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 

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 

Let them disappear ¹  like water that flows away! ²  Let them wither like grass! ³ 

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.

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

The one true God ¹  gives ²  me strength; ³  he removes ⁴  the obstacles in my way. ⁵ 

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

He drew ¹  his bow and made me ²  the target for his arrow.

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.

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 

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

The one true God ¹  is my mighty refuge; ²  he removes ³  the obstacles in my way. ⁴ 

The Lord shows his faithful followers the way they should live. ¹ 

He caused them to fall right in the middle of their camp, all around their homes.

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