⁹ Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tongue-lashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God—that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection].

²⁸ Invoke blessings upon and pray for the happiness of those who curse you, implore God’s blessing (favor) upon those who abuse you [who revile, reproach, disparage, and high-handedly misuse you].

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you [who are cruel in their attitude toward you]; bless and do not curse them.

¹² And we still toil unto weariness [for our living], working hard with our own hands. When men revile us [^[a]wound us with an accursed sting], we bless them. When we are persecuted, we take it patiently and endure it.