Matthew 13:24-30

New International Version

The Parable of the Weeds

²⁴Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like^(A) a man who sowed good seed in his field. ²⁵But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. ²⁶When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.

²⁷“The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’

²⁸“‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.

“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’

²⁹“‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. ³⁰Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”^(B)

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Joel 3:9-15

New International Version

⁹Proclaim this among the nations:
    Prepare for war!^(A)
Rouse the warriors!^(B)
    Let all the fighting men draw near and attack.
¹⁰Beat your plowshares into swords
    and your pruning hooks^(C) into spears.^(D)
Let the weakling^(E) say,
    “I am strong!”^(F)
¹¹Come quickly, all you nations from every side,
    and assemble^(G) there.

Bring down your warriors,^(H) Lord!

¹²“Let the nations be roused;
    let them advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat,^(I)
for there I will sit
    to judge^(J) all the nations on every side.
¹³Swing the sickle,^(K)
    for the harvest^(L) is ripe.
Come, trample the grapes,^(M)
    for the winepress^(N) is full
    and the vats overflow—
so great is their wickedness!”

¹⁴Multitudes,^(O) multitudes
    in the valley^(P) of decision!
For the day of the Lord^(Q) is near
    in the valley of decision.^(R)
¹⁵The sun and moon will be darkened,
    and the stars no longer shine.^(S)