²⁴ Do you not see that in a running competition all take part, but only one gets the reward? So let your minds be fixed on the reward.

¹ For this reason, as we are circled by so great a cloud of witnesses, putting off every weight, and the sin into which we come so readily, let us keep on running in the way which is marked out for us,

²⁶ So then I am running, not uncertainly; so I am fighting, not as one who gives blows in the air:

¹⁴ I go forward to the mark, even the reward of the high purpose of God in Christ Jesus.

¹¹ I come quickly: keep that which you have, so that no one may take your crown.

¹⁶ Offering the word of life; so that I may have glory in you in the day of Christ, because my running was not for nothing and my work was not without effect.

² And I went up by revelation; and I put before them the good news which I was preaching among the Gentiles, but privately before those who were of good name, so that the work which I was or had been doing might not be without effect.

⁷ I have made a good fight, I have come to the end of my journey, I have kept the faith:

⁸ From now on, the crown of righteousness is made ready for me, which the Lord, the upright judge, Will give to me at that day: and not only to me, but to all those who have had love for his revelation.

¹² There is a blessing on the man who undergoes testing; because, if he has God's approval, he will be given the crown of life, which the Lord has said he will give to those who have love for him.

⁷ You were going on well; who was the cause of your not giving ear to what is true?

¹¹ And again I saw under the sun that the reward goes not to him who is quick, or the fruits of war to the strong; and there is no bread for the wise, or wealth for men of learning, or respect for those who have knowledge; but time and chance come to all.

⁵ If running with the fighting-men has made you tired, how will you be able to keep up with horses? and if in a land of peace you go in flight, what will become of you in the thick growth of Jordan?

¹⁸ Let no man take your reward from you by consciously making little of himself and giving worship to angels; having his thoughts fixed on the things which he has seen, being foolishly lifted up in his natural mind,

¹⁰ But I am the Lord your God from the land of Egypt; I will give you tents for your living-places again as in the days of the holy meeting.

⁵ Who is like a newly married man coming from his bride-tent, and is glad like a strong runner starting on his way.