1 Corinthians 9:23-26
New American Standard Bible
Chapter 9
23I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.
24Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.
25Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
26Therefore I run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as to avoid hitting air;
King James Version
24Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
26I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
Christian Standard Bible
24Don't you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize.
25Now everyone who competes exercises self-control in everything. They do it to receive a perishable crown, but we an imperishable crown.
26So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air.
New Living Translation
English Standard Version
24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
25Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
26So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.
New International Version
24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
26Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.
New King James Version
24Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.
25And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.
26Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.