Something they would need to be patient to work through together. 

Y/n took Kiba into her arms again, letting out a yelp when he lifted them off the ground, settling them on the couch so they were sitting next to each other. 

“Please…” Kiba whispered into their neck, breathing deeply and gripping their shirt tightly, “If you’re willing to understand me, I promise I’ll be patient for you.” 

Kiba was the one to pull away this time, searching for an answer in Y/n’s eyes. Scanning their face for a sign, any sign. When they nodded, a watery smile gracing their lips, Kiba felt all the weight of the world lifted off his shoulders. 

“I promise, this second chance will be worth it.” He reassured, pulling them in for another hug. The force of the embrace leading Y/n to let out a giggle as they laid back onto the couch. 

For what seemed like hours, they stayed put. Simply enjoying each other's presence as they kept small conversation. Talking about anything that came to mind, Kiba laying with his head in Y/n’s chest as ran their fingers through his hair. 

When Kiba suddenly perked up after he had been playing with the hem of the shirt Y/n had been wearing, they chuckled, “What?”

Kiba now sat up silently, his frame towering over them, “No, like…It’s just I can’t believe you’re actually wearing my clothes. Usually people get rid of their ex’s clothes when they break up.” He pointed out with a warm smile. 

“Well, then I guess I knew it wouldn’t last long.” Y/n retorted, scrunching their nose while pulling Kiba to lay down again. He happily fell back into their arms, wrapping his own around their frame, pressing his face against their chest and inhaling deeply. 

With his face still in their shirt, he muttered, “You smell really nice.” 

A bright smile etched onto their lips as their laugh rang out, sounding like music to Kiba’s ears. 

From now on, they both vowed to each other to see things through, working to better themselves and each other.

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tags :: @elektrosonix || @clemmywrites || @cattylibrarian

.・ ✧。.・゜✧・.・✧・゜・.・ ✧。.・゜✧・.・✧・゜

[kaiser-dracon]

Alternative Berseria The X: Chapter 42 - The Valley of Kings Sneak Peek

Flash forward one thousand years later, Emperor Dorian’s Mansion, Pendrago the Blessed Capital

The air was tense with suspense around Sorey and Mikleo, no one batting an eye in anticipation. What felt like an exciting notion a few minutes ago, it was now a lump in their throat, preventing them to breath until they know the answer. The moment passed like an eternity.

The emperor's expression was unchanging in spite of the weight of his words. “That person’s name was Avernus Diphda.”

Sorey’s mind raced as it tried to comprehend the emperor’s response. He and Mikleo both had the same reaction. “Avernus… Diphda?!” Sorey released a pent up breath, narrowing his eyes as he focused further. “As in the Hyland’s royal lineage?”

The emperor let out a faint hum, closing his eyes for a brief moment before opening them again and seemingly avoiding Sorey’s question. “Shepherd, in truth, all I wanted was to put an end to the conflict. It doesn’t matter how many wars you win, there is always one that follows. But they are also two sides of the same coin; for every action, there is an opposite reaction. Every lasting peace will inevitably be challenged by a new conflict.”

Sorey’s eyes widened in confusion as he glanced quickly at Mikleo before turning back to the emperor. “But what this has to do with the legend?” 

The emperor picked up where he left, again dodging what Sorey wanted to hear. “Both war and peace situations must be dealt with when they come around, but the actions we take are going to be different each time. That’s what we’ve learned from history.” Emperor Dorian slowly rose up, sighing as he shot a thoughtful glance over the window into the rainy weather.

Sorey and Mikleo’s gazes followed the emperor, expecting a more relevant answer, but at the same time, they felt it would be rude to push the matter.

“I think you know the sensitivity of the subject. I’m afraid this is all I have to offer.” 

Sorey stood up, bowing at the Emperor. “Thank you for your hospitality, your majesty.”

The emperor raised his brow slightly, turning to Sorey. “Leaving so soon?”

“Yes. We have to gain access to the church and meet with the Cardinal. The situation in Pendrago must be resolved as quickly as possible.” Sorey insisted.

Emperor Dorian beckoned at the door. “Then let me offer you transportation. It is only fair that we’d provide means for cleansing malevolence for the Shepherd, especially in this weather.”

