Verse of the Day

Friday, August 9, 2024

Jonah 2:8 NIV

"Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs."

Read all of Jonah 2 NIV

Translations of Today's Verse

King James Version

They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

English Standard Version

Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love.

The Message

Those who worship hollow gods, god-frauds, walk away from their only true love.

New King James Version

"Those who regard worthless idols Forsake their own Mercy."

New Living Translation

Those who worship false gods turn their backs on all God's mercies.

Commentary on Today's Verse

Commentary on Jonah 2:1-9

(Read Jonah 2:1-9)

Observe when Jonah prayed. When he was in trouble, under the tokens of God's displeasure against him for sin: when we are in affliction we must pray. Being kept alive by miracle, he prayed. A sense of God's good-will to us, notwithstanding our offences, opens the lips in prayer, which were closed with the dread of wrath. Also, where he prayed; in the belly of the fish. No place is amiss for prayer. Men may shut us from communion with one another, but not from communion with God. To whom he prayed; to the Lord his God. This encourages even backsliders to return. What his prayer was. This seems to relate his experience and reflections, then and afterwards, rather than to be the form or substance of his prayer. Jonah reflects on the earnestness of his prayer, and God's readiness to hear and answer. If we would get good by our troubles, we must notice the hand of God in them. He had wickedly fled from the presence of the Lord, who might justly take his Holy Spirit from him, never to visit him more. Those only are miserable, whom God will no longer own and favour. But though he was perplexed, yet not in despair. Jonah reflects on the favour of God to him, when he sought to God, and trusted in him in his distress. He warns others, and tells them to keep close to God. Those who forsake their own duty, forsake their own mercy; those who run away from the work of their place and day, run away from the comfort of it. As far as a believer copies those who observe lying vanities, he forsakes his own mercy, and lives below his privileges. But Jonah's experience encourages others, in all ages, to trust in God, as the God of salvation.


Jonah 2:8 In-Context

6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit.

7 "When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple.

8 "Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God's love for them.

9 But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, 'Salvation comes from the Lord.' "

10 And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.


This Week's Daily Bible Verses

Thursday, August 08

Matthew 5:6

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

Read all of Matthew 5 NIV

Wednesday, August 07

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.

Read all of 1 Corinthians 6 NIV

Tuesday, August 06

Psalm 62:1

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.

Read all of Psalm 62 NIV

Monday, August 05

Matthew 6:19-21

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Read all of Matthew 6 NIV

Sunday, August 04

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Read all of Romans 6 NIV

Saturday, August 03

James 3:9-10

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.

Read all of James 3 NIV

Friday, August 02

Psalm 119:2

Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart.

Read all of Psalm 119 NIV