Anger

^21 (A) You know our ancestors were told, “Do not murder” and “A murderer must be brought to trial.” ²² But I promise you if you are angry with someone,^[a] you will have to stand trial. If you call someone a fool, you will be taken to court. And if you say that someone is worthless, you will be in danger of the fires of hell.

²³ So if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, ²⁴ leave your gift there in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God.

²⁵ Before you are dragged into court, make friends with the person who has accused you of doing wrong. If you don't, you will be handed over to the judge and then to the officer who will put you in jail. ²⁶ I promise you will not get out until you have paid the last cent you owe.

^20-21 But this isn't what you were taught about Jesus Christ. He is the truth, and you heard about him and learned about him. ^22 (A) You were told that your foolish desires will destroy you and that you must give up your old way of life with all its bad habits. ²³ Let the Spirit change your way of thinking ^24 (B) and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, and so you must please him and be truly holy.

Rules for the New Life

^25 (C) We are part of the same body. Stop lying and start telling each other the truth. ^26 (D) Don't get so angry that you sin. Don't go to bed angry ²⁷ and don't give the devil a chance.