Besides all this, a wide chasm has been fixed between us, so that those who want to cross from this side to you cannot do so, nor can they cross from your side to us.'

But we kept hoping that he would be the one to redeem Israel. What is more, this is now the third day since these things occurred.

Giving

So then, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election certain, for if you keep on doing this you will never fail.

So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to have the Lord find you at peace and without spot or fault.

You have commanded concerning your precepts, that they be guarded with diligence.

Above everything else guard your heart, because from it flow the springs of life.

Why spend your money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in rich food.

Those who are now far away will come and do reconstruction work in the Temple of the LORD. Then you will know that the LORD of the Heavenly Armies has sent me to you. This will come about if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God."'"

Do not work for food that perishes but for food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal on him."

And so, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, not only when I was with you but even more now that I am absent, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

But we want each of you to continue to be diligent to the very end, in order to give full assurance to your hope.

Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who diligently search for him.

See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up and causes you trouble, or many of you will become defiled.

Virtue

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the full knowledge of the one who called us by his own glory and excellence.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is fair, whatever is pure, whatever is acceptable, whatever is commendable, if there is anything of excellence and if there is anything praiseworthy keep thinking about these things.

General references

Be sure to observe the commands of the LORD your God, his testimonies and his decrees that he gave you.

Through slothfulness the roof deteriorates, and a house leaks because of idleness.

and be holy and righteous before him all of our days.