²¹ Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect,^(A) go, sell your possessions and give to the poor,^(B) and you will have treasure in heaven.^(C) Then come, follow me.”

God’s Wisdom Revealed by the Spirit

⁶ We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature,^(A) but not the wisdom of this age^(B) or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing.^(C)

Following Paul’s Example

¹⁵ All of us, then, who are mature^(A) should take such a view of things.^(B) And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.^(C)

²⁸ He is the one we proclaim, admonishing^(A) and teaching everyone with all wisdom,^(B) so that we may present everyone fully mature^(C) in Christ.

¹² Epaphras,^(A) who is one of you^(B) and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you,^(C) that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature^(D) and fully assured.

⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature^(A) and complete, not lacking anything.

² We all stumble^(A) in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say^(B) is perfect,^(C) able to keep their whole body in check.^(D)

The Covenant of Circumcision

17 When Abram was ninety-nine years old,^(A) the Lord appeared to him^(B) and said, “I am God Almighty^[a];^(C) walk before me faithfully and be blameless.^(D)