¹³ Now ^(A)who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? ^14 (B)But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. ^(C)Have no fear of them, ^(D)nor be troubled, ¹⁵ but ^(E)in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, ^(F)always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and ^(G)respect, ^16 (H)having a good conscience, so that, ^(I)when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. ¹⁷ For ^(J)it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

^6 (A)Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, ^7 (B)casting all your anxieties on him, because ^(C)he cares for you.