Especially will the corrupt passions control the mind of those who value Heaven of so little worth. Health will be sacrificed, the mental faculties enfeebled, and Heaven will be sold for these pleasures, as Esau sold his birthright. Esau was a reckless person. He made a solemn oath that Jacob should have his birthright. This case is left on record as a warning to others. As Esau learned that Jacob had obtained the blessing which would have belonged to him, had he not rashly sold it, he was greatly distressed. He repented of his rash act, when it was too late to remedy the matter. Thus it will be with sinners in the day of God, who have bartered away their heirship to Heaven for selfish gratifications and hurtful lusts. They will then find no place for repentance, although they may seek it, like Esau, carefully and with tears. {1SP 108.2}

Især ville fordærvelige lidenskaber beherske deres sind, som mene at himmelen er af så lille værdi. De ville opofre sit helbred; svække sindsevnerne, og sælge himmelen for kødelige fornøjelser, ligesom Esau solgte sin førstefødselsret. Denne begivenhed er nedskrevet til advarsel for andre. Da Esau mærkede at Jakob havde fået den velsignelse (109) som tilhørte ham, følte han stor kummer. Han angrede sin overilede handling da det var for sent at forandre sagen. Således vil det gå med de ugudelige på Herrens dag, som havde bortødslet deres arveret til himmelen for syndige nydelser og skadelige lyster. De ville ingen forandring finde i beslutningen, om de end, ligesom Esau, søgte efter den med gråd.