Romans 13:3-8

New American Standard Bible 1995

³ For ^(A)rulers are not a cause of fear for ^[a]good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; ⁴ for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an ^(B)avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. ⁵ Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also ^(C)for conscience’ sake. ⁶ For because of this you also pay taxes, for rulers are servants of God, devoting themselves to this very thing. ^7 (D)Render to all what is due them: ^(E)tax to whom tax is due; ^(F)custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

⁸ Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for ^(G)he who loves ^[b]his neighbor has fulfilled the law.