¹⁹ For ^(A)your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be ^(B)wise in what is good, and ^[a]simple concerning evil.

Persecutions Are Coming^(A)

^16 (B)“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. ^(C)Therefore be wise as serpents and ^(D)harmless^[a] as doves.

Tongues a Sign to Unbelievers

²⁰ Brethren, ^(A)do not be children in understanding; however, in malice ^(B)be babes, but in understanding be mature.

Heavenly Versus Demonic Wisdom

^13 (A)Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you have ^(B)bitter envy and ^[a]self-seeking in your hearts, ^(C)do not boast and lie against the truth. ^15 (D)This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. ¹⁶ For ^(E)where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. ¹⁷ But ^(F)the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, ^(G)without partiality ^(H)and without hypocrisy. ^18 (I)Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

¹⁵ that you may become blameless and ^[a]harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as ^(A)lights in the world,