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Monday, July 21st, 2025
the Week of Proper 11 / Ordinary 16
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Read the Bible

Simplified Cowboy Version

Galatians 6:8

If your ride was only about pleasing yourself, then you'll have an eternity to ride in death and decay. But those who only ride to please the Holy Ghost will have an eternity to ride in green pastures on perfect horses with ropes that ain't got a miss in 'em.

Bible Study Resources

Concordances:

- Nave's Topical Bible - Carnal Mindedness;   Confidence;   Corruption;   Holy Spirit;   Immortality;   Judgment;   Life;   Righteous;   Righteousness;   Seed;   Sin;   Sower;   Wicked (People);   Thompson Chain Reference - Deathless;   Eternal;   Everlasting;   Evil;   Flesh, the;   Harvest;   Life;   Life, Eternal;   Life-Death;   Man;   Sin;   Sin's;   Sowing;   Sowing and Reaping;   The Topic Concordance - Bearing Fruit;   Corruption;   Eternal Life;   Flesh;   Holy Spirit;   Torrey's Topical Textbook - Life, Eternal;   Punishment of the Wicked, the;   Reaping;   Seed;   Trinity, the;  

Dictionaries:

- Bridgeway Bible Dictionary - Flesh;   Holy spirit;   Baker Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology - Eternal Life, Eternality, Everlasting Life;   Immortality;   Easton Bible Dictionary - Eternal Life;   Holman Bible Dictionary - Divine Retribution;   Eternal Life;   Galatians, Letter to the;   Harvest;   Life;   Reap;   Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible - Corruption;   Nicolas;   Paul the Apostle;   Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament - Account;   Brotherly Love;   Destruction;   Flesh ;   Galatians Epistle to the;   Goodness (Human);   Harvest ;   Immortality (2);   Life and Death;   Sin;   Wilson's Dictionary of Bible Types - Flesh;   Reap;  

Encyclopedias:

- International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Comparative, Religion;   Corruption;   Everlasting;   Galatians, Epistle to the;   Life;   Punishment, Everlasting;   Reaping;   Retribution;   Salvation;  

Devotionals:

- Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life - Devotion for July 24;   Daily Light on the Daily Path - Devotion for December 26;   Every Day Light - Devotion for October 28;   Faith's Checkbook - Devotion for May 2;  

