²¹ But it is God Who confirms and makes us steadfast and establishes us [in joint fellowship] with you in Christ, and has consecrated and anointed us [^[a]enduing us with the gifts of the Holy Spirit];

²² [He has also appropriated and acknowledged us as His by] putting His seal upon us and giving us His [Holy] Spirit in our hearts as the security deposit and guarantee [of the fulfillment of His promise].

²⁷ And it shall be in that day that the burden of [the Assyrian] shall depart from your shoulders, and his yoke from your neck. The yoke shall be destroyed because of fatness [which prevents it from going around your neck].^(A)

¹¹ A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.^(A)

²³ A man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment—how good it is!