²³ Thus says the Lord: ^(A)“Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, ²⁴ but ^(B)let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. ^(C)For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

^2 (A)May grace and peace be multiplied to you ^(B)in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

Confirm Your Calling and Election

³ His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him ^(C)who called us to^[a] his own glory and excellence,^{[b] 4} by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become ^(D)partakers of the divine nature, ^(E)having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. ⁵ For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith ^(F)with virtue,^[c] and virtue ^(G)with knowledge, ⁶ and knowledge with self-control, and self-control ^(H)with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, ⁷ and godliness ^(I)with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection ^(J)with love. ⁸ For if these qualities^[d] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or ^(K)unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he ^(L)is blind, having forgotten that he was ^(M)cleansed from his former sins. ¹⁰ Therefore, brothers,^[e] be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and ^(N)election, for if you practice these qualities ^(O)you will never fall. ¹¹ For in this way there will be richly provided for you ^(P)an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The High Priestly Prayer

17 When Jesus had spoken these words, ^(A)he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, ^(B)the hour has come; ^(C)glorify your Son that the Son may ^(D)glorify you, ² since ^(E)you have given him authority over all flesh, ^(F)to give eternal life to all ^(G)whom you have given him. ^3 (H)And this is eternal life, ^(I)that they know you, ^(J)the only ^(K)true God, and ^(L)Jesus Christ whom you have sent. ⁴ I ^(M)glorified you on earth, ^(N)having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. ⁵ And now, Father, ^(O)glorify me in your own presence with the glory ^(P)that I had with you ^(Q)before the world existed.