¹⁴ “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this?^(A) Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.^{(B) 15} We are foreigners and strangers^(C) in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow,^(D) without hope. ¹⁶ Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. ¹⁷ I know, my God, that you test the heart^(E) and are pleased with integrity. All these things I have given willingly and with honest intent. And now I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you.^{(F) 18} Lord, the God of our fathers Abraham, Isaac and Israel, keep these desires and thoughts in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you. ¹⁹ And give my son Solomon the wholehearted devotion^(G) to keep your commands, statutes and decrees^(H) and to do everything to build the palatial structure for which I have provided.”^(I)

Treasures in Heaven^(A)

¹⁹ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,^(B) where moths and vermin destroy,^(C) and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,^(D) where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.^{(E) 21} For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.^(F)

Judging Others^(A)

³⁷ “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.^(B) Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.^{(C) 38} Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.^(D) For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”^(E)

³³ I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.^{(A) 34} You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions.^{(B) 35} In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

⁷ if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;^{(A) 8} if it is to encourage, then give encouragement;^(B) if it is giving, then give generously;^(C) if it is to lead,^[a] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

Love in Action

⁹ Love must be sincere.^(D) Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.^(E)