“Is it to God that a strong man is of benefit? Is it to him that even a wise man is profitable?

You carefully observe me when I travel or when I lie down to rest; you are aware of everything I do.

Does he argue with useless talk, with words that have no value in them?

“Reconcile yourself with God, and be at peace with him; in this way your prosperity will be good.

For he says, ‘It does not profit a man when he makes his delight with God.’

But you say, ‘What will it profit you,’ and, ‘What do I gain by not sinning?’

The young woman was very beautiful; she became the king’s nurse and served him, but the king did not have sexual relations with her.

The donkey said to Balaam, “Am not I your donkey that you have ridden ever since I was yours until this day? Have I ever attempted to treat you this way?” And he said, “No.”

This is what the sovereign master, the Lord who commands armies, says: “Go visit this administrator, Shebna, who supervises the palace, and tell him:

His servants advised him, “A young virgin must be found for our master, the king, to take care of the king’s needs and serve as his nurse. She can also sleep with you and keep our master, the king, warm.”