Do what the king says, and don't make any rash promises to God.

But the midwives were God-fearing and so did not obey the king; instead, they let the boys live.

Because the midwives were God-fearing, God was good to them and gave them families of their own. And the Israelites continued to increase and become strong.

(SEE 1:20)

If I pay attention to all your commands, then I will not be put to shame.

Israel is suffering oppression; she has lost land that was rightfully hers, because she insisted on going for help to those who had none to give.

So Jesus said, "Well, then, pay to the Emperor what belongs to the Emperor, and pay to God what belongs to God."

But Peter and John answered them, "You yourselves judge which is right in God's sight---to obey you or to obey God.

Peter and the other apostles answered, "We must obey God, not men.

For this reason you must obey the authorities---not just because of God's punishment, but also as a matter of conscience.

Pay, then, what you owe them; pay them your personal and property taxes, and show respect and honor for them all.

Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good?

But even if you should suffer for doing what is right, how happy you are! Do not be afraid of anyone, and do not worry.

The wise can see where they are going, and fools cannot." But I also know that the same fate is waiting for us all.

It is natural for the wise to do the right thing and for fools to do the wrong thing.

(SEE 12:23)

An intelligent person aims at wise action, but a fool starts off in many directions.

Hypocrites! You can look at the earth and the sky and predict the weather; why, then, don't you know the meaning of this present time?

"Why do you not judge for yourselves the right thing to do?

Whoever does not have the Spirit cannot receive the gifts that come from God's Spirit. Such a person really does not understand them, and they seem to be nonsense, because their value can be judged only on a spiritual basis.

Whoever has the Spirit, however, is able to judge the value of everything, but no one is able to judge him.

I pray that your love will keep on growing more and more, together with true knowledge and perfect judgment,

so that you will be able to choose what is best. Then you will be free from all impurity and blame on the Day of Christ.

For this reason we have always prayed for you, ever since we heard about you. We ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will, with all the wisdom and understanding that his Spirit gives.

Solid food, on the other hand, is for adults, who through practice are able to distinguish between good and evil.