Notice therefore the kindness and harshness of God – harshness toward those who have fallen, but ¹  God’s kindness toward you, provided you continue in his kindness; ²  otherwise you also will be cut off.

and those members we consider less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our unpresentable members are clothed with dignity, ¹ 

Think of how we regard ¹  as blessed those who have endured. You have heard of Job’s endurance and you have seen the Lord’s purpose, that the Lord is full of compassion and mercy. ² 

And regard the patience of our Lord as salvation, ¹  just as also our dear brother Paul ²  wrote to you, ³  according to the wisdom given to him,

Leah said, “How happy I am, ¹  for women ²  will call me happy!” So she named him Asher. ³ 

But any other winged swarming thing that has four legs is detestable to you.

Every swarming thing that swarms on the land is detestable; it must not be eaten.

You who ride on light-colored female donkeys, who sit on saddle blankets, ¹  you who walk on the road, pay attention!

So turn and leave ¹  in peace. You must not do anything that the leaders of the Philistines consider improper!” ² 

Call to mind now: ¹  Who, ²  being innocent, ever perished? ³  And where were upright people ⁴  ever destroyed? ⁵ 

“Therefore, ¹  blessed ²  is the man whom God corrects, ³  so do not despise the discipline ⁴  of the Almighty. ⁵ 

I would know with what words ¹  he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.

Take note of the one who has integrity! Observe the godly! ¹  For the one who promotes peace has a future. ² 

He pronounces this blessing on himself while he is alive: “May men praise you, for you have done well!”

Remember your covenant promises, ¹  for the dark regions of the earth are full of places where violence rules. ² 

So teach us to consider our mortality, ¹  so that we might live wisely. ² 

I recall the old days; ¹  I meditate on all you have done; I reflect on your accomplishments. ² 

The stingy person ¹  hastens after riches and does not know that poverty will overtake him. ² 

I will denounce your so-called righteousness and your deeds, ¹  but they will not help you.

as are those of Hamath also, which adjoins Damascus, and Tyre ¹  and Sidon, ²  though they consider themselves to be very wise.