¹² For man ^(A)does not know his time. Like fish that are taken in an evil net, and ^(B)like birds that are caught in a snare, so the children of man are ^(C)snared at an evil time, when it suddenly falls upon them.

³ While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then ^(A)sudden destruction will come upon them ^(B)as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

Watch Yourselves

³⁴ “But watch yourselves ^(A)lest ^(B)your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and ^(C)cares of this life, and ^(D)that day come upon you suddenly ^(E)like a trap. ³⁵ For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. ³⁶ But ^(F)stay awake at all times, ^(G)praying that you may ^(H)have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and ^(I)to stand before the Son of Man.”

⁵ Whoever keeps a command will know no evil thing, and the wise heart will know the proper time and the just way.^{[a] 6} For there is a time and a way ^(A)for everything, although man's trouble^[b] lies heavy on him. ⁷ For he ^(B)does not know what is to be, for ^(C)who can tell him how it will be?

²⁶ and they may come to their senses and escape from ^(A)the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.