How far more precious are you than the birds!
012:025 And which of you is able by anxious thought to add a moment
to his life?
012:026 If then you are unable to do even a very little thing,
why be over-anxious about other matters?
012:027 Observe the lilies, how they grow. They neither labour nor spin.
And yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour
was as beautifully dressed as one of these.
012:028 But if God so clothes the vegetation in the fields, that blooms
to-day and to-morrow will be thrown into the oven, how much
more certainly will He clothe you, you men of feeble faith!
012:029 "Therefore, do not be asking what you are to eat nor what you
are to drink; and do not waver between hope and fear.
012:030 For though the nations of the world pursue these things,
as for you, your Father knows that you need them.
012:031 But make His Kingdom the object of your pursuit, and these things
shall be given you in addition.
012:032 "Dismiss your fears, little flock: your Father finds a pleasure
in giving you the Kingdom.
012:033 Sell your possessions and give alms. Provide yourselves with purses
that will never wear out, a treasure inexhaustible in Heaven,
where no thief can come nor moth consume.
012:034 For where your wealth is stored, there also will your heart be.
012:035 "Have your girdles on, and let your lamps be alight;
012:036 and be yourselves like men waiting for their master--
on the look-out till he shall return from the wedding feast--
that, when he comes and knocks, they may open the door instantly.
012:037 Blessed are those servants, whom their Master when He comes
shall find on the watch. I tell you in solemn truth,
that He will tie an apron round Him, and will bid them recline