Parallel Translations

Christian Standard Bible®
because the one who sows to his flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit.
King James Version (1611)
For hee that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reape corruption: but he that soweth to the spirit, shall of the spirit reape life euerlasting.
King James Version
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
English Standard Version
For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
New American Standard Bible
For the one who sows to his own flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit.
New Century Version
If they plant to satisfy their sinful selves, their sinful selves will bring them ruin. But if they plant to please the Spirit, they will receive eternal life from the Spirit.
Amplified Bible
For the one who sows to his flesh [his sinful capacity, his worldliness, his disgraceful impulses] will reap from the flesh ruin and destruction, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Legacy Standard Bible
For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Berean Standard Bible
The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Contemporary English Version
If you follow your selfish desires, you will harvest destruction, but if you follow the Spirit, you will harvest eternal life.
Complete Jewish Bible
Those who keep sowing in the field of their old nature, in order to meet its demands, will eventually reap ruin; but those who keep sowing in the field of the Spirit will reap from the Spirit everlasting life.
Darby Translation
For he that sows to his own flesh, shall reap corruption from the flesh; but he that sows to the Spirit, from the Spirit shall reap eternal life:
Easy-to-Read Version
If you live to satisfy your sinful self, the harvest you will get from that will be eternal death. But if you live to please the Spirit, your harvest from the Spirit will be eternal life.
Geneva Bible (1587)
For hee that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reape corruption: but hee that soweth to the spirit, shal of the spirit reape life euerlasting.
George Lamsa Translation
He who sows things of the flesh, from the flesh shall reap corruption; he who sows things of the Spirit, from the Spirit shall reap life everlasting.
Good News Translation
If you plant in the field of your natural desires, from it you will gather the harvest of death; if you plant in the field of the Spirit, from the Spirit you will gather the harvest of eternal life.
Lexham English Bible
because the one who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit.
Literal Translation
For the one sowing to his flesh will reap corruption of the flesh. But the one sowing to the Spirit will reap everlasting life from the Spirit.
American Standard Version
For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life.
Bible in Basic English
Because he who puts in the seed of the flesh will of the flesh get the reward of death; but he who puts in the seed of the Spirit will of the Spirit get the reward of eternal life.
Hebrew Names Version
For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
International Standard Version
For the person who plants in his flesh will harvest decay from the flesh, but the person who plants in the Spirit will harvest eternal life from the Spirit.Job 1:4:8; Proverbs 11:18; 22:8; Hosea 8:7; 10:12; Romans 8:13; James 3:18;">[xr]
Etheridge Translation
He who in the flesh soweth, from the flesh corruption reapeth; and he who in the Spirit soweth, from the Spirit the life that is eternal shall reap.
Murdock Translation
He who soweth in the flesh, reapeth from the flesh corruption: and he who soweth in the Spirit, will from the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
For he that soweth into his flesshe, shal of the flesshe reape corruption: But he that soweth into the spirite, shall of the spirite reape lyfe euerlastyng.
English Revised Version
For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life.
World English Bible
For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
For he that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Weymouth's New Testament
He who sows in the field of his lower nature, will from that nature reap destruction; but he who sows to serve the Spirit will from the Spirit reap the Life of the Ages.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
for tho thingis that a man sowith, tho thingis he schal repe. For he that sowith in his fleisch, of the fleisch he schal repe corrupcioun; but he that sowith in the spirit, of the spirit he schal repe euerelastynge lijf.
Update Bible Version
For he that sows to his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life.
Webster's Bible Translation
For he that soweth to his flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption: but he that soweth to the Spirit, shall from the Spirit reap life everlasting.
New English Translation
because the person who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit.
New King James Version
For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
New Living Translation
Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.
New Life Bible
If a man does things to please his sinful old self, his soul will be lost. If a man does things to please the Holy Spirit, he will have life that lasts forever.
New Revised Standard
If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
Because, he that soweth into his own flesh, out of the flesh, shall reap corruption, whereas, he that soweth into the Spirit, out of the Spirit, shall reap age-abiding life.
Douay-Rheims Bible
For what things a man shall sow, those also shall he reap. For he that soweth in his flesh of the flesh also shall reap corruption. But he that soweth in the spirit of the spirit shall reap life everlasting.
Revised Standard Version
For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption; but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
He that soweth in his flesshe shall of ye flesshe reepe corrupcio. But he yt soweth in ye sprete shall of the sprete reepe lyfe everlastinge.
Young's Literal Translation
because he who is sowing to his own flesh, of the flesh shall reap corruption; and he who is sowing to the Spirit, of the Spirit shall reap life age-during;
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
He that soweth vpon the flesh, shal of the flesh reape destruccion: But he that soweth vpon ye sprete, shal of the sprete reape life euerlastinge.
Mace New Testament (1729)
he that soweth to his vices, shall reap the deadly fruit of his vices; but he that sows to the spirit, shall of the spirit reap everlasting life.

Contextual Overview

1Cowboys, if you catch someone doing something they shouldn't, you should love 'em enough to set 'em back on the right path; but do it gently. And another thing, watch what you're doing, too. Don't be a hypocrite and point out people's faults while you're neck deep in the same mud. 2We should get off and help people up who've been bucked off hard. I mean, this is essentially everything Jesus told us to do. 3But if you think you're too good to get off and lend a hand to a broken fellow, you show just how small a man you really are. You can talk a big game all you want, but the only one who believes your lies is you. 4You should take a good, long, hard look at your motives every single day. If everything is good, then you can be proud of yourself. A cowboy who looks to better himself every day doesn't feel the need to compare himself to others. 5We all have to ride our own broncs. 6If you're riding for God, you should take care of those who are mentorin' you and making you a top hand. 7Don't be a durn fool. You can't pull the wool over God's eyes. He knows if you really tried or you were just faking. All of us will get out of it what we truly put into it. 8If your ride was only about pleasing yourself, then you'll have an eternity to ride in death and decay. But those who only ride to please the Holy Ghost will have an eternity to ride in green pastures on perfect horses with ropes that ain't got a miss in 'em. 9So don't give up doing the right thing. If you keep to the right trail, you're gonna find the narrow gate that leads to everything you never dreamed possible. 10So every chance we get, let's help others out, especially those who ride for the brand.

