17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.p 18 By his own choice, he gave us birth by the word of truth so that we would be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.q

HEARING AND DOING THE WORD

19 My dear brothers and sisters, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,r 20 for human anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness.