² So I admired the dead,^(A) who have already died, more than the living, who are still alive. ³ But better than either of them is the one who has not yet existed,^(B) who has not seen the evil activity that is done under the sun.

Job’s Opening Speech

3 After this, Job began to speak and cursed the day he was born. ² He said:

³⁷ Taking along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed.^{(A) 38} Then He said to them, “My soul is swallowed up in sorrow^[a] —to the point of death.^[b] Remain here and stay awake with Me.”^{(B) 39} Going a little farther,^[c] He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”^(C)

⁴⁰ Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping. He asked Peter, “So, couldn’t you^[d] stay awake with Me one hour? ⁴¹ Stay awake and pray, so that you won’t enter into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

⁶ For I am already being poured out as a drink offering,^(A) and the time for my departure is close. ⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸ There is reserved for me in the future the crown^(B) of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge,^(C) will give me on that day, and not only to me, but to all those who have loved His appearing.^(D)

¹⁸ The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom.^(A) To Him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.