Matthew 5:20-22
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Concerning Anger
21 “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’(A) 22 But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister,[a] you will be liable to judgment, and if you insult[b] a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council, and if you say, ‘You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell[c] of fire.(B)
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Matthew 5:20-22
Contemporary English Version
20 You must obey God's commands better than the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law obey them. If you don't, I promise you will never get into the kingdom of heaven.
Anger
21 (A) You know our ancestors were told, “Do not murder” and “A murderer must be brought to trial.” 22 But I promise you if you are angry with someone,[a] you will have to stand trial. If you call someone a fool, you will be taken to court. And if you say that someone is worthless, you will be in danger of the fires of hell.
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- 5.22 someone: In verses 22-24 the Greek text has “brother,” which may refer to people in general or to other followers.
Matthew 5:27-28
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Concerning Adultery
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’(A) 28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.(B)
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Matthew 5:27-28
Contemporary English Version
Marriage
27 (A) You know the commandment which says, “Be faithful in marriage.” 28 But I tell you if you look at another woman and want her, you are already unfaithful in your thoughts.
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Matthew 5:33-34
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
Concerning Oaths
33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’(A) 34 But I say to you: Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,(B)
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Matthew 5:33-34
Contemporary English Version
Promises
33 (A) You know our ancestors were told, “Don't use the Lord's name to make a promise unless you are going to keep it.” 34 (B) But I tell you not to swear by anything when you make a promise! Heaven is God's throne, so don't swear by heaven.
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Matthew 5:37
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
37 Let your word be ‘Yes, Yes’ or ‘No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.[a]
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- 5.37 Or evil
Matthew 5:37
Contemporary English Version
37 When you make a promise, say only “Yes” or “No.” Anything else comes from the devil.
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