⁵ So put yourselves under the authority, not for fear of wrath, but because you have the knowledge of what is right.

² I say to you, Keep the king's law, from respect for the oath of God.

¹⁹ For it is a sign of grace if a man, desiring to do right in the eyes of God, undergoes pain as punishment for something which he has not done.

⁵ And David's men said to him, Now is the time when the Lord says to you, I will give up your hater into your hands to do with him whatever seems good to you. Then David, getting up, took the skirt of Saul's robe in his hand, cutting off the end of it without his knowledge.

⁶ And later, David was full of regret for cutting off Saul's skirt.

¹⁶ And in this, I do my best at all times to have no reason for shame before God or men.

¹ Make clear to them that they are to put themselves under rulers and authorities, to do what they are ordered, to be ready for every good work,

² To say no evil of any man, not to be fighters, to give way to others, to be gentle in behaviour to all men.

¹⁸ Make prayers for us, for we are certain that our hearts are free from the sense of sin, desiring the right way of life in all things.

¹³ Keep all the laws of men because of the Lord; those of the king, who is over all,

¹⁴ And those of the rulers who are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers and for the praise of those who do well.

¹⁵ Because it is God's pleasure that foolish and narrow-minded men may be put to shame by your good behaviour:

¹⁶ Being conscious that you have done no wrong; so that those who say evil things about your good way of life as Christians may be put to shame.