¹⁰ Come, we must deal shrewdly^(A) with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.”^(B)

¹⁹ He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our ancestors by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die.^(A)

¹⁵ Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven^(A) but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.^{(B) 16} For where you have envy and selfish ambition,^(C) there you find disorder and every evil practice.

¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven^(D) is first of all pure; then peace-loving,^(E) considerate, submissive, full of mercy^(F) and good fruit, impartial and sincere.^{(G) 18} Peacemakers^(H) who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.^(I)

¹⁸ Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise^(A) by the standards of this age,^(B) you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. ¹⁹ For the wisdom of this world is foolishness^(C) in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”^[a];^{(D) 20} and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”^[b](E)

The Plot to Kill Paul

¹² The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy^(A) and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.^(B)