⁶ Rather, you are filled with grief^(A) because I have said these things. ⁷ But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate^(B) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.^{(C) 8} When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: ⁹ about sin,^(D) because people do not believe in me; ¹⁰ about righteousness,^(E) because I am going to the Father,^(F) where you can see me no longer; ¹¹ and about judgment, because the prince of this world^(G) now stands condemned.

²⁰ For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.^(A)

⁴ Such confidence^(A) we have through Christ before God. ⁵ Not that we are competent in ourselves^(B) to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.^{(C) 6} He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant^(D)—not of the letter^(E) but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.^(F)

¹⁵ Instead, speaking the truth in love,^(A) we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head,^(B) that is, Christ.

¹⁹ speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.^(A) Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,

⁵ circumcised^(A) on the eighth day, of the people of Israel,^(B) of the tribe of Benjamin,^(C) a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;^(D)

³ Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?^[a]