Judith 8:23-25

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

²³ For our slavery will not bring us into favour, but the Lord our God will turn it to dishonour.

²⁴ ‘Therefore, my brothers, let us set an example to our kindred, for their lives depend upon us, and the sanctuary—both the temple and the altar—rests upon us. ²⁵ In spite of everything let us give thanks to the Lord our God, who is putting us to the test as he did our ancestors.