6 ¹² Now I urge those who read this book not to be depressed by such calamities, but to recognize that these punishments were designed not to destroy but to discipline our people. 6 ¹³ In fact, not to let the impious alone for long, but to punish them immediately, is a sign of great kindness. 6 ¹⁴ For in the case of the other nations the Lord waits patiently to punish them until they have reached the full measure of their sins; but he does not deal in this way with us, 6 ¹⁵ in order that he may not take vengeance on us afterward when our sins have reached their height. 6 ¹⁶ Therefore he never withdraws his mercy from us. Though he disciplines us with calamities, he does not forsake his own people. 6 ¹⁷ Let what we have said serve as a reminder; we must go on briefly with the story.