But if you find that anyone here has your gods, he will be put to death. Here, with our men as witnesses, look for anything that belongs to you and take what is yours." Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen Laban's gods.

They brought them out of the tent, took them to Joshua and all the Israelites, and laid them down in the presence of the LORD.

Here I am. If I have done anything wrong, accuse me now in the presence of the LORD and the king he has chosen. Have I taken anybody's cow or anybody's donkey? Have I cheated or oppressed anyone? Have I accepted a bribe from anyone? If I have done any of these things, I will pay back what I have taken."

The people answered, "No, you have not cheated us or oppressed us; you have not taken anything from anyone."

But if he will not listen to you, take one or two other persons with you, so that 'every accusation may be upheld by the testimony of two or more witnesses,' as the scripture says.

If such matters come up, are you going to take them to be settled by people who have no standing in the church?

Shame on you! Surely there is at least one wise person in your fellowship who can settle a dispute between fellow Christians.

You are our witnesses, and so is God, that our conduct toward you who believe was pure, right, and without fault.

Keep on praying for us. We are sure we have a clear conscience, because we want to do the right thing at all times.

Your conduct among the heathen should be so good that when they accuse you of being evildoers, they will have to recognize your good deeds and so praise God on the Day of his coming.

but do it with gentleness and respect. Keep your conscience clear, so that when you are insulted, those who speak evil of your good conduct as followers of Christ will become ashamed of what they say.