1 Samuel 12:21 “Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or del…”

1 Samuel 12:21

Do not turn aside after worthless things that cannot profit you or deliver you, for they are empty.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.

World English Bible

Don’t turn away to go after vain things which can’t profit or deliver, for they are vain.

American Standard Version

and turn ye not aside; for then would ye go after vain things which cannot profit nor deliver, for they are vain.

Geneva Bible 1599

Neither turne yee backe: for that shoulde be after vaine things which cannot profite you, nor deliuer you, for they are but vanitie)

Darby Translation

and turn ye not aside; for [it would be] after vain things which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.

Young's Literal Translation

and ye do not turn aside after the vain things which do not profit nor deliver, for they [are] vain,

Bible in Basic English

And do not go from the right way turning to those false gods in which there is no profit and no salvation, for they are false.

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Cross references

“vain things”

Habakkuk 2:18 Jeremiah 10:15 Jeremiah 16:19 Jeremiah 14:22 Jeremiah 2:13 Jonah 2:8

Habakkuk 2:18 · BSB

What use is an idol, that a craftsman should carve it— or an image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation; he makes idols that cannot speak.

Jeremiah 10:15 · BSB

They are worthless, a work to be mocked. In the time of their punishment they will perish.

Jeremiah 16:19 · BSB

O LORD, my strength and my fortress, my refuge in the day of distress, the nations will come to You from the ends of the earth, and they will say, “Our fathers inherited nothing but lies, worthless idols of no benefit at…

Jeremiah 14:22 · BSB

Can the worthless idols of the nations bring rain? Do the skies alone send showers? Is this not by You, O LORD our God? So we put our hope in You, for You have done all these things.

Jeremiah 2:13 · BSB

“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living water, and they have dug their own cisterns— broken cisterns that cannot hold water.

Jonah 2:8 · BSB

Those who cling to worthless idols forsake His loving devotion.

“cannot profit”

Isaiah 45:20 Isaiah 46:7 Psalm 115:4–8 Isaiah 41:23 Isaiah 41:24 Isaiah 44:9

Isaiah 45:20 · BSB

Come, gather together, and draw near, you fugitives from the nations. Ignorant are those who carry idols of wood and pray to a god that cannot save.

Isaiah 46:7 · BSB

They lift it to their shoulder and carry it along; they set it in its place, and there it stands, not budging from that spot. They cry out to it, but it does not answer; it saves no one from his troubles.

Psalm 115:4–8 · BSB

Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men.

Isaiah 41:23 · BSB

Tell us the things that are to come, so that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do something good or evil, that we may look on together in dismay.

Isaiah 41:24 · BSB

Behold, you are nothing and your work is of no value. Anyone who chooses you is detestable.

Isaiah 44:9 · BSB

All makers of idols are nothing, and the things they treasure are worthless. Their witnesses fail to see or comprehend, so they are put to shame.

Also

Deuteronomy 11:16 Isaiah 41:29

Deuteronomy 11:16 · BSB

But be careful that you are not enticed to turn aside to worship and bow down to other gods,

Isaiah 41:29 · BSB

See, they are all a delusion; their works amount to nothing; their images are as empty as the wind.

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

20“Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “Even though you have committed all this evil, do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.

22Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own.

Read 1 Samuel 12