2. The Lord Almighty said to Haggai, “These people say that this is not the right time to rebuild the Temple.”
3. The Lord then gave this message to the people through the prophet Haggai:
4. “My people, why should you be living in well-built houses while my Temple lies in ruins?
5. Don't you see what is happening to you?
6. You have sown much corn, but have harvested very little. You have food to eat, but not enough to make you full. You have wine to drink, but not enough to get drunk on! You have clothing, but not enough to keep you warm. And a worker cannot earn enough to live on.
7. Can't you see why this has happened?
8. Now go up into the hills, get timber, and rebuild the Temple; then I will be pleased and will be worshipped as I should be.
9. “You hoped for large harvests, but they turned out to be small. And when you brought the harvest home, I blew it away. Why did I do that? Because my Temple lies in ruins while every one of you is busy working on his own house.