1 Let every soul submit itself to the higher powers. For there is no power but of God, and the powers that be are ordained of God.

2 Whosoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinance of God, and those that resist shall receive condemnation to themselves.

3 For the magistrates are not a terror unto those who do good, but to the [doer of] evil. Is thy desire therefore to not fear the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same;

4 for he is [a] minister of God for thy good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain, for he is [a] minister of God, a revenger to [execute] wrath upon him that does evil.

5 Therefore it is necessary that [ye] be subject, not only for punishment, but also for conscience sake.

6 For for this cause ye also pay [them] tribute, for they are God's ministers, attending continually to this very thing.

7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

8 Owe no one anything, but love one unto another; for he that loves [his] neighbour has fulfilled the law.

9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not murder, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet, and if [there is] any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

10 Charity works no evil to a neighbour; therefore, charity is the fulfillment of the law.

11 And this, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awaken ourselves out of sleep, for now [is] our saving health nearer than when we believed.

12 The night is past, and the day is come; let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us clothe ourselves [with] the weapons of light.

13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day, not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

14 But [be] clothed [with] the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not listen to the flesh, to [fulfil] its desires.: