6
Just as I am able to punish those who disobey my orders, so I can be a benefactor to those who obey me.
7
Trust me, then, and you will have positions of authority in my government if you will renounce the ancestral tradition of your national life.
8
And enjoy your youth by adopting the Greek way of life and by changing your manner of living.
9
But if by disobedience you rouse my anger, you will compel me to destroy each and every one of you with dreadful punishments through tortures.
10
Therefore take pity on yourselves. Even I, your enemy, have compassion for your youth and handsome appearance.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.