¹⁵ For it is God’s will^(A) that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.^(B)

¹⁷ For it is better, if it is God’s will,^(A) to suffer for doing good^(B) than for doing evil.

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.^(A)

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.

²⁶ But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.

¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances;^(A) for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

³ It is God’s will^(A) that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;^(B)

¹² But these people blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like unreasoning animals, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like animals they too will perish.^(A)

⁶ Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ,^(A) doing the will of God from your heart. ⁷ Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people,^(B)