38
Just as a woman with child, in the ninth month, when the time of her delivery draws near, has great pains about her womb for two or three hours beforehand, and when the child comes forth from the womb, there will not be a moment's delay,
39
so the calamities will not delay in coming forth upon the earth, and the world will groan, and pains will seize it on every side.
40
"Hear my words, O my people; prepare for battle, and in the midst of the calamities be like strangers on the earth.
41
Let him that sells be like one who will flee; let him that buys be like one who will lose;
42
let him that does business be like one who will not make a profit; and let him that builds a house be like one who will not live in it;
43
let him that sows be like one who will not reap; so also him that prunes the vines, like one who will not gather the grapes;
44
them that marry, like those who will have no children; and them that do not marry, like those who are widowed.
45
Because those who labor, labor in vain;
46
for strangers shall gather their fruits, and plunder their goods, and overthrow their houses, and take their children captive; for in captivity and famine they will beget their children.
47
Those who conduct business, do it only to be plundered; the more they adorn their cities, their houses and possessions, and their persons,
48
the more angry I will be with them for their sins," says the Lord.