Further Instructions

² Devote yourselves to prayer,^(A) being watchful and thankful. ³ And pray for us, too, that God may open a door^(B) for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery^(C) of Christ, for which I am in chains.^{(D) 4} Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. ⁵ Be wise^(E) in the way you act toward outsiders;^(F) make the most of every opportunity.^{(G) 6} Let your conversation be always full of grace,^(H) seasoned with salt,^(I) so that you may know how to answer everyone.^(J)

Causing to Stumble

⁴² “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble,^(A) it would be better for them if a large millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea.^{(B) 43} If your hand causes you to stumble,^(C) cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell,^(D) where the fire never goes out.^{(E) [44] [a] 45} And if your foot causes you to stumble,^(F) cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.^{(G) [46] [b] 47} And if your eye causes you to stumble,^(H) pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell,^{(I) 48} where

⁴⁹ Everyone will be salted^(K) with fire.

⁵⁰ “Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again?^(L) Have salt among yourselves,^(M) and be at peace with each other.”^(N)