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33  The Lord turns rivers into wilderness ♦︎
   and water springs into thirsty ground;
34  A fruitful land he makes a salty waste, ♦︎
   because of the wickedness of those who dwell there.
35  He makes the wilderness a pool of water ♦︎
   and water springs out of a thirsty land.
36  There he settles the hungry ♦︎
   and they build a city to dwell in.
37  They sow fields and plant vineyards ♦︎
   and bring in a fruitful harvest.
38  He blesses them, so that they multiply greatly; ♦︎
   he does not let their herds of cattle decrease.
39  He pours contempt on princes ♦︎
   and makes them wander in trackless wastes.
40  They are diminished and brought low, ♦︎
   through stress of misfortune and sorrow,
41  But he raises the poor from their misery ♦︎
   and multiplies their families like flocks of sheep.
42  The upright will see this and rejoice, ♦︎
   but all wickedness will shut its mouth.
43  Whoever is wise will ponder these things ♦︎
   and consider the loving-kindness of the Lord.

17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls and will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with sighing—for that would be harmful to you.

18 Pray for us; we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honourably in all things. ¹⁹I urge you all the more to do this, so that I may be restored to you very soon.

Benediction

20 Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, ²¹make you complete in everything good so that you may do his will, working among us^* that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Final Exhortation and Greetings

22 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters,^* bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. ²³I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been set free; and if he comes in time, he will be with me when I see you. ²⁴Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy send you greetings. ²⁵Grace be with all of you.^*