⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your graciousness^[a] be known to everyone. The Lord is near.^{(A) 6} Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which surpasses^(B) all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.^(C)

⁸ Finally^[b] brothers and sisters, whatever is true,^(D) whatever is honorable,^(E) whatever is just,^(F) whatever is pure,^(G) whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable—if there is any moral excellence^(H) and if there is anything praiseworthy—dwell on these things. ⁹ Do what you have learned and received^(I) and heard from me, and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

² keeping our eyes on Jesus,^[a] the pioneer and perfecter^[b] of our faith. For the joy that lay before him,^[c] he endured the cross, despising the shame,^(A) and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Conclusion

⁶ Humble^(A) yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand^(B) of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, ⁷ casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.^{(C) 8} Be sober-minded,^(D) be alert.^(E) Your adversary the devil^(F) is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. ⁹ Resist him,^(G) firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world.