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;

¹⁷ The world and its desires pass away,^(A) but whoever does the will of God^(B) lives forever.

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.

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.^(A)

Boasting About Tomorrow

¹³ Now listen,^(A) you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.”^{(B) 14} Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.^{(C) 15} Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will,^(D) we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.^(E)

¹³ Let us, then, go to him^(A) outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore.^{(B) 14} For here we do not have an enduring city,^(C) but we are looking for the city that is to come.^(D)

⁸ But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.^{(A) 9} The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise,^(B) as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient^(C) with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.^(D)

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