⁷ Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.

²¹ We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable.

²⁶ Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

⁵ Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.

⁹ But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.

¹² Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.

Paul’s Hardships

³ We live in such a way that no one will stumble because of us, and no one will find fault with our ministry.

³² Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles^[a] or the church of God.

³ And so, brothers, select seven men who are well respected and are full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will give them this responsibility.

⁸ Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.