17
Alas for me! Alas for me! Who will deliver me in those days?
18
The beginning of sorrows, when there shall be much lamentation; the beginning of famine, when many shall perish; the beginning of wars, when the powers shall be terrified; the beginning of calamities, when all shall tremble. What shall they do in these circumstances, when the calamities come?
19
Behold, famine and plague, tribulation and anguish are sent as scourges for the correction of men.
20
Yet for all this they will not turn from their iniquities, nor be always mindful of the scourges.
21
Behold, provision will be so cheap upon earth that men will imagine that peace is assured for them, and then the calamities shall spring up on the earth -- the sword, famine, and great confusion.
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.