When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous seek refuge in God.
“I look for your deliverance, Lord.
Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will surely defend my ways to his face.
He is driven from light into the realm of darkness and is banished from the world.
You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.
As for me, I will be vindicated and will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.
Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns— whether they be green or dry—the wicked will be swept away.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory.
The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness.
Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself be known.
for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes.
The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them; the cords of their sins hold them fast.
Therefore disaster will overtake him in an instant; he will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.
Once more Jesus said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come.”
I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.”
What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction?
Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.
We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”