19
O men and brothers, should we not fear the instruments of torture and consider the threats of torments, and give up this vain opinion and this arrogance that threatens to destroy us?
17
"O wretches that we are and so senseless! Since the king has summoned and exhorted us to accept kind treatment if we obey him,
18
why do we take pleasure in vain resolves and venture upon a disobedience that brings death?
19
O men and brothers, should we not fear the instruments of torture and consider the threats of torments, and give up this vain opinion and this arrogance that threatens to destroy us?
20
Let us take pity on our youth and have compassion on our mother's age;
21
and let us seriously consider that if we disobey we are dead!
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.