17
Alas for me! Alas for me! Who will deliver me in those days?
18
The beginning of sorrows, when there shall be much lamentation; the beginning of famine, when many shall perish; the beginning of wars, when the powers shall be terrified; the beginning of calamities, when all shall tremble. What shall they do, when the calamities come?
19
Famine and plague, tribulation and anguish are sent as scourges for the correction of humankind.
20
Yet for all this they will not turn from their iniquities, or ever be mindful of the scourges.
21
Indeed, provisions will be so cheap upon earth that people will imagine that peace is assured for them, and then calamities shall spring up on the earth—the sword, famine, and great confusion.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.