⁷ But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed.

^12 (A)Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, ^(B)they may see your good deeds and glorify God on ^(C)the day of visitation.

^12 (A)Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive ^(B)the crown of life, ^(C)which God has promised to those who love him.

¹⁸ The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. ^(A)To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

¹⁵ Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,^[a] a worker ^(A)who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

^2 (A)for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and ^(B)dignified in every way.

²³ Now may ^(A)the God of peace himself ^(B)sanctify you completely, and may your ^(C)whole ^(D)spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at ^(E)the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁸ Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

⁹ And it is my prayer that ^(A)your love may abound more and more, ^(B)with knowledge and all discernment, ¹⁰ so that you may approve what is excellent, ^(C)and so be pure and blameless ^(D)for the day of Christ, ¹¹ filled ^(E)with the fruit of righteousness that comes ^(F)through Jesus Christ, ^(G)to the glory and praise of God.

⁹ For we are glad when ^(A)we are weak and you are strong. Your ^(B)restoration is what we pray for.