If you really hope in your heart that they will not be taken, then do not look downcast! I have spoken, and none of my words shall fail to come true.”

You cannot plumb the depths of the human heart or understand the workings of the human mind; how do you expect to search out God, who made all these things, and find out his mind or comprehend his thought? No, my brothers, do not anger the Lord our God.

For he has not tried us with fire, as he did them, to search their hearts, nor has he taken vengeance on us, but the Lord scourges those who are close to him in order to admonish them.”

Then Uzziah said to her, “All that you have said was spoken out of a true heart, and there is no one who can deny your words.

Today is not the first time your wisdom has been shown, but from the beginning of your life all the people have recognized your understanding, for your heart’s disposition is right.

When you stand before him, have no fear in your heart, but tell him what you have just said, and he will treat you well.”

Then Holofernes said to her, “Take courage, woman, and do not be afraid in your heart, for I have never hurt anyone who chose to serve Nebuchadnezzar, king of all the earth.

Then Judith came in and lay down. Holofernes’s heart was ravished with her and his passion was aroused, for he had been waiting for an opportunity to be with her from the day he first saw her.

So everyone went out, and no one, either small or great, was left in the bedchamber. Then Judith, standing beside his bed, said in her heart, “O Lord God of all might, look in this hour on the work of my hands for the exaltation of Jerusalem.

Your hope will never depart from the hearts of those who remember the power of God.