12:21 You should not turn aside after empty things that can’t profit and can’t deliver, since they are empty. 1 12:22 The Lord will not abandon his people because he wants to uphold his great reputation. 2 The Lord was pleased to make you his own people.
12:23 As far as I am concerned, far be it from me to sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you! I will instruct you in the way that is good and upright.
12:24 However, fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. Just look at the great things he has done for you!
12:25 But if you continue to do evil, both you and your king will be swept away.”
1 tn Or “useless” (so NIV, NRSV, NLT); NAB “nothing”; NASB “futile”; TEV “are not real.”