¹³ Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! Nevertheless, in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it used what is good^(A) to bring about my death,^(B) so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.

¹⁴ We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual,^(C) sold^(D) as a slave to sin.^{(E) 15} I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.^{(F) 16} And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.^{(G) 17} As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.^{(H) 18} For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.^[a](I) For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. ¹⁹ For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.^{(J) 20} Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.^(K)

²¹ So I find this law at work:^(L) Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.