Sorey and Mikleo nodded, following the emperor through the exit. Lailah, Edna, Rose, and Dezel joined them mid-way in the hallway. Sorey and Lailah exchanged a heavy and meaningful glance, before resuming their walk. Lailah merged with Sorey and he followed the emperor to the carriage.

As they got on the wagon, Rose spent a few moments probing Sorey’s face. For her, staying in her ex-fiance’s mansion was one thing, watching her friends’ silence was another uncomfortable feeling.

“Alright, what did the Emperor tell you?” Rose asked Sorey, breaking the stillness. 

Sorey shifted his attention to her for a slight moment before returning his gaze to the window. “The emperor  knew of malevolence and an old legend from a Mayvin.”

“A storyteller spilled some beans?” Rose leaned back against the seat. “You know how I hated to be blind to everything. That’s why I decided to be your squire. So tell me the whole story.”

Sorey put up his determined face and explained what the emperor told him in full detail. After that, Rose trailed off, staring into the rainy weather. “A Diphda, huh? I don’t know if I wanted to lose my emotions, but it’s understandable why he chose the girl instead of the savior.” Rose grinned.

Sorey darted his brows in surprise and confusion. “What do you mean?”

“It is simple; Justice for the boy and the girl,” Rose waved her hand. “Witnessing such an act would want me to put the savior down too. He was a Shepherd after all, wasn’t he? And most importantly, just look at Alisha; that’s expected from a Diphda.”

Mikleo shot as a blue orb from Sorey’s body and materialized beside him. He looked annoyed and frowning. “How can you easily say that? Didn’t you hear what Sorey said? He took the side of a Lord of Calamity. Who knows if he did the right thing or not?” Mikleo argued, uncertainty clear in his tone.

Suddenly, Lailah’s fiery orb exited Sorey and appeared next to Mikleo. “Rose is right, he was moved by the sense of justice at first,” Lailah said, prompting the rest to turn to her in shock. “Why and what he decided to do to, was not easily relatable. At that time, that was the right thing to do.”

“You’re saying that you knew him?!” Sorey inquired, now every piece of the puzzle was falling into their place in his mind. “But I thought you swore an oath.”

Lailah unexpectedly smiled. “For me, it was just a promise.” The fire seraph cocked her head proudly which was totally unexpected of her. “He wasn’t going to put his sister through an oath.”

Rose, Sorey, and Mikleo all jolted in their places, eyes widening in surprise. 

“Sister…?!” Sorey mumbled, seeing Lailah associating herself this close to a human was odd but seemed amazing.

Lailah nodded, wearing a kind smile and eyes beaming with joy as a flood of heartening memories washed over her mind. “Yes. Avernus was the first human I encountered and he was the one who gave me my true name. Like you, he was also raised by a seraph.”

The moody atmosphere changed drastically. Now, Sorey, Mikleo, and Rose leaned in towards the fire seraph. Sorey scratched the back of his head. “I feel like I’m kind of left out a lot of things when you put it that way, Lailah.”

Lailah raised a few of her guardian cards and hid her smile behind them, cheeks turning pink. “It’s nothing to worry about. Avernus and his struggle is something that belonged to a different time and place.”

For a brief moment, the moon shone through a batch of clouds, flaring up old memories in Lailah and encouraging her to glance at it through the window. Her face radiated with hope as the ageless moon watched over her. “Know this, Sorey; war and conflict have existed since the world came to be.” Lailah’s face toned down to seriousness but still had that calm expression. “...For land, for resources, for social status, for love, and even for happiness. Doing your best to live is a fight, however, how you and others conduct conflict is all another matter and what’s left in the wake of that conflict will end up defining your legacy.”

Mikleo leaned back, absorbing Lailah’s sentences. “The shepherd’s legacy…” 

Lailah titled her head to the side slightly and faintly giggled. “No, it wasn’t purely his legacy all alone. In fact, without her, none of it was possible.”

Sorey’s sharp wit caught her intention. “The lord of calamity,” he said confidently. “There is definitely more to it, isn’t it?”

Lailah nodded, turning to Sorey. “Yes. But before I tell you about them, you need to know a lot more, Sorey; just because you want to be a perfect Shepherd, doesn’t mean that’s all you have to be.”

