Keep your conscience clear, so that even if people say bad things about you as believers in Christ, they’ll be ashamed when the way you live proves them wrong.
People who don’t believe might accuse you of doing wrong. But lead such good lives among them that they’ll see your good deeds and give glory to God on the day Jesus returns.
But when they opposed Paul and treated him badly, he shook out his clothes in protest. He told them, “God’s judgment against you will be your own fault! Don’t blame me for it! From now on, I will go to the Gentiles.”
But these people say insulting things about whatever they don’t understand. And the only things they do understand will destroy them. They’re like wild animals who can’t think for themselves and live only by instinct.
But these people say insulting things even when they don’t know what they’re talking about. They’re like wild animals that can’t think and just live by instinct, that are born only to be caught and destroyed. These people will die like animals too.
Let’s act properly, like people living in the daytime. Don’t go to wild parties and don’t get drunk. Don’t do anything immoral or indecent. Don’t get into fights or be jealous of anyone.
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees! You hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but the inside is full of greed and selfishness.