14. But why should we be happy that we have given you these gifts? They belong to you, and we have only given back what is already yours.
15. We are only foreigners living here on earth for a while, just as our ancestors were. And we will soon be gone, like a shadow that suddenly disappears.
16. Our Lord God, we have brought all these things for building a temple to honour you. They belong to you, and you gave them to us.
17. But we are happy, because everyone has voluntarily given you these things. You know what is in everyone's heart, and you are pleased when people are honest.
18. Always make us eager to give, and help us be faithful to you, just as our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob faithfully worshipped you.