¹⁵ When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it,^(A) we all returned to the wall, each to our own work.

¹⁴ Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice^(A) of Hushai the Arkite is better than that of Ahithophel.”^(B) For the Lord had determined to frustrate^(C) the good advice of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster^(D) on Absalom.^(E)

¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,^(A) serving the Lord.

¹¹ and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands,^(A) just as we told you,

¹⁹ For the wisdom of this world is foolishness^(A) in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”^[a];^{(B) 20} and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”^[b](C)

³⁴ It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants^(A) in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.