1
My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for temptation.
2
Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be hasty in time of calamity.
3
Cleave to him and do not depart, that you may be honored at the end of your life.
4
Accept whatever is brought upon you, and in changes that humble you be patient.
5
For gold is tested in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of humiliation.
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.