19 (A)Better is a poor person who (B)walks in his integrity
    than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.
Desire[a] without knowledge is not good,
    and whoever (C)makes haste with his feet misses his way.
When a man's folly (D)brings his way to ruin,
    his heart (E)rages against the Lord.
(F)Wealth brings many new friends,
    (G)but a poor man is deserted by his friend.
(H)A false witness will not go unpunished,
    and he who (I)breathes out lies will not escape.
Many seek the favor of a generous man,[b]
    and everyone is a friend to a man who gives (J)gifts.
(K)All a poor man's brothers hate him;
    (L)how much more do his friends go far from him!
He pursues them with words, but does not have them.[c]
(M)Whoever gets sense loves his own soul;
    he who keeps understanding will (N)discover good.
(O)A false witness will not go unpunished,
    and he who (P)breathes out lies will perish.
10 (Q)It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury,
    much less for (R)a slave to rule over princes.
11 (S)Good sense makes one slow to anger,
    and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
12 A king's wrath is like (T)the growling of a lion,
    but his (U)favor is like (V)dew on the grass.
13 (W)A foolish son is ruin to his father,
    and (X)a wife's quarreling is (Y)a continual dripping of rain.
14 (Z)House and wealth are inherited from fathers,
    but a prudent wife is (AA)from the Lord.
15 (AB)Slothfulness casts into (AC)a deep sleep,
    and (AD)an idle person will suffer hunger.
16 Whoever (AE)keeps the commandment keeps his life;
    he who despises his ways will die.
17 (AF)Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord,
    and he (AG)will repay him for his (AH)deed.
18 (AI)Discipline your son, for there is hope;
    do not set your heart on (AJ)putting him to death.
19 A man of great wrath will pay the penalty,
    for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.
20 Listen to advice and accept instruction,
    that you may gain wisdom in (AK)the future.
21 (AL)Many are the plans in the mind of a man,
    but (AM)it is the purpose of the Lord (AN)that will stand.
22 What is desired in a man is steadfast love,
    and a poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the Lord (AO)leads to life,
    and whoever has it rests (AP)satisfied;
    he will (AQ)not be visited by harm.
24 (AR)The sluggard buries his hand in (AS)the dish
    and will not even bring it back to his mouth.
25 (AT)Strike (AU)a scoffer, and the simple will (AV)learn prudence;
    (AW)reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
26 He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother
    is (AX)a son who brings shame and reproach.
27 Cease to hear instruction, my son,
    (AY)and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28 A worthless witness mocks at justice,
    and the mouth of the wicked (AZ)devours iniquity.
29 Condemnation is ready for (BA)scoffers,
    and (BB)beating for the backs of fools.

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 19:2 Or A soul
  2. Proverbs 19:6 Or of a noble
  3. Proverbs 19:7 The meaning of the Hebrew sentence is uncertain

19 Better the poor whose walk is blameless
    than a fool whose lips are perverse.(A)

Desire without knowledge is not good—
    how much more will hasty feet miss the way!(B)

A person’s own folly(C) leads to their ruin,
    yet their heart rages against the Lord.(D)

Wealth attracts many friends,
    but even the closest friend of the poor person deserts them.(E)

A false witness(F) will not go unpunished,(G)
    and whoever pours out lies will not go free.(H)

Many curry favor with a ruler,(I)
    and everyone is the friend of one who gives gifts.(J)

The poor are shunned by all their relatives—
    how much more do their friends avoid them!(K)
Though the poor pursue them with pleading,
    they are nowhere to be found.[a](L)

The one who gets wisdom loves life;
    the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.(M)

A false witness will not go unpunished,
    and whoever pours out lies will perish.(N)

10 It is not fitting for a fool(O) to live in luxury—
    how much worse for a slave to rule over princes!(P)

11 A person’s wisdom yields patience;(Q)
    it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

12 A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion,(R)
    but his favor is like dew(S) on the grass.(T)

13 A foolish child is a father’s ruin,(U)
    and a quarrelsome wife is like
    the constant dripping of a leaky roof.(V)

14 Houses and wealth are inherited from parents,(W)
    but a prudent wife is from the Lord.(X)

15 Laziness brings on deep sleep,
    and the shiftless go hungry.(Y)

16 Whoever keeps commandments keeps their life,
    but whoever shows contempt for their ways will die.(Z)

17 Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord,(AA)
    and he will reward them for what they have done.(AB)

