¹⁸ He chose to give us birth^(A) through the word of truth,^(B) that we might be a kind of firstfruits^(C) of all he created.

Listening and Doing

¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters,^(D) take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak^(E) and slow to become angry, ²⁰ because human anger^(F) does not produce the righteousness that God desires. ²¹ Therefore, get rid of^(G) all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you,^(H) which can save you.

²² Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.^{(I) 23} Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror ²⁴ and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. ²⁵ But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom,^(J) and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.^(K)

²⁶ Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues^(L) deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. ²⁷ Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after^(M) orphans and widows^(N) in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.^(O)

²³ For you have been born again,^(A) not of perishable seed, but of imperishable,^(B) through the living and enduring word of God.^(C)

Confirming One’s Calling and Election

³ His divine power^(A) has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him^(B) who called us^(C) by his own glory and goodness. ⁴ Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises,^(D) so that through them you may participate in the divine nature,^(E) having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.^(F)