23 They will never honor us if we are their slaves. We will only be disgraced—the Lord our God will certainly see to that.
24 Our people are depending on us. In fact, the future of the altar and the temple is in our hands. And so, my friends, let's show our people that we haven't given up hope.
25 Even though things are difficult, we should thank the Lord our God. He is testing us to see how faithful we are, just as he tested our ancestors long ago.
26 Do you remember how the Lord tested Abraham and Isaac or what happened to Jacob while he was taking care of his uncle Laban's sheep in Mesopotamia?
27 The Lord isn't testing our faithfulness to him as severely as he tested the faith of our ancestors, and he isn't taking revenge on us. These hard times were sent as a warning.
28 Uzziah replied:Judith, everything you have said is true, and no one would disagree.
29 And this is certainly not the first time you have spoken so wisely. Even as a child, you showed good sense, and the people of Bethulia have always known how wise and fair your decisions are.