¹² Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds^(A) and glorify God^(B) on the day he visits us.

¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others,^(A) that they may see your good deeds^(B) and glorify^(C) your Father in heaven.

¹⁶ keeping a clear conscience,^(A) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.^(B)

¹⁵ so that you may become blameless^(A) and pure, “children of God^(B) without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^[a](C) Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ^(D) that I did not run^(E) or labor in vain.^(F)

²¹ For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.^(A)

⁷ In everything set them an example^(A) by doing what is good.^(B) In your teaching show integrity, seriousness ⁸ and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.^(C)

¹² so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders^(A) and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Life Worthy of the Gospel

²⁷ Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy^(A) of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm^(B) in the one Spirit,^[a] striving together^(C) as one for the faith of the gospel

¹² Don’t let anyone look down on you^(A) because you are young, but set an example^(B) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith^(C) and in purity.