¹⁴ But thanks be to God,^(A) who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma^(B) of the knowledge^(C) of him everywhere. ¹⁵ For we are to God the pleasing aroma^(D) of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.^(E)

¹² This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs^(A) of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.^(B)

¹⁷ Command those who are rich^(A) in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth,^(B) which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God,^(C) who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.^{(D) 18} Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,^(E) and to be generous and willing to share.^{(F) 19} In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves^(G) as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of^(H) the life that is truly life.