A song of ascents, by David. Look! How good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together!

They will talk about the fame of your great kindness, and sing about your justice.

Because I give you good instruction, do not forsake my teaching.

It is dangerous to have zeal without knowledge, and the one who acts hastily makes poor choices.

But there will be delight for those who convict the guilty, and a pleasing blessing will come on them.

I have concluded that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they live,

I first decreed to Zion, ‘Look, here’s what will happen!’ I sent a herald to Jerusalem.

Your misdeeds have stopped these things from coming. Your sins have deprived you of my bounty.’

As to my case, I am in your power. Do to me what you deem fair and proper.

How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”

And we proclaim to you the good news about the promise to our ancestors,

For it seemed best to the Holy Spirit and to us not to place any greater burden on you than these necessary rules:

So, I find the law that when I want to do good, evil is present with me.

Now with regard to the issues you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.”

Because of the impending crisis I think it best for you to remain as you are.

for the one bringing forth in you both the desire and the effort – for the sake of his good pleasure – is God.

I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith!

Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.

And let us take thought of how to spur one another on to love and good works,

Did that which is good, then, become death to me? Absolutely not! But sin, so that it would be shown to be sin, produced death in me through what is good, so that through the commandment sin would become utterly sinful.