18 Discipline your children, for in that there is hope;
    do not be a willing party to their death.(AC)

19 A hot-tempered person must pay the penalty;
    rescue them, and you will have to do it again.

20 Listen to advice and accept discipline,(AD)
    and at the end you will be counted among the wise.(AE)

21 Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
    but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.(AF)

22 What a person desires is unfailing love[b];
    better to be poor than a liar.

23 The fear of the Lord leads to life;
    then one rests content, untouched by trouble.(AG)

24 A sluggard buries his hand in the dish;
    he will not even bring it back to his mouth!(AH)

25 Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence;
    rebuke the discerning,(AI) and they will gain knowledge.(AJ)

26 Whoever robs their father and drives out their mother(AK)
    is a child who brings shame and disgrace.

27 Stop listening to instruction, my son,(AL)
    and you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28 A corrupt witness mocks at justice,
    and the mouth of the wicked gulps down evil.(AM)

29 Penalties are prepared for mockers,
    and beatings for the backs of fools.(AN)

Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 19:7 The meaning of the Hebrew for this sentence is uncertain.
  2. Proverbs 19:22 Or Greed is a person’s shame

Military Divisions

27 This is the number of the people of Israel, the heads of fathers' houses, the commanders of thousands and hundreds, and their officers who served the king in all matters concerning the divisions that came and went, month after month throughout the year, each division numbering 24,000:

(A)Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel was in charge of the first division in the first month; in his division were 24,000. He was a (B)descendant of Perez and was chief of all the commanders. He served for the first month. (C)Dodai the Ahohite[a] was in charge of the division of the second month; in his division were 24,000. The third commander, for the third month, was (D)Benaiah, the son of Jehoiada the chief priest; in his division were 24,000. This is the Benaiah (E)who was a mighty man of the thirty and in command of the thirty; Ammizabad his son was in charge of his division.[b] (F)Asahel the brother of Joab was fourth, for the fourth month, and his son Zebadiah after him; in his division were 24,000. The fifth commander, for the fifth month, was (G)Shamhuth the Izrahite; in his division were 24,000. Sixth, for the sixth month, was (H)Ira, the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite; in his division were 24,000. 10 Seventh, for the seventh month, was (I)Helez the Pelonite, of the sons of Ephraim; in his division were 24,000. 11 Eighth, for the eighth month, was (J)Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zerahites; in his division were 24,000. 12 Ninth, for the ninth month, was (K)Abiezer of Anathoth, a Benjaminite; in his division were 24,000. 13 Tenth, for the tenth month, was (L)Maharai of Netophah, of the Zerahites; in his division were 24,000. 14 Eleventh, for the eleventh month, was (M)Benaiah of Pirathon, of the sons of Ephraim; in his division were 24,000. 15 Twelfth, for the twelfth month, was (N)Heldai the Netophathite, of (O)Othniel; in his division were 24,000.

Leaders of Tribes

16 Over the tribes of Israel, for the Reubenites, Eliezer the son of Zichri was chief officer; for the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maacah; 17 for Levi, (P)Hashabiah the son of Kemuel; for Aaron, (Q)Zadok; 18 for Judah, Elihu, one of David's brothers; for Issachar, Omri the son of Michael; 19 for Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah; for Naphtali, Jeremoth the son of Azriel; 20 for the Ephraimites, Hoshea the son of Azaziah; for the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah; 21 for the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zechariah; for Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner; 22 for Dan, Azarel the son of Jeroham. These were the (R)leaders of the tribes of Israel. 23 David did not count those below twenty years of age, for the (S)Lord had promised to make Israel as many as the stars of heaven. 24 Joab the son of Zeruiah began to count, but (T)did not finish. Yet (U)wrath came upon Israel for this, and the number was not entered in the chronicles of King David.

25 Over the king's treasuries was (V)Azmaveth the son of Adiel; and over the treasuries in the country, in the cities, in the villages, and in the towers, was Jonathan the son of Uzziah; 26 and over those who did the work of the field for tilling the soil was Ezri the son of Chelub; 27 and over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite; and over the produce of the vineyards for the wine cellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite. 28 Over the olive and (W)sycamore trees in the Shephelah was Baal-hanan the Gederite; and over the stores of oil was Joash. 29 Over the herds that pastured in (X)Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite; over the herds in the valleys was Shaphat the son of Adlai. 30 Over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite; and over the donkeys was Jehdeiah the Meronothite. Over the flocks was Jaziz the (Y)Hagrite. 31 All these were stewards of King David's property.

32 Jonathan, David's uncle, was a counselor, being a man of understanding and a scribe. He and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni attended the king's sons. 33 (Z)Ahithophel was the (AA)king's counselor, and Hushai the Archite was the king's friend. 34 Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada the son of (AB)Benaiah, and (AC)Abiathar. Joab was (AD)commander of the king's army.

