Through patience ¹  a ruler can be persuaded, ²  and a soft tongue ³  can break a bone. ⁴ 

“But ¹  if I speak, my pain is not relieved, ²  and if I refrain from speaking – how ³  much of it goes away?

Or do you have contempt for the wealth of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, and yet do not know ¹  that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?

God publicly displayed ¹  him ²  at his death ³  as the mercy seat ⁴  accessible through faith. ⁵  This was to demonstrate ⁶  his righteousness, because God in his forbearance had passed over the sins previously committed. ⁷ 

If you refrain from making a vow, it will not be sinful.

Or do only Barnabas and I lack the right not to work?

Masters, ¹  treat your slaves ²  the same way, ³  giving up the use of threats, ⁴  because you know that both you and they have the same master in heaven, ⁵  and there is no favoritism with him.

And the Lord’s slave ¹  must not engage in heated disputes ²  but be kind toward all, an apt teacher, patient,

Deliver those being taken away to death, and hold back those slipping to the slaughter. ¹ 

You must speak my words to them whether they listen or not, for they are rebellious.

with all humility and gentleness, ¹  with patience, bearing with ²  one another in love,

Let everyone see your gentleness. ¹  The Lord is near!

So when we could bear it no longer, we decided to stay on in Athens ¹  alone.

not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money.

They must not slander ¹  anyone, but be peaceable, gentle, showing complete courtesy to all people.

“There your fathers tested me and tried me, ¹  and they saw my works for forty years.

So the king of Israel assembled 400 prophets and asked them, “Should we attack Ramoth Gilead or not?” ¹  They said, “Attack! God ²  will hand it over to the king.”

Micaiah ¹  came before the king and the king asked him, “Micaiah, should we attack Ramoth Gilead or not?” He answered him, “Attack! You will succeed; they will be handed over to you.” ² 

You prolonged your kindness ¹  with them for many years, and you solemnly admonished them by your Spirit through your prophets. Still they paid no attention, ²  so you delivered them into the hands of the neighboring peoples. ³ 

I said, ¹  “Lord, you know how I suffer. ²  Take thought of me and care for me. Pay back for me those who have been persecuting me. Do not be so patient with them that you allow them to kill me. Be mindful of how I have put up with their insults for your sake.