Mal 3:1-6

The Messenger of the Covenant

1a Now I am sending my messenger—

he will prepare the way before me;*

And the lord whom you seek will come suddenly to his temple;

The messenger of the covenant whom you desire—

see, he is coming! says the LORD of hosts.

2But who can endure the day of his coming?

Who can stand firm when he appears?

For he will be like a refiner’s fire,

like fullers’ lye.

3b He will sit refining and purifying silver,

and he will purify the Levites,

Refining them like gold or silver,

that they may bring offerings to the LORD in righteousness.

4Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem

will please the LORD,

as in ancient days, as in years gone by.

5I will draw near to you for judgment,

and I will be swift to bear witness

Against sorcerers, adulterers, and perjurers,

those who deprive a laborer of wages,

Oppress a widow or an orphan,

or turn aside a resident alien,

without fearing me, says the LORD of hosts.

Gifts for God, Blessings for the People

6For I, the LORD, do not change,*

and you, sons of Jacob, do not cease to be.