13
In fact, it is a sign of great kindness not to let the impious alone for long, but to punish them immediately.
14
For in the case of the other nations the Lord waits patiently to punish them until they have reached the full measure of their sins; but he does not deal in this way with us,
15
in order that he may not take vengeance on us afterward when our sins have reached their height.
16
Therefore he never withdraws his mercy from us. Although he disciplines us with calamities, he does not forsake his own people.
17
Let what we have said serve as a reminder; we must go on briefly with the story.
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.