Sorey remained intrigued, focusing on the Lailah as she continued. “Humans hold beliefs. There is no room for progress when you fanatically believe in something. The nature of it is black and white, rigid, sound and unchangeable. Yet because humans learn through experience, the beliefs they hold will inevitably change as well. What was once the right thing to do doesn’t always stay that way or applies to every single situation.”

Sorey heaved a breath. “Laws don’t always suit every scenario…”

Rose crossed her arms, closing her eyes as she dwelled on Lailah’s remarks. “And what you hold to be true can mean nothing to another person who doesn’t adhere or conform to your perspective. Ignoring that will make you…” Rose opened her eyes, glancing at Lailah. “... a fanatic.” 

“Correct.” Lailah acknowledged. “You cannot solve a lot of issues if you’re not willing to go far. That’s the burden I told you at first about being a shepherd. Even though, you thought that you can’t be two opposing things at once, a pacifist and a warrior.” Lailah turned to Sorey once more. “Because shepherds labeled themselves as one or the other and these labels, had been confirmed by others, the burden of upholding them became heavy for them to bear. However, many people had to make sacrifices, and the hardest part for the shepherds was realizing when their turn had arrived. Ultimately, how they conduct themselves afterward, would inevitably define them.”

“But there is an element of choice in all things,” Sorey added, which in turn, Lailah nodded.

“It’s the most important assurance in times of struggle. It is inevitable; no matter how dark things become, something good will eventually be around the corner.”

Rose chuckled, seemingly eager to hear more. “Alright, I hope you have a good story after sprinkling all these philosophies around.”

“Not now,” Lailah said, turning into her fiery orb and melting back into Sorey. “Alisha needs to hear this too. Besides, it is a little bit soon for you, guys.”

Rose scowled and rolled her eyes. “Oh, come on!”

Mikleo grunted in irritation. “Then why did you go through all that just to keep us waiting?”

They heard the disembodied voice of Lailah giggling as it echoed in their minds. “Patience. Good things are worth waiting for.”

Sorey intuitively smiled. If Lailah was happy, then it was indeed a good thing.

Sorey could not wait to hear more.

[kaikeidou-backstage-blog]

Kaikeidou Ibun: M.c.s. - Tale of Sea Searching, Conclusion Part 1

"W-Wait, me?! Become the Kaikeidou's shrine maiden?! "

 Our scene opens in the Kaikeidou, deep at the bottom of the ocean. One thing led to another, and I've managed to secure a complete victory over Kyouga-san, the eldest of the six Kai sisters living here. I'm currently standing in the Kaikeidou's VIP reception hall, surrounded by those very sisters, as both they and I listen to Kyouga-san explain what's been going on. Halfway through her explanation, I give an embarrassing yelp, as some very unexpected information is introduced.

"Precisely. Ah, we'll be just so fortunate to have someone as qualified as you, Miss Tsukushi. Our jobs will be so much more satisfying with a darling lass such as yer'self around..."

"H-Hang on a moment! I mean, never mind how... 'darling' I am. I haven't even given a reponse yet..."

 Kyouga-san goes on to explain her family's circumstances to me, while leisurely reclining on the alcove of the reception room we're in. To sum things up, their sea-dwelling "Great Mother" decided to build a new shrine to reside in, and created the Kai sextuplets to guard said shrine. And their role here, in turn, was to invite in a human who would be capable of overseeing the shrine building down here in the sea.

"And since you earned a victory against my sisters an' I, that makes it official-- you're the Kaikeidou's new shrine maiden, lassie! No complaints from us!"

 She ends her explanation with a jolly laugh. No, wait, hang on here, I literally only just got informed of all this... to say nothing of the fact that I already serve Lord Nakatsu-Watatsumi.

"I-I'm still the Awakihara clan's incarnate god, you know. Whatever your mother's circumstances may be, I can't just... abandon that, well... that role..."

 I couldn't think of anything else to say after that.

 ...Well, more accurately... I couldn't actually bring myself to say 'no' to their proposal.

"Y'seem rather out of sorts, dear. ...Is there something 'bout them Awakiharas that's been on your mind? "

 Kyouga-san speaks softly, but meaningfully, with her elbow propped on her knee. My back stiffens; she hit the bull's-eye when it comes to the anxiety I've been having. Whether she can tell what I'm thinking or not, though, she pats her knee and puts the subject aside.

