1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is
no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the
ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to
themselves damnation.
3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil.
Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is
good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do
that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in
vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute
wrath upon him that doeth evil.
5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but
also for conscience sake.
6 For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's
ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is
due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom
honour.
8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that
loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill,
Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou
shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is
briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love
thy neighbour as thyself.
10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the
fulfilling of the law.
11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake
out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we
believed.
12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore
cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour
of light.
13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and
drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife
and envying.
14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision
for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
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