20
Before the universe was created, it was known to him, and so it is since its completion.
21
This man will be punished in the streets of the city, and where he least suspects it, he will be seized
22
So it is with a woman who leaves her husband and presents him with an heir by another man.
23
For first of all, she has disobeyed the law of the Most High; second, she has committed an offense against her husband; and third, through her fornication she has committed adultery and brought forth children by another man.
24
She herself will be brought before the assembly, and her punishment will extend to her children.
25
Her children will not take root, and her branches will not bear fruit.
26
She will leave behind an accursed memory and her disgrace will never be blotted out.
27
Those who survive her will recognize that nothing is better than the fear of the Lord, and nothing sweeter than to heed the commandments of the Lord.
[a].
Other ancient authorities add as verse 28, [It is a great honor to follow God, and to be received by him is long life.]
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.