¹⁹ Everyone has heard^(A) about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.^(B)

¹⁶ “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.^(A) Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.^(B)

²⁰ Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children.^(A) In regard to evil be infants,^(B) but in your thinking be adults.

Two Kinds of Wisdom

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it^(A) by their good life, by deeds^(B) done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition^(C) in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.^{(D) 15} Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven^(E) but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.^{(F) 16} For where you have envy and selfish ambition,^(G) there you find disorder and every evil practice.

¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven^(H) is first of all pure; then peace-loving,^(I) considerate, submissive, full of mercy^(J) and good fruit, impartial and sincere.^{(K) 18} Peacemakers^(L) who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.^(M)

¹⁵ so that you may become blameless^(A) and pure, “children of God^(B) without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^[a](C) Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky

Paul’s Longing to Visit Rome

⁸ First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you,^(A) because your faith is being reported all over the world.^(B)

⁹ And this is my prayer: that your love^(A) may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,^(B)

¹⁵ and how from infancy^(A) you have known the Holy Scriptures,^(B) which are able to make you wise^(C) for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed^(D) and is useful for teaching,^(E) rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,^{(F) 17} so that the servant of God^[a](G) may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.^(H)