Philippians 2:12-16

New International Version

Do Everything Without Grumbling

¹²Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,^(A) ¹³for it is God who works in you^(B) to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.^(C)

¹⁴Do everything without grumbling^(D) or arguing, ¹⁵so that you may become blameless^(E) and pure, “children of God^(F) without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^[a]^(G) Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ¹⁶as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ^(H) that I did not run^(I) or labor in vain.^(J)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

Philippians 2:15 Deut. 32:5

1 Peter 3:8-16

New International Version

Suffering for Doing Good

⁸Finally, all of you, be like-minded,^(A) be sympathetic, love one another,^(B) be compassionate and humble.^(C) ⁹Do not repay evil with evil^(D) or insult with insult.^(E) On the contrary, repay evil with blessing,^(F) because to this^(G) you were called^(H) so that you may inherit a blessing.^(I) ¹⁰For,

“Whoever would love life
    and see good days
must keep their tongue from evil
    and their lips from deceitful speech.
¹¹They must turn from evil and do good;
    they must seek peace and pursue it.
¹²For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous
    and his ears are attentive to their prayer,
but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”^[a]^(J)

¹³Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?^(K) ¹⁴But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed.^(L) “Do not fear their threats^[b]; do not be frightened.”^[c]^(M) ¹⁵But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer^(N) to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope^(O) that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, ¹⁶keeping a clear conscience,^(P) so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.^(Q)