¹² I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.

²² So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work,^(A) because that is their lot.^(B) For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?

¹⁸ Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,^(A) and to be generous and willing to share.^(B)

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.

¹⁶ Rejoice always,^(C)

Final Exhortations

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!^{(A) 5} Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.^{(B) 6} Do not be anxious about anything,^(C) but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.^{(D) 7} And the peace of God,^(E) which transcends all understanding,^(F) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.^(G) And the God of peace^(H) will be with you.

³⁵ In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

⁴¹ But now as for what is inside you—be generous to the poor,^(A) and everything will be clean for you.^(B)