Therefore, strengthen your listless hands and your weak knees,

For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.”

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!

We must go out to him, then, outside the camp, bearing the abuse he experienced.

because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord,

But the rich person’s pride should be in his humiliation, because he will pass away like a wildflower in the meadow.

Do they not blaspheme the good name of the one you belong to?

For judgment is merciless for the one who has shown no mercy. But mercy triumphs over judgment.

So submit to God. But resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Your riches have rotted and your clothing has become moth-eaten.

Like obedient children, do not comply with the evil urges you used to follow in your ignorance,

You once were not a people, but now you are God’s people. You were shown no mercy, but now you have received mercy.

For who is going to harm you if you are devoted to what is good?

For it is better to suffer for doing good, if God wills it, than for doing evil.

in that he spends the rest of his time on earth concerned about the will of God and not human desires.

And if the righteous are barely saved, what will become of the ungodly and sinners?

Give a shepherd’s care to God’s flock among you, exercising oversight not merely as a duty but willingly under God’s direction, not for shameful profit but eagerly.

And do not lord it over those entrusted to you, but be examples to the flock.

And God will exalt you in due time, if you humble yourselves under his mighty hand