Live together in peace with each other. Don’t be proud, but be willing to be friends with people who are not important to others. Don’t think of yourself as smarter than everyone else.
I want you to understand this secret truth, brothers and sisters. This truth will help you understand that you don’t know everything. The truth is this: Part of Israel has been made stubborn, but that will change when enough non-Jewish people have come to God.
But who was it that you insulted and made fun of? Who was it that you spoke against? You were speaking against the Holy One of Israel. You acted like you were great and he was nothing.
You do bad things but still feel safe. You say to yourself, ‘No one sees the wrong I do.’ You thought that your wisdom and knowledge would save you. You tell yourself, ‘I alone am important, and no one else matters.’
The king of Assyria said, “I am very wise. By my own wisdom and power I have done many great things. I have defeated many nations. I have taken their wealth and their people as slaves. I am a very powerful man.