David's Charge to Israel

28 (AE)David assembled at Jerusalem all the officials of Israel, the (AF)officials of the tribes, the officers of the divisions that served the king, the (AG)commanders of thousands, the commanders of hundreds, the (AH)stewards of all the property and livestock of the king and his sons, together with the palace officials, the (AI)mighty men and all the seasoned warriors. Then King David rose to his feet and said: “Hear me, my brothers and my people. (AJ)I had it in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord and for the (AK)footstool of our God, and I made preparations for building. But God said to me, (AL)‘You may not build a house for my name, for you are a man of war and have shed blood.’ Yet the Lord God of Israel (AM)chose me from all my father's house to be king over Israel (AN)forever. (AO)For he chose Judah as leader, and in the house of Judah my father's (AP)house, and among my father's sons he took pleasure in me to make me king over all Israel. And of (AQ)all my sons (for the Lord has given me many sons) he (AR)has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. He said to me, ‘It is (AS)Solomon your son who shall build my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. I will establish his kingdom (AT)forever (AU)if he continues strong in keeping my commandments and my rules, as he is today.’ Now therefore in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever.

David's Charge to Solomon

“And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a (AV)whole heart and with a willing mind, (AW)for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. (AX)If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. 10 Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; (AY)be strong and do it.”

11 Then David gave Solomon his son the (AZ)plan of the (BA)vestibule of the temple,[c] and of its houses, its treasuries, its upper rooms, and its inner chambers, and of the room for the (BB)mercy seat; 12 and the plan of all that he had in mind for the courts of the house of the Lord, all the surrounding chambers, (BC)the treasuries of the house of God, and the treasuries for dedicated gifts; 13 for the (BD)divisions of the priests and of the (BE)Levites, and all the work of the service in the house of the Lord; for all the vessels for the service in the house of the Lord, 14 the weight of gold for all golden vessels for each service, the weight of silver vessels for each service, 15 the weight of the golden (BF)lampstands and their lamps, the weight of gold for each lampstand and its lamps, the weight of silver for a lampstand and its lamps, according to the use of each lampstand in the service, 16 the weight of gold for each table for the showbread, the silver for the silver tables, 17 and pure gold for the forks, the basins and the cups; for the golden bowls and the weight of each; for the silver bowls and the weight of each; 18 for the (BG)altar of incense made of refined gold, and its weight; also his plan for the golden chariot of the (BH)cherubim that spread their wings and covered the ark of the covenant of the Lord. 19 “All this he made clear to me in writing from the hand of the Lord, (BI)all the work to be done according to the plan.”

20 Then David said to Solomon his son, (BJ)“Be strong and courageous and do it. Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed, for the Lord God, even my God, is with you. He will not leave you or forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of the Lord is finished. 21 And behold the (BK)divisions of the priests and the Levites for all the service of the house of God; and with you in all the work will be (BL)every willing man who has skill for any kind of service; also the officers and all the people will be wholly at your command.”

Footnotes

  1. 1 Chronicles 27:4 Septuagint; Hebrew Ahohite and his division and Mikloth the chief officer
  2. 1 Chronicles 27:6 Septuagint, Vulgate; Hebrew was his division
  3. 1 Chronicles 28:11 Hebrew lacks of the temple

Army Divisions

27 This is the list of the Israelites—heads of families, commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and their officers, who served the king in all that concerned the army divisions that were on duty month by month throughout the year. Each division consisted of 24,000 men.

In charge of the first division, for the first month, was Jashobeam(A) son of Zabdiel. There were 24,000 men in his division. He was a descendant of Perez and chief of all the army officers for the first month.

In charge of the division for the second month was Dodai(B) the Ahohite; Mikloth was the leader of his division. There were 24,000 men in his division.

The third army commander, for the third month, was Benaiah(C) son of Jehoiada the priest. He was chief and there were 24,000 men in his division. This was the Benaiah who was a mighty warrior among the Thirty and was over the Thirty. His son Ammizabad was in charge of his division.

The fourth, for the fourth month, was Asahel(D) the brother of Joab; his son Zebadiah was his successor. There were 24,000 men in his division.

