1 My child, if you aspire to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for an ordeal.
2 Be sincere of heart, be steadfast, and do not be alarmed when disaster comes.
3 Cling to him and do not leave him, so that you may be honoured at the end of your days.
4 Whatever happens to you, accept it, and in the uncertainties of your humble state, be patient,
5 since gold is tested in the fire, and the chosen in the furnace of humiliation.
6 Trust him and he will uphold you, follow a straight path and hope in him.
7 You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; do not turn aside, for fear you fall.
8 You who fear the Lord, trust him, and you will not be robbed of your reward.
9 You who fear the Lord, hope for those good gifts of his, everlasting joy and mercy.
10 Look at the generations of old and see: whoever trusted in the Lord and was put to shame? Or whoever, steadfastly fearing him, was forsaken? Or whoever called to him and was ignored?
11 For the Lord is compassionate and merciful, he forgives sins and saves in the time of distress.
12 Woe to faint hearts and listless hands, and to the sinner who treads two paths.
13 Woe to the listless heart that has no faith, for such will have no protection.
14 Woe to you who have lost the strength to endure; what will you do at the Lord's visitation?
15 Those who fear the Lord do not disdain his words, and those who love him keep his ways.
16 Those who fear the Lord do their best to please him, and those who love him will find satisfaction in the Law.
17 Those who fear the Lord keep their hearts prepared and humble themselves in his presence.
18 Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, not into any human clutches; for as his majesty is, so too is his mercy.
Versículos relacionados com Ecclesiasticus, 2:
Ecclesiastical 2 talks about the importance of persevering in faith and justice, despite the difficulties and temptations that may arise throughout their lives. The chapter encourages the faithful to trust God and to remain firm in their convictions, promising that those who remain faithful will be rewarded. Below are five verses related to the theme:
Psalm 34:19: "There are many afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him from all." This verse talks about how the righteous may face difficulties in their lives, but God will always rid them of all afflictions.
Romans 5:3-4: "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, experience; and experience, hope." This verse highlights how tribulations and difficulties can help strengthen the faith and perseverance of Christians.
James 1:2-4: "My brothers, tend for all the joy of passing through various trials, knowing that the trial of your faith, once confirmed, produces perseverance. Now, perseverance must have complete action, so that you may be Perfect and righteous, in no way disabled. " James urges Christians to face their trials as opportunities to strengthen faith and perseverance, leading to perfection and integrity.
1 Peter 1:7: "that proof of your faith, more precious than the gold that perishes and is proven by fire, reduces to praise, glory, and honor in the revelation of Jesus Christ." This verse highlights how trials can prove the faith of Christians and lead them to be rewarded with praise, glory and honor.
Galatians 6:9: "And let us not get tired of doing good, because in time we will reap, if we do not faint." This verse encourages Christians to continue to do good, even when they face difficulties and trials, reminding them that they will be rewarded at the right time.
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