"...Well, that god of yours shouldn't be any problem. Ain't that right, Lady Mikoto?"

 I turn around in reponse, and see a humanoid figure smoothly fade into view from thin air.

 A woman with black hair stands there, clad in beautiful azure robes. The design on her long skirt resembles a dragon, and the ornament in her hair looks just like a crown. Every part of her expression... her eyes gazing out from under her beautifully-parted hair, her gentle smile... seems colored with love and affection.

Beautiful and Clear Form of the Sea God Mikoto Yaobi

"...It's very nice to meet you, miss shrine maiden of Nakatsu-Watatsumi-no-Kami."

"P-Pleasure to make your acquaintance...!"

 Her voice is as gentle as a harp; there's no hint of anything that could put a listener on edge. For a moment, I find myself at a loss for words.

"My name is Mikoto Yaobi. I am a sea goddess, and the head of the Kaikeidou that we stand in right now."

"Wait, a sea goddess... so, does that mean you're related to Lord Nakatsu-Watatsumi...!?"

"Yes. I'm an offshoot of another Watatsumi god, who shares the same origin as yours. Perhaps you could call me... a descendant of theirs?"

 I'm still captivated by Lady Mikoto's voice, drifting along as light as silk, but I pay attention to her explanation. It makes perfect sense. A deep-sea palace, devoted to the worship of an ocean goddess... it's only natural that they set their sights on me, since I'm connected to the Watatsumi gods myself.

"The Watatsumi god watchin' over you is, in a manner of speaking, Lady Mikoto's ancestor. With someone like that serving as our shrine maiden, we'd basically be guaranteed success. That's what Lady Mikoto... and our eternal guest, Lady Otohime Kanpukugu, proposed to us."

 First a Dragon Palace, and now Otohime...? Heh. If we're comparing this to "Urashima Tarou, carried on a turtle's back," I suppose that makes me "Urashima Hanako, carrying a god on her back."

"I see. I understand your situation now... but, even with all that said, I'm still a member of the Awakihara clan. I am a vessel for Lord Nakatsu-Watatsumi-no-Kami, so... no matter what the circumstances are, I can't just... ignore the rest of my family..."

".....Even as your Awakihara relatives are threatening all that you hold dear...?"

"Wh...?"

 My breath stops in my chest for a moment. Mikoto-san's face, after saying that, looks terribly sad.

----...Our valued guest, Lady Otohime, told me this. Though the Awakiharas were overjoyed at the birth of their clan's one and only incarnate god, they also wanted to claim that power for themselves... and the clan has gradually become a den of creatures that one would hardly even think of as human. Leaving a divine being and a poor young girl all alone, in such a small and ugly corner of the world, would be... foolish, to say the least.

"...That's what she said."

 As she tells me this, I can feel the strength draining from my shoulders.

"...So. You already know everything, then."

"Well, no... Neither I nor Lady Otohime herself know all the details. According to her, she only did a cursory investigation of the few sources she had available. ...I know that this may pain you, Tsukushi-san, but... if you can manage it, could you please tell us what sort of things happened with your family?"

"......."

 It's a story that's gloomier than a rainstorm at midnight, honestly.

 Before I was old enough to really understand what was going on around me, I started practising various rituals as part of our family's tradition. I didn't think anything of it; I was just going through the motions, really. But as I started to get the hang of it, strange things would begin to happen. Water would form into droplets and hang in midair, and when I prayed to the sea, the waves would ripple and part just like in the story of Moses. That was the power that Lord Nakatsu-Watatsumi had granted to me as a descendant of the Awakihara clan.

 When my parents discovered this, they told the head of the main Awakihara line right away. Every member of our extended family came together all at once, from the main line to the various branch families, just to see me. Innocent as I was, I showed off all the miracles I could perform, and everybody rejoiced at the birth of their incarnate god. I remember my grandfather-- the head of the family at the time-- patting me on the head, with the widest, kindest smile I'd ever seen.

 That was the last time I can remember any of those people being nice to me.

 I never used my powers outside of the Awakihara clan, so I never had any trouble with my friends at school or anything, but... compared to some of the things I had to deal with, that might've been preferable. As far as dark situations go, at least that one would've been fairly bright.

