On this topic we have much to say ¹  and it is difficult to explain, since you have become sluggish ²  in hearing.

But would you like evidence, ¹  you empty fellow, ²  that faith without works is useless? ³ 

When Elisha the prophet ¹  heard that the king had torn his clothes, he sent this message to the king, “Why did you tear your clothes? Send him ²  to me so he may know there is a prophet in Israel.”

Listen! ¹  I am going to make those people from the synagogue ²  of Satan – who say they are Jews yet ³  are not, but are lying – Look, I will make ⁴  them come and bow down ⁵  at your feet and acknowledge ⁶  that I have loved you.

You will be driven ¹  from human society, ²  and you will live ³  with the wild animals. You will be fed ⁴  grass like oxen, ⁵  and you will become damp with the dew of the sky. Seven periods of time will pass by for you, before ⁶  you understand that the Most High is ruler over human kingdoms and gives them to whomever he wishes.

Now therefore, please stay ¹  the night here also, that I may know what more the Lord might say to me.” ² 

They said to him, “Seek a divine oracle for us, ¹  so we can know if we will be successful on our mission.” ² 

(He gave instructions that the people of Judah should be taught “The Bow.” ¹  Indeed, it is written down in the Book of Yashar.) ² 

If your sons keep my covenant and the rules I teach them, their sons will also sit on your throne forever.”

“How long will you simpletons ¹  love naiveté? ²  How long ³  will mockers ⁴  delight ⁵  in mockery ⁶  and fools ⁷  hate knowledge?

Give instruction ¹  to a wise person, ²  and he will become wiser still; teach ³  a righteous person and he will add to his ⁴  learning.

Of what ¹  use is money in the hand of a fool, ²  since he has no intention ³  of acquiring wisdom? ⁴ 

For you are not being sent to a people of unintelligible speech ¹  and difficult language, ²  but ³  to the house of Israel –

I will put an end to the obscene conduct in the land; all the women will learn a lesson from this and not engage in obscene conduct.

When I please, ¹  I will discipline them; ²  I will gather nations together to attack them, ³  to bind them in chains ⁴  for their two sins. ⁵ 

Why do you worry about clothing? Think about how the flowers ¹  of the field grow; they do not work ²  or spin.

How can you believe, if you accept praise ¹  from one another and don’t seek the praise ²  that comes from the only God? ³ 

And we speak about these things, not with words taught us by human wisdom, but with those taught by the Spirit, explaining spiritual things to spiritual people. ¹ 

but in the church I want to speak five words with my mind to instruct others, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue.

For I did not receive it or learn it from any human source; ¹  instead I received it ²  by a revelation of Jesus Christ. ³