⁷ This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Give careful thought^(A) to your ways. ⁸ Go up into the mountains and bring down timber^(B) and build my house, so that I may take pleasure^(C) in it and be honored,^(D)” says the Lord. ⁹ “You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little.^(E) What you brought home, I blew^(F) away. Why?” declares the Lord Almighty. “Because of my house, which remains a ruin,^(G) while each of you is busy with your own house.

³⁸ Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.^(A) The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”^(B)

³⁹ Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. ⁴⁰ When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.

⁴¹ Returning the third time, he said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour^(C) has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners.

⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good,^(A) for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.^(B)

The Armor of God

¹⁰ Finally, be strong in the Lord^(A) and in his mighty power.^{(B) 11} Put on the full armor of God,^(C) so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. ¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood,^(D) but against the rulers, against the authorities,^(E) against the powers^(F) of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.^{(G) 13} Therefore put on the full armor of God,^(H) so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

¹¹ Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor,^(A) serving the Lord. ¹² Be joyful in hope,^(B) patient in affliction,^(C) faithful in prayer.^(D)