⁴ As long as it is day,^(A) we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

² “See, I have chosen Bezalel^(A) son of Uri, the son of Hur,^(B) of the tribe of Judah, ³ and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge^(C) and with all kinds of skills^(D)— ⁴ to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, ⁵ to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts. ⁶ Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab^(E) son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan,^(F) to help him. Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers^(G) to make everything I have commanded you: ⁷ the tent of meeting,^(H) the ark of the covenant law^(I) with the atonement cover^(J) on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent— ⁸ the table^(K) and its articles, the pure gold lampstand^(L) and all its accessories, the altar of incense,^{(M) 9} the altar of burnt offering^(N) and all its utensils, the basin^(O) with its stand— ¹⁰ and also the woven garments^(P), both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests, ¹¹ and the anointing oil^(Q) and fragrant incense^(R) for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded^(S) you.”

³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest^(A) is plentiful but the workers are few.^{(B) 38} Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,^(A) serving the Lord.

The Day Is Near

¹¹ And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come^(A) for you to wake up from your slumber,^(B) because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. ¹² The night is nearly over; the day is almost here.^(C) So let us put aside the deeds of darkness^(D) and put on the armor^(E) of light.

²⁹ What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short.^(A) From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; ³⁰ those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; ³¹ those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.^(B)

¹¹ and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands,^(A) just as we told you, ¹² so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders^(B) and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.^(A) We were not idle when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked^(B) night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help,^(C) but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.^{(D) 10} For even when we were with you,^(E) we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work^(F) shall not eat.”

¹¹ We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.^{(G) 12} Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ^(H) to settle down and earn the food they eat.^{(I) 13} And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.^(J)

⁷ The end of all things is near.^(A) Therefore be alert and of sober mind^(B) so that you may pray.