¹² Righteous people are nothing but a nuisance, so let's look for chances to get rid of them. They are against what we do; they accuse us of breaking the Law of Moses and violating the traditions of our ancestors.

¹⁷ But we'll see if that's true! Let's see what will happen when it's time for them to die! ¹⁸ If the righteous really are God's children, God will save them from their enemies. ¹⁹ So let's put them to the test. We'll be cruel to them, and torment them; then we'll find out how calm and reasonable they are! We'll find out just how much they can stand! ²⁰ We'll condemn them to a shameful death. After all, they say that God will protect them.