1 HE gave them an illustration that they ought always to pray and not to lose courage.

2 He said, "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God or regard man.

3 And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, 'Give me justice against my adversary.'

4 For a time he would not. Later he said to himself, 'Even though I do not fear God nor regard man,

5 yet because this widow is annoying me I will do her justice so that she may not keep coming and mauling me forever.'

6 The Master said, "Hear what the wicked judge says;

7 and will not God do justice for his elect, who are calling to him day and night, even though he is long-suffering with their adversaries?

8 I tell you, he will do justice for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"