 At times, there were things who tried to win me over with presents and flattery, back when I was still little.

 At times, there were things who would come up to my parents talking about adoption, or bartering, or so on, like they thought less of their own child than a piece of furniture.

 At times, there were things who would break into the house when I was home alone, grab me by the arm, and try to abduct me. ...Plain and simple.

 At times, there were things who would stalk me even to places where I was spending time with other kids my age, without caring one whit about harming those other kids in the process...

 My one stroke of good luck was that even with all these awful things going on, Lord Nakatsu-Watatsumi tried their hardest to drive it away from me. This one time, when I asked them about it, they said that protecting the human they dwell with is as important a part of a god's job as any other.

 The tide didn't stop, though. They weren't even people, just-- things, with human skin stretched over something too dark for little me to fully understand. They would attack me, my parents, everyone I spent time with... for years and years, right up until I was almost the age I am now...

"...Even my own parents started to become alienated from me, because of all this. At one point-- it was just the one, but they said-- they said that maybe we'd have all been better off if I hadn't been born. And I mean, they... they were right, really. If I'd been a normal girl back then, then I could've just had a regular life, as a regular descendant of the family."

 Eventually-- after we'd spent so many years surrounded by those things that we started to lose track of how long it'd been-- my grandfather paid us a visit. The same grandfather who'd smiled and patted me on the head, back on that day at the Awakiharas' head household. He told my parents that he'd found all the extended relatives who'd been stalking me, and given them severe punishments. And, perhaps more importantly, he'd managed to find us a place where we could safely escape from the family in secret. We agreed, and so that's where we're living now. That marked the end of it. ...And once everything was settled, my parents knelt down and apologized, from the bottom of their hearts, for what they'd said to me.

"And... that's it. The life I have now is all there is to me."

 As I finish my recollection, Lady Mikoto and all the Kai sisters fell silent.

"This place... this little town by the sea... it's the one place where I can live peacefully. It took us so long, but I've finally found it. It's the safe haven that my grandfather prepared for us, and that Lord Watatsumi is working hard to protect. So... I want to stay there. That's... my choice....."

 Even as I'm speaking now, I can tell that my voice is trembling.

 Even as I'm talking, I can tell that my vision is getting blurry.

"Tsukushi-san....."

 I can feel something awful welling up in me at the sound of Mikoto-san's soft voice.

 I know. I... I know.

 If I want to live a decent life up on the surface, as a regular human, then even that town isn't guaranteed to be safe forever. Once there's a new head in charge of the Awakihara family, they'll probably contact me eventually. I might be pulled back into that darkness again. Or worse, those things might discover this town I secretly moved to, and I'll have to confront them again. I've had enough of that terrifying life... I just...

 I've had enough.

 I don't... want to go back.

".....on't want to."

".....I don't want to. Shouldn't that be obvious?"

".....I don't want to go back there. I just want... to keep living peacefully, with Mom, and Dad, and Lord Watatsumi, who saved me so many times. That's... that's all."

[dfroza]

Today’s reading in the ancient book of Proverbs and Psalms

for Thursday, August 6 of 2020 with Proverbs 6 and Psalm 6 accompanied by Psalm 48 for the 48th day of Summer and Psalm 69 for day 219 of the year

[Proverbs 6]

My son, if you will risk your family’s future to put up collateral for the debts of an acquaintance,

if you seal a commitment with a handshake to someone without first knowing the value of his word,

Then your words may well be the trap that snares you,

and your promise may seal your fate.

You can’t be sure to whom you hitched your future.

So, my son—save yourself! Here’s what you need to do:

go to that person who became your master with a handshake,

humble yourself, and plead your case.

Do not sleep;

don’t even rest your eyes until you deal with this.

Get out as quickly as possible,

as a gazelle runs from the hand of the hunter,

as a bird takes off from the grip of the fowler.

Take a lesson from the ant, you who love leisure and ease.

Observe how it works, and dare to be just as wise.

It has no boss,

no one laying down the law or telling it what to do,

Yet it gathers its food through summer

and takes what it needs from the harvest.

How long do you plan to lounge your life away, you lazy fool?

Will you ever get out of bed?

