Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,

he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,”

says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.

It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.