For this reason also, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a minister.

For I want you to know how greatly I strive for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not seen my face in the flesh,

that their hearts may be encouraged as they are knit together in love, to have all the riches of assured understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ himself,

and not holding fast to the head, from whom the whole body, nourished and held together by its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God.

"Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!"

Set your minds on the things above, not on things that are on earth.

Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old self with its practices

Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Fathers, do not provoke your children, or they will become discouraged.

Slaves, in everything obey those who are your masters according to the flesh, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,