You say, “A little sleep, a little rest,

a few more minutes, a nice little nap.”

But soon poverty will be on top of you like a robber;

need will assault you like a well-armed warrior.

Someone who struts around taking advantage of unsuspecting souls

and deceiving others is to be avoided.

With a wink of his eye, a quick shuffle of his feet,

and a slight gesture with his hand, he signals his roguish treachery.

With a warped mind and twisted heart, he constantly looks for his own gain at others’ expense,

causing friction everywhere he goes.

But you watch: his actions will bring sudden disaster!

In an instant, his life will be shattered,

and there will be nothing to save him.

Take note, there are six things the Eternal hates;

no, make it seven He abhors:

Eyes that look down on others, a tongue that can’t be trusted,

hands that shed innocent blood,

A heart that conceives evil plans,

feet that sprint toward evil,

A false witness who breathes out lies,

and anyone who stirs up trouble among the faithful.

So, my son, follow your father’s direction,

and don’t forget what your mother taught you—

Keep their teachings close to your heart;

engrave them on a pendant, and hang it around your neck.

Their instruction will guide you along your journey,

guard you when you sleep,

and address you when you wake in the morning.

For their direction is a lamp; their instruction will light your path,

and their discipline will correct your missteps,

sending you down the right path of life.

They will keep you far from the corrupted woman,

away from the smooth talk of a seductive woman.

Do not lose yourself in desire for her beauty

or let her win you over with her painted eyes,

For you can buy a harlot with a loaf of bread,

but sex with another man’s wife will cost you your life.

Can you carry fire right next to your body

and keep your clothes from burning?

Can you walk over fiery coals

and keep your feet from blistering?

Take another man’s wife, and you will find out—

whoever touches her will be found guilty.

People don’t despise a thief

who only steals to fill his hunger;

Still if they catch him, he must repay seven times over—

he could end up losing everything he owns!

By contrast only a fool would commit adultery

since by his action he loses not only his possessions but also his own life.

He will suffer injury and be disgraced;

dishonor will leave a permanent mark on his life.

For jealousy sparks a husband’s rage—

when he gets his revenge, he’ll show no mercy.

He will not be paid off or appeased;

no bribe or gift will set things right.

The Book of Proverbs, Chapter 6 (The Voice)

[Psalm 6]

For the worship leader. A song of David accompanied by the lyre.

O Eternal One, don’t punish me in Your anger

or harshly correct me.

Show me grace, Eternal God. I am completely undone.

Bring me back together, Eternal One. Mend my shattered bones.

My soul is drowning in darkness.

How long can You, the Eternal, let things go on like this?

Come back, Eternal One, and lead me to Your saving light.

Rescue me because I know You are truly compassionate.

I’m alive for a reason—I can’t worship You if I’m dead.

If I’m six feet under, how can I thank You?

I’m exhausted. I cannot even speak, my voice fading as sighs.

Every day ends in the same place—lying in bed, covered in tears,

my pillow wet with sorrow.

My eyes burn, devoured with grief;

they grow weak as I constantly watch for my enemies.

All who are evil, stay away from me

because the Eternal hears my voice, listens as I cry.

The Eternal God hears my simple prayers;

He receives my request.

All who seek to destroy me will be humiliated;

they will turn away and suddenly crumble in shame.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 6 (The Voice)

[Psalm 48]

Beautiful Zion

A poetic song, for the prophetic singers of Korah’s clan

There are so many reasons to describe God as wonderful!

So many reasons to praise him with unlimited praise!

Zion-City is his home; he lives on his holy mountain—

high and glorious, joy filled and favored.

Zion-Mountain looms in the farthest reaches of the north,

the city of our incomparable King!

This is his divine abode, an impenetrable citadel,

for he is known to dwell in the highest place.

See how the mighty kings united to come against Zion,

yet when they saw God manifest in front of their eyes,

they were stunned.

Trembling, they all fled away, gripped with fear.

Seized with panic, they doubled up in frightful anguish

like a woman in the labor pains of childbirth.

Like a hurricane blowing and breaking the invading ships,

God blows upon them and breaks them to pieces.

We have heard about these wonders,

and then we saw them with our own eyes.

For this is the city of the Commander of Angel Armies,

the city of our God, safe and secure forever!

