9 You who fear the Lord,hope for good things,for unending joy and mercy.
10 Look at the peoplefrom long ago and see:Who trusted in the Lordand was put to shame?Or who remained firm in godly fearand was left behind?Or who called upon the Lord, and the Lordoverlooked him?
11 After all, the Lord is compassionateand merciful;he forgives sins and rescues peoplein a time of hardship.
12 How terrible it will befor cowardly hearts and idle handsand for a sinner who sets footupon two paths.
13 How terrible it will be for the timid heart.Because it doesn’t trust,therefore it won’t be protected.
14 How terrible it will be for youwho have lost your stamina.What will you do when the Lord comes for his inspection?
15 Those who fear the Lordwon’t disobey his words,and those who love himwill keep his ways.