⁷ Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!^(A)

¹⁸ “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’

²³ How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people.

⁵ Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.^(A)

²⁶ Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is.^(A)

³⁷ But the man who has settled the matter in his own mind, who is under no compulsion but has control over his own will, and who has made up his mind not to marry the virgin—this man also does the right thing.

¹⁶ For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach.^(A) Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

⁴ Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses;

⁷ Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,^(A) not reluctantly or under compulsion,^(B) for God loves a cheerful giver.^(C)

¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight^(A) in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships,^(B) in persecutions,^(C) in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.^(D)