Pause in his presence

Lord, as we worship you in your temple,

we recall over and over your kindness to us

and your unending love.

The fame of your name echoes throughout the entire world,

accompanied with praises.

Your right hand is full of victory.

So let the people of Zion rejoice with gladness;

let the daughters of praise leap for joy!

For God will see to it that you are judged fairly.

Circle Zion; count her towers.

Consider her walls, climb her palaces,

and then go and tell the coming generation

of the care and compassion of our God.

Yes, this is our God, our great God forever.

He will lead us onward until the end,

through all time, beyond death,

and into eternity!

The Book of Psalms, Poem 48 (The Passion Translation)

[Psalm 69]

For the worship leader. A song of David to the tune “Lilies.”

Reach down for me, True God; deliver me.

The waters have risen to my neck; I am going down!

My feet are swallowed in this murky bog;

I am sinking—there is no sturdy ground.

I am in the deep;

the floods are crashing in!

I am weary of howling;

my throat is scratched dry.

I still look for my God

even though my eyes fail.

My enemies despise me without any cause;

they outnumber the hairs on my head.

They torment me with their power;

they have absolutely no reason to hate me.

Now I am set to pay for crimes

I have never committed!

O True God, my foolish ways are plain before You;

my mistakes—no, nothing can be hidden from You.

Don’t let Your hopeful followers face disgrace because of me,

O Lord, Eternal One, Commander of heaven’s armies;

Don’t let Your seekers be shamed on account of me,

O True God of Israel.

I have been mocked when I stood up for You;

I cower, shamefaced.

You know my brothers and sisters?

They now reject me—they act as if I never existed.

I’m like a stranger to my own family.

And here’s why: I am consumed with You, completely devoted to protecting Your house;

when they insult You, they insult me.

When I mourn and discipline my soul by fasting,

they deride me.

And when I put on sackcloth,

they mock me.

Those who sit at the gate gossip about me;

I am shamed by the slurred songs of drunkards.

But, Eternal One, I just pray the time is right

that You would hear me. And, True God,

because You are enduring love, that You would answer.

In Your faithfulness, please, save me.

Pluck me from this murky bog;

don’t let it pull me down!

Pull me from this rising water;

take me away from my enemies to dry land.

Don’t let the flood take me under

or let me, Your servant, be swallowed into the deep

or let the yawning pit seal me in!

O Eternal One, hear me. Answer me. For Your enduring love is good comfort;

in Your great mercy, turn toward me.

Yes, shine Your face upon me, Your servant;

put an end to my anguish—don’t wait another minute.

Come near; rescue me!

Set me free from my enemies.

You know all my opponents;

You see them, see the way they treat me—

humiliating me with insults, trying to disgrace me.

All this ridicule has broken my heart,

killed my spirit.

I searched for sympathy, and I came up empty.

I looked for supporters, but there was no one.

Even more, they gave me poison for my food

and offered me only sour vinegar to drink.

Let them be ambushed at the dinner table,

caught in a trap when they least expect it.

Cloud their vision so they cannot see;

make their bodies shake, their knees knock in terror.

Pour out Your fiery wrath upon them!

Make a clean sweep; engulf them with Your flaming fury.

May their camps be bleak

with not one left in any tent.

Because they have persecuted the one You have struck,

add insult to those whom You have wounded.

Compound their sins; don’t let them off the hook!

Keep them from entering into Your mercy.

Blot out their names from Your book of life

so they will not be recorded alongside those who are upright before You.

I am living in pain; I’m suffering,

so save me, True God, and keep me safe in troubled times!

The name of the True God will be my song,

an uplifting tune of praise and thanksgiving!

My praise will please the Eternal more than if I were to sacrifice an ox

or the finest bull. (Horns, hooves, and all!)

Those who humbly serve will see and rejoice!

All you seekers-after-God will revive your souls!

The Eternal listens to the prayers of the poor

and has regard for His people held in bondage.

All God’s creation: join together in His praise! All heaven, all earth,

all seas, all creatures of the ocean deep!

The True God will save Zion

and rebuild the cities of Judah

So that His servants may own it and live there once again.

Their children and children’s children shall have it as their inheritance,

and those who love His name will live in it.

The Book of Psalms, Poem 69 (The Voice)