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, ^16 (D)having a good conscience, so that, ^(E)when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

Salt and Light

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth, ^(A)but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.

^14 (B)“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. ^15 (C)Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so ^(D)that^[a] they may see your good works and ^(E)give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

¹⁹ And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and ^(A)tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” ²⁰ And he went away and began to proclaim in ^(B)the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled.

Wisdom from Above

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? ^(A)By his good conduct let him show his works ^(B)in the meekness of wisdom.