1^* Be not hasty in your utterance and let not your heart be quick to utter a promise in God’s presence. God is in heaven and you are on earth; therefore let your words be few.^a

2As dreams come along with many cares,

so a fool’s voice along with a multitude of words.

3^b When you make a vow to God, delay not its fulfillment. For God has no pleasure in fools; fulfill what you have vowed. 4It is better not to make a vow than make it and not fulfill it. 5Let not your utterances make you guilty, and say not before his representative, “It was a mistake.” Why should God be angered by your words and destroy the works of your hands? 6^c Despite many dreams, futilities, and a multitude of words, fear God!

Gain and Loss of Goods. 7^d If you see oppression of the poor, and violation of rights and justice in the realm, do not be astonished by the fact, for the high official has another higher than he watching him and above these are others higher still—.

The Walking on the Water.^* 45Then he made his disciples get into the boat^p and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida,^* while he dismissed the crowd. 46^* And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. 47When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. 48Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea.^* He meant to pass by them. 49But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. 50^* They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” 51He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were [completely] astounded. 52They had not understood the incident of the loaves.^* On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.^q