²¹ As you know, long ago God instructed Moses to tell His people, “Do not murder;^[a] those who murder will be judged and punished.” ²² But here is the even harder truth: anyone who is angry with his brother will be judged for his anger. Anyone who taunts his friend, speaks contemptuously toward him, or calls him “Loser” or “Fool” or “Scum,” will have to answer to the high court. And anyone who calls his brother a fool may find himself in the fires of hell.

²³ Therefore, if you are bringing an offering to God and you remember that your brother is angry at you or holds a grudge against you, ²⁴ then leave your gift before the altar, go to your brother, repent and forgive one another, be reconciled, and then return to the altar to offer your gift to God.

²⁵ If someone sues you, settle things with him quickly. Talk to him as you are walking to court; otherwise, he may turn matters over to the judge, and the judge may turn you over to an officer, and you may land in jail. ²⁶ I tell you this: you will not emerge from prison until you have paid your last penny.

¹⁴ If you forgive people when they sin against you, then your Father will forgive you when you sin against Him and when you sin against your neighbor. ¹⁵ But if you do not forgive your neighbors’ sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.