The Day of the Lord

5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates^(A) we do not need to write to you,^{(B) 2} for you know very well that the day of the Lord^(C) will come like a thief in the night.^{(D) 3} While people are saying, “Peace and safety,”^(E) destruction will come on them suddenly,^(F) as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.^(G)

⁴ But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness^(H) so that this day should surprise you like a thief.^{(I) 5} You are all children of the light^(J) and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. ⁶ So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep,^(K) but let us be awake^(L) and sober.^{(M) 7} For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.^{(N) 8} But since we belong to the day,^(O) let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate,^(P) and the hope of salvation^(Q) as a helmet.^{(R) 9} For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath^(S) but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.^{(T) 10} He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.^{(U) 11} Therefore encourage one another^(V) and build each other up,^(W) just as in fact you are doing.

Final Instructions

¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard^(X) among you, who care for you in the Lord^(Y) and who admonish you. ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.^{(Z) 14} And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle^(AA) and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak,^(AB) be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,^(AC) but always strive to do what is good for each other^(AD) and for everyone else.

¹⁶ Rejoice always,^{(AE) 17} pray continually,^{(AF) 18} give thanks in all circumstances;^(AG) for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit.^{(AH) 20} Do not treat prophecies^(AI) with contempt ²¹ but test them all;^(AJ) hold on to what is good,^{(AK) 22} reject every kind of evil.

²³ May God himself, the God of peace,^(AL) sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul^(AM) and body be kept blameless^(AN) at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.^{(AO) 24} The one who calls^(AP) you is faithful,^(AQ) and he will do it.^(AR)

²⁵ Brothers and sisters, pray for us.^{(AS) 26} Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss.^{(AT) 27} I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.^(AU)

²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.^(AV)

6 I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on mankind: ² God gives some people wealth, possessions and honor, so that they lack nothing their hearts desire, but God does not grant them the ability to enjoy them,^(A) and strangers enjoy them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil.^(B)

³ A man may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn^(C) child is better off than he.^{(D) 4} It comes without meaning, it departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded. ⁵ Though it never saw the sun or knew anything, it has more rest than does that man— ⁶ even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?^(E)

¹² For who knows what is good for a person in life, during the few and meaningless days^(J) they pass through like a shadow?^(K) Who can tell them what will happen under the sun after they are gone?

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