¹⁵ but ^(A)in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, ^(B)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 ^(C)respect,

⁶ Let your speech always ^(A)be gracious, ^(B)seasoned with salt, ^(C)so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

²⁵ correcting his opponents ^(A)with gentleness. God ^(B)may perhaps grant them repentance ^(C)leading to a knowledge of the truth, ²⁶ and they may come to their senses and escape from ^(D)the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

¹⁴ Settle it therefore in your minds ^(A)not to meditate beforehand how to answer, ¹⁵ for ^(B)I will give you a mouth and ^(C)wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or ^(D)contradict.

² when they see your ^(A)respectful and pure conduct.