Malachi 3:13-18

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

¹³ You have spoken harsh words against me, says the Lord. Yet you say, “How have we spoken against you?”^{(A) 14} You have said, “It is vain to serve God. What do we profit by keeping his command or by going about as mourners before the Lord of hosts?^{(B) 15} Now we count the arrogant happy; evildoers not only prosper, but when they put God to the test they escape.”^(C)

The Reward of the Faithful

¹⁶ Then those who revered the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord took note and listened, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who revered the Lord and thought on his name.^{(D) 17} They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, my special possession on the day when I act, and I will spare them as parents spare their children who serve them.^{(E) 18} Then once more you shall see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.^(F)