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

soweth to his: Romans 6:13, Romans 8:13, Romans 13:14, James 3:18

reap: Proverbs 22:8, Jeremiah 12:13, Hosea 10:13, 2 Peter 2:12, 2 Peter 2:19, Revelation 22:11

soweth to the: Galatians 6:7, Psalms 126:5, Psalms 126:6, Ecclesiastes 11:6, Isaiah 32:20, James 3:18

of the Spirit: Matthew 19:29, Luke 18:30, John 4:14, John 4:36, John 6:27, Romans 6:22, 1 Timothy 1:16, Titus 3:7, Jude 1:21

Reciprocal: Genesis 26:12 - an hundredfold 2 Chronicles 29:11 - negligent Job 4:8 - they that plow Job 13:9 - as one Job 15:31 - for vanity Job 15:35 - conceive Job 22:2 - as he that Job 34:11 - cause Psalms 97:11 - sown Psalms 129:7 - he that bindeth Proverbs 1:31 - General Proverbs 5:22 - His Proverbs 6:14 - soweth Proverbs 11:18 - but Proverbs 14:14 - a good Ecclesiastes 11:1 - for Isaiah 3:10 - they shall eat Isaiah 17:11 - the harvest Jeremiah 4:3 - Break Jeremiah 17:10 - fruit Jeremiah 21:14 - according Jeremiah 31:30 - General Ezekiel 18:22 - in his Ezekiel 33:9 - if thou Micah 7:13 - for Matthew 7:24 - whosoever John 3:21 - that his John 5:29 - done good Romans 2:6 - General Romans 2:11 - General Romans 6:21 - What Romans 6:23 - For the wages Romans 8:6 - to be carnally minded 1 Corinthians 3:8 - and every 1 Corinthians 14:37 - any 2 Corinthians 5:10 - receive Galatians 5:16 - Walk Galatians 5:19 - the works Ephesians 5:6 - no Ephesians 5:11 - unfruitful 1 Timothy 6:19 - Laying Hebrews 10:35 - great 2 Peter 1:4 - having 1 John 2:25 - General 1 John 3:7 - let Revelation 14:13 - and their

Cross-References

Luke 1:30
The angel said, "Don't be afraid. God is real proud of the lady you've become, and
Acts 7:46
God loved David, especially when David asked to build God a permanent place to be worshiped.
Romans 4:4
Think about it this way, a fellow that day works is owed a wage because of his work. It ain't a gift.
Romans 11:6
not following rules and regulations. If it was about the latter, then God's grace wouldn't have the power it does. It is free and totally undeserved.
1 Corinthians 15:10
It's only because of his grace that I know I really am a cowboy. And you know what? I didn't waste the grace. I ride harder and further, taking the outside in this big gathering of the lost and those who have strayed away. (But it's not really me riding. It's God's grace working through me that allows me to do what I do.)
Galatians 1:15
Little did I know though, before I was even born, God had chosen me to ride for his brand. I didn't deserve this kind of grace, but God was pleased
2 Timothy 1:18
Titus 2:11
God didn't give us what we deserved, but showed his grace by allowing anyone to be able to come and ride for his brand.
Titus 3:7
This is God's grace that has made us right in his sight. We are absolutely certain heaven waits on Jesus's cowboys.
Hebrews 4:16
Because of this, we know that our wrong turns won't be held against us in front of God. We can go right up to him and know he sees his son's ride and not our own. This gives us the confidence we need to finish it out when the trail turns rank.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

