Matthew 5:31-48 ▼

31 "It was also said, 'If any man puts away his wife, let him give her a written notice of divorce.'

32 But I tell you that every man who puts away his wife except on the ground of unfaithfulness causes her to commit adultery, and whoever marries her when so divorced commits adultery.

33 "Again, you have heard that it was said to the ancients, 'Thou shalt not swear falsely, but shalt perform thy vows to the Lord.'

34 But I tell you not to swear at all; neither by Heaven, for it is God's throne;

35 nor by the earth, for it is the footstool under His feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the City of the Great King.

36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.

37 But let your language be, 'Yes, yes,' or 'No, no.' Anything in excess of this comes from the Evil one.

38 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.'

39 But I tell you not to resist a wicked man, but if any one strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well.

40 If any one wishes to go to law with you and to deprive you of your under garment, let him take your outer one also.

41 And whoever shall compel you to convey his goods one mile, go with him two.

42 To him who asks, give: from him who would borrow, turn not away.

43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbour and hate thine enemy.'

44 But I command you all, love your enemies, and pray for your persecutors;

45 that so you may become true sons of your Father in Heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the wicked as well as the good, and sends rain upon those who do right and those who do wrong.

46 For if you love only those who love you, what reward have you earned? Do not even the tax-gatherers do that?

47 And if you salute only your near relatives, what praise is due to you? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

48 You however are to be complete in goodness, as your Heavenly Father is complete.