⁵ Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also ^(A)for the sake of conscience.

¹⁹ For this is a gracious thing, when, ^(A)mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly.

¹⁶ So I always ^(A)take pains to have a ^(B)clear conscience toward both God and man.

² I say:^[a] Keep the king's command, because of ^(A)God's oath to him.^[b]

Be Ready for Every Good Work

3 Remind them ^(A)to be submissive to rulers and authorities, ^(B)to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, ^2 (C)to speak evil of no one, ^(D)to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and ^(E)to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

^16 (A)having a good conscience, so that, ^(B)when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

Submission to Authority

^13 (A)Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution,^[a] whether it be to the emperor^[b] as supreme, ¹⁴ or to governors as sent by him ^(B)to punish those who do evil and ^(C)to praise those who do good. ¹⁵ For this is the will of God, ^(D)that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

^18 (A)Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.

⁵ And afterward ^(A)David's heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul's robe. ⁶ He said to his men, ^(B)“The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord's anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is ^(C)the Lord's anointed.”