39
so the calamities will not delay in coming 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 the one who sells be like one who will flee; let the one who buys be like one who will lose;
42
let the one who does business be like one who will not make a profit; and let the one who builds a house be like one who will not live in it;
43
let the one who sows be like one who will not reap; so also the one who prunes the vines, like one who will not gather the grapes;
44
those who marry, like those who will have no children; and those who do not marry, like those who are widowed.
45
Because of this, those who labor, labor in vain;
46
for strangers shall gather their fruits, and plunder their goods, overthrow their houses, and take their children captive; for in captivity and famine they will produce their children.
47
Those who conduct business, do so only to have it 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.
49
Just as a respectable and virtuous woman abhors a prostitute,