²² On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,

¹⁴ There was a little city with few people in it. A great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. ¹⁵ Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man.^(A)

¹¹ as you also join in helping us by your prayers, so that many may give thanks on our^[a] behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.^(A)

⁹ But all things considered, this is an advantage for a land: a king for a plowed field.^[a]

The Value of a Friend

⁹ Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. ¹⁰ For if they fall, one will lift up the other, but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help. ¹¹ Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?^{(A) 12} And though one might prevail against another, two will withstand one. A threefold cord is not quickly broken.

⁹ Urge slaves to be submissive to their masters in everything, to be pleasing, not talking back,^{(A) 10} not stealing, but showing complete and perfect fidelity, so that in everything they may be an ornament to the teaching of God our Savior.