They ¹  sharpen their tongues like a sword; they aim their arrow, a slanderous charge, ² 

For you make them retreat ¹  when you shoot your arrows at them. ² 

So then whether we are alive ¹  or away, we make it our ambition to please him. ² 

But the aim of our instruction ¹  is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. ² 

No one in military service gets entangled in matters of everyday life; otherwise he will not please ¹  the one who recruited him.

So then, let us pursue what makes for peace and for building up one another.

So I do not run uncertainly or box like one who hits only air.

For we are concerned about what is right not only before the Lord but also before men. ¹ 

You, however, ¹  have followed my teaching, my ²  way of life, my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance,

But keep away from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love, and peace, in company with others ¹  who call on the Lord from a pure heart. ² 

With his hands ¹  he covers ²  the lightning, and directs it against its target.

All of its soldiers are strong and mighty. ¹  Their arrows will send you to your grave. ² 

Instead, pursue ¹  his ²  kingdom, ³  and these things will be given to you as well.

Finally, brothers and sisters, ¹  rejoice, set things right, be encouraged, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

They were unfaithful ¹  and acted as treacherously as ²  their ancestors; they were as unreliable as a malfunctioning bow. ³ 

So on that day I will set out to destroy all the nations ¹  that come against Jerusalem.”

But above all pursue his kingdom ¹  and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Pursue love and be eager for the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.

in hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the ages began. ¹ 

You men, ¹  how long will you try to turn my honor into shame? ²  How long ³  will you love what is worthless ⁴  and search for what is deceptive? ⁵  (Selah)