For he that soweth to his flesh,.... Not that taking due care of a man's body, seeking the preservation of its health, providing proper food and raiment for himself, and all necessaries for the good and support of his family, is to be called sowing to his flesh, nor is he to be called a carnal sower; but he is such an one that pampers his flesh, gratifies and indulges the lusts of it, who minds the things of the flesh, lives after it, and does the works of it, who spends his substance in a luxurious way upon himself and family; or whose whole bent, and study, and employment, is to increase his worldly riches, to aggrandize himself and posterity, to the neglect of his own soul, the interest of religion, the poor of the church, and ministers of the Gospel:

shall of the flesh reap corruption; shall by such carnal methods procure for himself, in this world, nothing but what is corruptible, as silver and gold be, and such treasure as moth and rust corrupt; such substance as will not endure, but is perishing, and may be by one providence or another taken from him; so that all his care in sowing comes to nothing, and is of no advantage to himself, nor to his posterity; see Haggai 1:4, and shall fall into the pit of corruption, and be punished with everlasting destruction, and die the second death in the world to come.

But he that soweth to the Spirit; not his own, but the Spirit of God; or that soweth spiritual things, that minds and savours the things of the Spirit, lives in the Spirit, and walks in the Spirit; that lays out his worldly substance in promoting spiritual things, in encouraging the spiritual ministers of the word, in supporting the interest of spiritual religion, in relieving the poor of Christ's churches, in contributing to the spread of the Gospel, and the administration of the word and ordinances in other places, as well as where he is more immediately concerned:

shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting; in the use of such spiritual means, though not as meritorious, or as causes, he shall attain to, and enjoy eternal happiness in the other world; or of, and by the Spirit of God, by whose grace and strength he sows, and does all the good things he does, by and of him sanctifying him, and making him meet for it, and not of himself, or any works of righteousness done by him, shall he inherit eternal life; which is the pure gift of God through Jesus Christ, and bestowed as a reward of his own grace.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

For he that soweth to his flesh - That makes provision for the indulgence of fleshly appetites and passions; see the notes at Galatians 5:19-21. He who makes use of his property to give indulgence to licentiousness, intemperance, and vanity.

Shall of the flesh - From the flesh, or as that which indulgence in fleshly appetites properly produces. Punishment, under the divine government, is commonly in the line of offences. The punishment of licentiousness and intemperance in this life is commonly loathsome and offensive disease; and when long indulged, the sensualist becomes haggard, and bloated, and corrupted, and sinks into the grave. Such, also, is often the punishment of luxurious living, of a pampered appetite, of gluttony, as well as of intemperate drinking. But if the punishment does not follow in this life, it will be sure to overtake the sensualist in the world to come. There he shall reap ruin, final and everlasting.

Corruption -

(1) By disease.

(2) In the grave - the home to which the sensualist rapidly travels.

(3) In the world of woe.

There all shall be corrupt. His virtue - even the semblance of virtue, shall all be gone. His understanding, will, fancy - his whole soul shall be debased and corrupt. No virtue will linger and live on the plains of ruin, but all shall be depravity and woe. Everything in hell is debased and corrupt; and the whole harvest of sensuality in this world and the world to come, is degradation and defilement.

But he that soweth to the Spirit - He who follows the leadings and cultivates the affections which the Holy Spirit would produce; see the notes at Galatians 5:22-23.

Shall of the Spirit - As the result of following the leadings of the Spirit.

Reap life everlasting - See the note at Romans 2:7.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 8. He that soweth to his flesh — In like manner, he that sows to the flesh-who indulges his sensual and animal appetites, shall have corruption as the crop: you cannot expect to lead a bad life and go to heaven at last. According as your present life is, so will be your eternal life whether your sowing be to the flesh or to the Spirit, so will your eternal reaping be. To sow, here, means transacting the concerns of a man's natural life. To reap, signifies his enjoyment or punishment in another world. Probably by flesh and Spirit the apostle means Judaism and Christianity. Circumcision of the flesh was the principal rite of the former; circumcision in the heart, by the Spirit, the chief rite of the latter; hence the one may have been called flesh, the other, Spirit. He who rejects the Gospel, and trusts only in the rites and ceremonies of the law for salvation, will reap endless disappointment and misery. He who trusts in Christ, and receives the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, shall reap life everlasting.


 
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