1 But do you want to know about those that are broken in pieces, and thrown far from the tower? These are the children of lawlessness. They received the faith in hypocrisy, and no evil was absent from them. That is why they have no salvation, for they are not useful for building due to their wickedness. Therefore they were broken up and thrown far away because of the Lord’s anger, for they provoked Him. 2 But the rest that you saw lying in great numbers, not going into the building—those that are mildewed are the people who knew the truth, but did not remain in it or join with the saints. So they are useless.” 3 “But those that have cracks—who are they?” “They are those who have discord in their hearts against one another, and are not at peace among themselves; they have the appearance of peace, but when they leave each other, their wickedness remains in their hearts. These are the cracks that the stones have. 4 But those that are broken off short—these have believed, and are mostly righteous, but have some lawlessness in them; so they are incomplete, and are not perfect.” 5 “But the white and round stones, which did not fit into the building—who are they, lady?” She answered me, “How long will you be foolish and slow-witted, always asking about everything and understanding nothing? These are those who have faith, but also have the riches of this world. When tribulation comes, they deny their Lord because of their riches and their business affairs.” 6 And I answered her, “Then when, lady, will they be useful for building?” “When,” she replied, “their wealth, which leads their souls astray, is cut away, then they will be useful to God. For just as a round stone, unless it is cut away and loses some portion of itself, cannot become square, so also those who are rich in this world, unless their riches are cut away, cannot become useful to the Lord. 7 Learn first from yourself. When you had riches, you were useless; but now you are useful and profitable for life.⁠a Be useful to God, for you yourself were also taken from the same stones.