13. You have spoken harshly about me,says the Lord;but you say,"What have we spoken about you?"
14. You said,"Serving God is useless.What do we gain by keeping his obligationor by walking around as mournersbefore the Lord of heavenly forces?
15. So now we consider the arrogant fortunate.Moreover, those doing evil are built up;they test God and escape."
16. Then those revering the Lord,each and every one, spoke among themselves.The Lord paid attention and listened to them.Then a scroll of remembrance was written before the Lordabout those revering the Lord,the ones meditating on his name.
17. On the day that I am preparing,says the Lord of heavenly forces,they will be my special possession.I will spare them just as parents spare a child who serves them.
18. You will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked,between those serving God and those not serving him.