Rules for Living Together

1 My child, remember day and night the one who teaches you God’s word, and honor him as you would the Lord, for wherever the Lord’s nature is spoken of, the Lord is present.⁠a 2 Seek the company of holy people every day so you may find comfort in their words. 3 Don’t seek division but reconcile those in conflict. Make fair judgments; don’t show favoritism when correcting wrongs. 4 Don’t be double-minded about whether something should be or not.⁠b 5 Don’t be someone who is eager to receive but reluctant to give.⁠c 6 Give a portion of what you’ve earned with your hands as a ransom for your sins.⁠d 7 Don’t hesitate to give, and don’t complain when you do, for you’ll know who rewards you well. 8 Don’t turn away those in need, but share everything with your family, and don’t claim it as your own. If you share in what is eternal, how much more should you share in what is perishable?⁠e 9 Don’t withhold correction from your son or daughter, but teach them to respect God from a young age.⁠f 10 Don’t treat your slaves harshly out of anger,⁠g especially if they believe in the same God, or they may stop fearing the God who oversees you both. God doesn’t show favoritism, but calls those prepared by the Spirit. 11 If you are a slave, obey your master as you would God’s representative, with respect and fear. 12 Hate all hypocrisy and everything displeasing to the Lord. 13 Don’t abandon God’s commandments, but keep what you’ve received, without adding to it or taking anything away.⁠h 14 Confess your sins in the congregation, and don’t pray with a guilty conscience.⁠i This is the way of life.