But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him.

So put away all filth and evil excess and humbly welcome the message implanted within you, which is able to save your souls.

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth.

You do not know about tomorrow. What is your life like? For you are a puff of smoke that appears for a short time and then vanishes.

Therefore, get your minds ready for action by being fully sober, and set your hope completely on the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

And if you address as Father the one who impartially judges according to each one’s work, live out the time of your temporary residence here in reverence.

Through him you now trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

For to this you were called, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in his steps.

Yet do it with courtesy and respect, keeping a good conscience, so that those who slander your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame when they accuse you.

Resist him, strong in your faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are enduring the same kinds of suffering.

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith excellence, to excellence, knowledge;

Therefore, brothers and sisters, make every effort to be sure of your calling and election. For by doing this you will never stumble into sin.

I want you to recall both the predictions foretold by the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles.

(Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has pronounced judgment against her on your behalf!)

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Isn’t there more to life than food and more to the body than clothing?

Jesus replied, “Do not touch me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father. Go to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

For I tell you, unless your righteousness goes beyond that of the experts in the law and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Look at the birds in the sky: They do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you more valuable than they are?

Do not give what is holy to dogs or throw your pearls before pigs; otherwise they will trample them under their feet and turn around and tear you to pieces.

Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.