We should not test Christ, as some of them did – and were killed by snakes.
NIV
We should not tempt the Lord [try His patience, become a trial to Him, critically appraise Him, and exploit His goodness] as some of them did--and were killed by poisonous serpents; [Num. 21:5, 6.]AMP
Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
KJV
But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.
NIV
But as for that [seed] in the good soil, these are [the people] who, hearing the Word, hold it fast in a just (noble, virtuous) and worthy heart, and steadily bring forth fruit with patience.
AMP
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
KJV
But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
NIV
But as for you, O man of God, flee from all these things; aim at and pursue righteousness (right standing with God and true goodness), godliness (which is the loving fear of God and being Christlike), faith, love, steadfastness (patience), and gentleness of heart.
AMP
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
KJV
What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath – prepared for destruction?
NIV
What if God, although fully intending to show [the awfulness of] His wrath and to make known His power and authority, has tolerated with much patience the vessels (objects) of [His] anger which are ripe for destruction? [Prov. 16:4.]AMP
What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
KJV
I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.
NIV
I know your industry and activities, laborious toil and trouble, and your patient endurance, and how you cannot tolerate wicked [men] and have tested and critically appraised those who call [themselves] apostles (special messengers of Christ) and yet are not, and have found them to be impostors and liars.
AMP
I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
KJV
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
NIV
For you have need of steadfast patience and endurance, so that you may perform and fully accomplish the will of God, and thus receive and carry away [and enjoy to the full] what is promised.
AMP
For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
KJV
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses
NIV
But we commend ourselves in every way as [true] servants of God: through great endurance, in tribulation and suffering, in hardships and privations, in sore straits and calamities
AMP
But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
KJV
"If anyone is to go into captivity, into captivity they will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword, with the sword they will be killed." This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God's people.
NIV
Whoever leads into captivity will himself go into captivity; if anyone slays with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Herein is [the call for] the patience and the faith and fidelity of the saints (God's people). [Jer. 15:2.]AMP
He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.
KJV