⁴ For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us,^(A) so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

God’s Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit

⁶ We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature,^(A) but not the wisdom of this age^(B) or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.^(C)

⁷ No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery^(A) that has been hidden^(B) and that God destined for our glory before time began.

⁷ But since you excel in everything^(A)—in faith, in speech, in knowledge,^(B) in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you^[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.