The fifth, for the fifth month, was the commander Shamhuth(E) the Izrahite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

The sixth, for the sixth month, was Ira(F) the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

10 The seventh, for the seventh month, was Helez(G) the Pelonite, an Ephraimite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

11 The eighth, for the eighth month, was Sibbekai(H) the Hushathite, a Zerahite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

12 The ninth, for the ninth month, was Abiezer(I) the Anathothite, a Benjamite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

13 The tenth, for the tenth month, was Maharai(J) the Netophathite, a Zerahite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

14 The eleventh, for the eleventh month, was Benaiah(K) the Pirathonite, an Ephraimite. There were 24,000 men in his division.

15 The twelfth, for the twelfth month, was Heldai(L) the Netophathite, from the family of Othniel.(M) There were 24,000 men in his division.

Leaders of the Tribes

16 The leaders of the tribes of Israel:

over the Reubenites: Eliezer son of Zikri;

over the Simeonites: Shephatiah son of Maakah;

17 over Levi: Hashabiah(N) son of Kemuel;

over Aaron: Zadok;(O)

18 over Judah: Elihu, a brother of David;

over Issachar: Omri son of Michael;

19 over Zebulun: Ishmaiah son of Obadiah;

over Naphtali: Jerimoth son of Azriel;

20 over the Ephraimites: Hoshea son of Azaziah;

over half the tribe of Manasseh: Joel son of Pedaiah;

21 over the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead: Iddo son of Zechariah;

over Benjamin: Jaasiel son of Abner;

22 over Dan: Azarel son of Jeroham.

These were the leaders of the tribes of Israel.

23 David did not take the number of the men twenty years old or less,(P) because the Lord had promised to make Israel as numerous as the stars(Q) in the sky. 24 Joab son of Zeruiah began to count the men but did not finish. God’s wrath came on Israel on account of this numbering,(R) and the number was not entered in the book[a] of the annals of King David.

The King’s Overseers

25 Azmaveth son of Adiel was in charge of the royal storehouses.

Jonathan son of Uzziah was in charge of the storehouses in the outlying districts, in the towns, the villages and the watchtowers.

26 Ezri son of Kelub was in charge of the workers who farmed the land.

27 Shimei the Ramathite was in charge of the vineyards.

Zabdi the Shiphmite was in charge of the produce of the vineyards for the wine vats.

28 Baal-Hanan the Gederite was in charge of the olive and sycamore-fig(S) trees in the western foothills.

Joash was in charge of the supplies of olive oil.

29 Shitrai the Sharonite was in charge of the herds grazing in Sharon.(T)

Shaphat son of Adlai was in charge of the herds in the valleys.

30 Obil the Ishmaelite was in charge of the camels.

Jehdeiah the Meronothite was in charge of the donkeys.

31 Jaziz the Hagrite(U) was in charge of the flocks.

All these were the officials in charge of King David’s property.

32 Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a counselor, a man of insight and a scribe. Jehiel son of Hakmoni took care of the king’s sons.

33 Ahithophel(V) was the king’s counselor.

Hushai(W) the Arkite was the king’s confidant. 34 Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoiada son of Benaiah and by Abiathar.(X)

Joab(Y) was the commander of the royal army.

David’s Plans for the Temple

28 David summoned(Z) all the officials(AA) of Israel to assemble at Jerusalem: the officers over the tribes, the commanders of the divisions in the service of the king, the commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, and the officials in charge of all the property and livestock belonging to the king and his sons, together with the palace officials, the warriors and all the brave fighting men.

King David rose to his feet and said: “Listen to me, my fellow Israelites, my people. I had it in my heart(AB) to build a house as a place of rest(AC) for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, for the footstool(AD) of our God, and I made plans to build it.(AE) But God said to me,(AF) ‘You are not to build a house for my Name,(AG) because you are a warrior and have shed blood.’(AH)

“Yet the Lord, the God of Israel, chose me(AI) from my whole family(AJ) to be king over Israel forever. He chose Judah(AK) as leader, and from the tribe of Judah he chose my family, and from my father’s sons he was pleased to make me king over all Israel.(AL) Of all my sons—and the Lord has given me many(AM)—he has chosen my son Solomon(AN) to sit on the throne(AO) of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. He said to me: ‘Solomon your son is the one who will build(AP) my house and my courts, for I have chosen him to be my son,(AQ) and I will be his father. I will establish his kingdom forever if he is unswerving in carrying out my commands and laws,(AR) as is being done at this time.’

“So now I charge you in the sight of all Israel(AS) and of the assembly of the Lord, and in the hearing of our God: Be careful to follow all the commands(AT) of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and pass it on as an inheritance to your descendants forever.(AU)

“And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion(AV) and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart(AW) and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him,(AX) he will be found by you; but if you forsake(AY) him, he will reject(AZ) you forever. 10 Consider now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house as the sanctuary. Be strong and do the work.”

