²⁸ ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’^[a](A) As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’^[b]

²⁴ And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.^{(A) 25} Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,^{(B) 26} and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil,^(C) who has taken them captive to do his will.

⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you.^(A) Wash your hands,^(B) you sinners, and purify your hearts,^(C) you double-minded.^{(D) 9} Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.^{(E) 10} Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.^(F)

⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins^(A) and purify us from all unrighteousness.^(B)