protests

⁹Open your mouth, declare what is just, and do justice to the indigent and the poor.

¹³Whoever blocks his ears to the outcry of the poor shall also cry out himself, and he will not be heeded.

⁸Whoever sows iniquity will reap evils, and by the rod of his own wrath he will be consumed.

¹²And because iniquity has abounded, the charity of many will grow cold.

¹⁶And I instructed them, saying: ‘Listen to them, and judge what is just, whether he is one of your citizens or a sojourner. ¹⁷There shall be no favoritism to any persons. So you shall listen to the little as well as to the great. And you shall not accept anyone’s reputation, for this is the judgment of God. But if anything seems difficult to you, then refer it to me, and I will hear it.’

¹But, as a help to you, we exhort you not to receive the grace of God in vain. ²For he says: “In a favorable time, I heeded you; and on the day of salvation, I helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. ³May we never give offense to anyone, so that our ministry may not be disparaged. ⁴But in all things, let us exhibit ourselves as ministers of God with great patience: through tribulation, difficulties, and distress; ⁵despite wounds, imprisonment, and rebellion; with hard work, vigilance, and fasting; ⁶by chastity, knowledge, and longsuffering; in pleasantness, in the Holy Spirit, and in unfeigned charity;

³³These things I have spoken to you, so that you may have peace in me. In the world, you will have difficulties. But have confidence: I have overcome the world.”

¹⁵The innocent trust every word. The astute one considers his own steps. Nothing good will be for the deceitful son. But the wise servant shall act prosperously and his way will be set in order.

³⁴But as soon as they realized him to be a Jew, all with one voice, for about two hours, were crying out, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”

¹⁶So then, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?

¹Act now, you who are wealthy! Weep and wail in your miseries, which will soon come upon you! ²Your riches have been corrupted, and your garments have been eaten by moths. ³Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust will be a testimony against you, and it will eat away at your flesh like fire. You have stored up wrath for yourselves unto the last days. ⁴Consider the pay of the workers who reaped your fields: it has been misappropriated by you; it cries out. And their cry has entered into the ears of the Lord of hosts. ⁵You have feasted upon the earth, and you have nourished your hearts with luxuries, unto the day of slaughter. ⁶You led away and killed the Just One, and he did not resist you.