11 Then David gave his son Solomon the plans(BA) for the portico of the temple, its buildings, its storerooms, its upper parts, its inner rooms and the place of atonement. 12 He gave him the plans of all that the Spirit(BB) had put in his mind for the courts of the temple of the Lord and all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of the temple of God and for the treasuries for the dedicated things.(BC) 13 He gave him instructions for the divisions(BD) of the priests and Levites, and for all the work of serving in the temple of the Lord, as well as for all the articles to be used in its service. 14 He designated the weight of gold for all the gold articles to be used in various kinds of service, and the weight of silver for all the silver articles to be used in various kinds of service: 15 the weight of gold for the gold lampstands(BE) and their lamps, with the weight for each lampstand and its lamps; and the weight of silver for each silver lampstand and its lamps, according to the use of each lampstand; 16 the weight of gold for each table(BF) for consecrated bread; the weight of silver for the silver tables; 17 the weight of pure gold for the forks, sprinkling bowls(BG) and pitchers; the weight of gold for each gold dish; the weight of silver for each silver dish; 18 and the weight of the refined gold for the altar of incense.(BH) He also gave him the plan for the chariot,(BI) that is, the cherubim of gold that spread their wings and overshadow(BJ) the ark of the covenant of the Lord.

19 “All this,” David said, “I have in writing as a result of the Lord’s hand on me, and he enabled me to understand all the details(BK) of the plan.(BL)

20 David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous,(BM) and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake(BN) you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished.(BO) 21 The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the work on the temple of God, and every willing person skilled(BP) in any craft will help you in all the work. The officials and all the people will obey your every command.”

Footnotes

  1. 1 Chronicles 27:24 Septuagint; Hebrew number

The Day of the Lord

Now concerning (A)the times and the seasons, brothers,[a] (B)you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that (C)the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then (D)sudden destruction will come upon them (E)as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you (F)are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all (G)children[b] of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then (H)let us not sleep, as others do, but let us (I)keep awake and (J)be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, (K)are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, (L)having put on the breastplate of (M)faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for (N)wrath, but (O)to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 (P)who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Final Instructions and Benediction

12 We ask you, brothers, (Q)to respect those who labor among you and (R)are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. (S)Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish (T)the idle,[c] (U)encourage the fainthearted, (V)help the weak, (W)be patient with them all. 15 See that (X)no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always (Y)seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 (Z)Rejoice always, 17 (AA)pray without ceasing, 18 (AB)give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 (AC)Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise (AD)prophecies, 21 but (AE)test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

23 Now may (AF)the God of peace himself (AG)sanctify you completely, and may your (AH)whole (AI)spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at (AJ)the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 (AK)He who calls you is faithful; (AL)he will surely do it.

25 (AM)Brothers, pray for us.

26 (AN)Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

27 I put you under oath before the Lord to have (AO)this letter read to all the brothers.

28 (AP)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Footnotes

  1. 1 Thessalonians 5:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 4, 12, 14, 25, 26, 27
  2. 1 Thessalonians 5:5 Or sons; twice in this verse
  3. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Or disorderly, or undisciplined

The Day of the Lord

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates(A) we do not need to write to you,(B) for you know very well that the day of the Lord(C) will come like a thief in the night.(D) While people are saying, “Peace and safety,”(E) destruction will come on them suddenly,(F) as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.(G)

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness(H) so that this day should surprise you like a thief.(I) You are all children of the light(J) and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep,(K) but let us be awake(L) and sober.(M) For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.(N) But since we belong to the day,(O) let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate,(P) and the hope of salvation(Q) as a helmet.(R) For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath(S) but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.(T) 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.(U) 11 Therefore encourage one another(V) and build each other up,(W) just as in fact you are doing.

Final Instructions

12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard(X) among you, who care for you in the Lord(Y) and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.(Z) 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle(AA) and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak,(AB) be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,(AC) but always strive to do what is good for each other(AD) and for everyone else.

16 Rejoice always,(AE) 17 pray continually,(AF) 18 give thanks in all circumstances;(AG) for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit.(AH) 20 Do not treat prophecies(AI) with contempt 21 but test them all;(AJ) hold on to what is good,(AK) 22 reject every kind of evil.

23 May God himself, the God of peace,(AL) sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul(AM) and body be kept blameless(AN) at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.(AO) 24 The one who calls(AP) you is faithful,(AQ) and he will do it.(AR)

25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us.(AS) 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss.(AT) 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.(AU)

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.(AV)