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.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

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.