⁶ He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed,^(A) or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.”

¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,^(A) but always strive to do what is good for each other^(B) and for everyone else.

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you;^(A) bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.^{(B) 16} Live in harmony with one another.^(C) Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.^[a] Do not be conceited.^(D)

¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil.^(E) Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.^{(F) 18} If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.^{(G) 19} Do not take revenge,^(H) my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”^[b](I) says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Submission to Governing Authorities

13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities,^(K) for there is no authority except that which God has established.^(L) The authorities that exist have been established by God. ² Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted,^(M) and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,^(A)

³ But Naboth replied, “The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance^(A) of my ancestors.”

¹⁴ David asked him, “Why weren’t you afraid to lift your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?^(A)”

⁹ But David said to Abishai, “Don’t destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed^(A) and be guiltless?^{(B) 10} As surely as the Lord lives,” he said, “the Lord himself will strike^(C) him, or his time^(D) will come and he will die,^(E) or he will go into battle and perish. ¹¹ But the Lord forbid that I should lay a hand on the Lord’s anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let’s go.”