The Wickedness of Joash

¹⁷ After the death of Jehoiada, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them. ¹⁸ They abandoned^(A) the temple of the Lord, the God of their ancestors, and worshiped Asherah poles and idols.^(B) Because of their guilt, God’s anger^(C) came on Judah and Jerusalem. ¹⁹ Although the Lord sent prophets to the people to bring them back to him, and though they testified against them, they would not listen.^(D)

²⁰ Then the Spirit^(E) of God came on Zechariah^(F) son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you disobey the Lord’s commands? You will not prosper.^(G) Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken^(H) you.’”

⁶ But godliness with contentment^(A) is great gain.^{(B) 7} For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.^{(C) 8} But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.^{(D) 9} Those who want to get rich^(E) fall into temptation and a trap^(F) and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money^(G) is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith^(H) and pierced themselves with many griefs.^(I)

Final Charge to Timothy

¹¹ But you, man of God,^(J) flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness,^(K) faith, love,^(L) endurance and gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight^(M) of the faith. Take hold of^(N) the eternal life^(O) to which you were called when you made your good confession^(P) in the presence of many witnesses.